PURPOSE: This rule addresses the definition, approual and payment of adoptive homes that receive placement of the child they intend to adopt prior to custody being ordered by the juuenile court. (1) Foster/adoptive care is defined as care of a specific child by an adoptive family approved by the Division of Family Services for whom there has been filed a petition to adopt. (2) Thefoster/adoptivehome shallbelicensed by the Division of Family Services for a period of not more than nine (9) months. The license may be extended until custody of the child to be adopted has been transferred to the foster/ adoptive family or the child is moved from the home, whichever oceur~ first. (3) Requirements for licensing as a foster/ adoptive home are as follows:

1. (A) Approval as an adoptive family by the Division of Family Services; and
2. (B) The placement or planned placement of the child to be adopted in the foster/adoptive home.
3. (4) The Division of Family Services may expend general revenue for the cost of care in foster/adoptive homes for children in the care and custody of the Division of Family Services or in the care and custody of the juvenile court as specified in section 210.292, RSMo (1986).
4. (5) A contract or cooperative agreement, approved and signed by the director of the Division of Family Services, shall be signed by the foster/adoptive parents prior to reimbursement of expenses or maintenance payment.
5. (6) The division will reimburse for maintenance based upon the maximum rates established by the division for foster care for homeless, dependent and neglected children minus other sources of income.

6. (7) Forreimbursementofcare beyondtherates specified in section (6), prior authorization from the division is required. Auth: section 207.020, RSMo (1986). Original rule filed Dec. 14,1987, effective March 25,19X8.

   Ray 0. Blunt CODE OF STATE REGUIATIONS 3 (11188) SaerDtary Of sat0