6005.1 A resource parent shall not accept a child for foster care services from any child-placing agency or person other than CFSA or the agency.

6005.2 Except as provided by §§ 6005.3 or 6005.4, the total number of children in a foster home, including the foster child:

1. (a) May not exceed six (6) children;
2. (b) May not exceed two (2) children under two (2) years of age;
3. (c) May not exceed three (3) children under six (6) years of age; and
4. (d) May not exceed three (3) foster children.

6005.3 The total number of children in a foster home may not exceed two (2) children if any child in the foster home is:

1. (a) Chronically medically fragile;
2. (b) Totally dependent on a caregiver for at least three (3) activities of daily living;
3. (c) Chronically wheelchair bound; or
4. (d) Diagnosed as having significant mental health or behavioral needs.

6005.4 CFSA may approve exceptions to the placement limits set forth in §§ 6005.2 or 6005.3 Exceptions shall be:

1. (a) Made prior to the foster child's placement;
2. (b) For an exception to § 6005.2, limited to siblings and when there are no other children in the home; and
3. (c) For an exception to § 6005.3, limited to one (1) additional foster child per home.

6005.5 A foster home shall have adequate space for all household members including the resource parent's own children and the foster child without disrupting the sleeping and living arrangements of the household members who resided in the foster home prior to the foster child's placement.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 48 DCR 6617 (July 27, 2001); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 71 DCR 002859 (March 15, 2024).