PURPOSE: This rule tells the ages and number of children to be kept in a foster home. It also lists the exceptions.

1. (1) The maximum number of children in a foster home shall not exceed six (6) including any of the foster parents’ own children. A child counts as any individual under age eighteen (18), with the following exceptions:

   1. (A) Foster children sibling groups; and
   2. (B) Minor mother and child family groups.
2. (2) Foster parent(s) shall not provide care for more than two (2) children under age two (2) and no more than four (4) children under the age of five (5) unless necessary to accommodate a sibling group on a temporary basis.
3. (3) Any foster home exceeding the regulated total numbers at the time these regulations are adopted shall continue to qualify for license if all other requirements are met. Additional foster children shall not be placed in these homes until such time as they can comply to this rule.
4. (4) Foster parents shall notify the division of all contracts for the care of children held at the time of application for an initial license or gained after licensure.
5. (5) If a licensed foster parent is dually licensed as a child care provider, no foster child under the age of seven (7) may be placed in that home unless necessary to accommodate a sibling group on a temporary basis. The number of foster children shall not cause the dually licensed provider to exceed child care licensed capacity.

AUTHORITY: sections 207.020 and 210.506, RSMo 2000.* Original rule filed July 18, 2006. *Original authority: 207.020, RSMo 1945, amended 1961, 1965, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1993 and 210.506, RSMo 1982, amended 1993, 1995.