PURPOSE: This rule explains who can qualify to be a foster parent. It gives the health 13 CSR 40-60

requirements, standards of living and marital status required.

1. (1) Age of Foster Parent(s). Applicant(s) shall not receive a license when both are younger than twenty-one (21).
2. (2) Personal Qualifications Required of Foster Parent(s). Foster parent(s) shall be responsible, mature individuals of reputable character who exercise sound judgment, display the capacity to provide good care for children and display the motivation to foster.

3. (3) Health of Foster Family.

   1. (A) At the time of application for an initial license, foster parents shall authorize their physician to submit a statement on a prescribed form, regarding his/her opinion of the mental health of each foster family member and certifying that a physical examination was completed within the past year and that the foster family members were free from communicable disease. A TB test and/or chest X-ray shall be completed, if recommended by the physician.
   2. (B) Foster parents and all foster family members must be determined by a physician to be in good physical and mental health. The licensing agency shall review the examination reports.
   3. (C) After initial licensure, if the licensing agency has reason to question the physical or mental health of any member of the foster family, the agency shall require a new mental or physical examination.
4. (4) Foster Parent Training—Preservice Training. Completion of at least twelve (12) hours per year of agency training is required of each adult individual prior to licensure.

5. (5) Parenting Skills Information Elicited in the Homestudy.

   1. (A) Foster parent structures environment so that it is safe and healthy for the child.
   2. (B) Foster parent expresses positive feelings toward the child verbally and physically.
   3. (C) Foster parent recognizes and responds appropriately to the child’s verbal and physical expressions of needs and wants.
   4. (D) Foster parent consistently uses basic behavior management techniques in dealing with the child.
   5. (E) Foster parent consistently uses appropriate techniques to discipline the child and refrains from corporal punishment.
   6. (F) Foster parent guides the child toward increasing independence.
   7. (G) Foster parent behaves in a way that recognizes the immaturity of the child. AUTHORITY: sections 210.221 and 210.486, RSMo 1986.* Original rule filed May 10, 1978, effective Sept. 11, 1978. Amended: Filed Dec. 14, 1982, effective March 11, 1983. Amended: Filed June 28, 1983, effective Nov. 11, 1983. Emergency amendment filed Dec. 19, 1984, effective Dec. 29, 1984, expired April 19, 1985. Amended: Filed Dec. 19, 1984, effective April 11, 1985. Amended: Filed June 2, 1988, effective Aug. 25, 1988.

Original authority: 210.221, RSMo 1949, amended 1955, 1987 and 210.486, RSMo 1982.