1. The child-placing agency shall adopt a written program description, which includes the following:

a. A description of the services provided by the child-placing agency, clearly stating which services are provided directly by the child-placing agency and which services are to be provided in collaboration with a human service zone, the division of juvenile services, tribal entities, community resources such as schools, and other appropriate agencies;

b. A description of how the child-placing agency engages in wraparound philosophies, and how collaboration efforts occur;

c. A description of how the child-placing agency participates in preparing a child in foster care to transition to adulthood, if applicable;

d. Characteristics and eligibility requirements of a child served by the child-placing agency may not exceed the requirements for children working with a human service zone, tribe, division of juvenile services, or the department;

e. A list of information that is required to be submitted with the referral;

1. f. Foster care providers must be licensed in accordance with North Dakota Century Code chapter 50-11 and chapter 75-03-14; and
2. g. Acknowledgment that final decisions regarding a child referred to the child-placing agency rest with the custodian pursuant to the authority and responsibility conferred on the custodian under North Dakota Century Code chapter 27-20.3.2. The child-placing agency shall have a written admission policy. The written policy must include:- a. A screening of referrals, including a method of determining the appropriateness of each referral, including the age, gender, and characteristics of a child eligible for placement;
3. b. Verification that a child referred to the child-placing agency and accepted for services meets the criteria for admission and placement into a family setting;
4. c. Requirements specific to a child in foster care as defined by the department;
5. d. A requirement that the child-placing agency accept a child for placement who meets eligibility criteria;
6. e. A process for assisting the applicant or referral source, or both, in obtaining services from other agencies when the child-placing agency's services are not appropriate to the applicant's or referral source's needs; and
7. f. A requirement that the child-placing agency discuss with the child and the child's parent, guardian, or custodian, the appropriateness of the child-placing agency's services in meeting the child's needs, including client rights.3. The child-placing agency shall have a written discharge policy, including the development of a discharge plan. The written policy and plan must include:- a. Names of individuals involved in discharge planning;
8. b. The date of admission;
9. c. The date of discharge;
10. d. Details of the events and circumstances leading to the decision to discharge;
11. e. The names and address of the individual or agency to whom the child is discharged;
12. f. A summary of services provided during placement;
13. g. A summary of goal achievement;
14. h. A summary of the child's continuing needs;
15. i. Appointments scheduled;
16. j. A list of medication prescribed; and
17. k. A summary of efforts made by the child-placing agency to prepare the child for discharge.4. A licensed child-placing agency shall work with the department to set the child-placing agency's foster care fee for service rate, inclusive of clothing and personal incidentals.

History: Effective April 1, 2010; amended effective April 1, 2024.

General Authority: NDCC 50-12-05

Law Implemented: NDCC 50-12-05, 50-12-07