1. (a) Informal arrangements. The foster parent may make informal care arrangements with friends, neighbors, or relatives for occasional child care for no more than seven-consecutive calendar days.
2. (1) The foster parent:
3. (A) ensures informal care providers are able to meet the needs of the child in foster care;
4. (B) secures prior authorization for informal care from the foster home agency (agency). Prior authorization may apply when using an informal provider for multiple events;
5. (C) does not use a child in foster care to care for a younger child unless approved by the agency;
6. (D) provides the informal provider foster parent and other emergency contact information; and
7. (E) uses reasonable and prudent parent standards when selecting an informal caregiver.
8. (2) The informal provider who is living:
9. (A) outside of the foster home must be at least 18 years of age; or
10. (B) in the foster home must be a foster parent's relative at least 16 years of age.
11. (3) An informal provider must provide a safe and constructive environment.
12. (b) Alternate care. An individual providing care for more than seven-consecutive days must be approved as alternate care. Alternate care is used for temporary care only, not for permanent placement. The foster family and agency are encouraged to develop a relationship with another family as an alternate provider who can provide care for the child in foster care in case of emergencies, vacations, or as needed.
13. (1) The agency must approve the alternate care and obtain documentation the alternate provider:
14. (A) is at least 21 years of age;
15. (B) obtained a criminal history records search within the last 12 months conducted by:
16. (i) the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) that includes a search of Oklahoma Department of Corrections files maintained by OSBI, per the Sex Offenders Registration Act for each household member, 18 years of age or older; and
17. (ii) the authorized agency in the previous state of residence when the person resided in Oklahoma less than five years; and
18. (C) meets the foster home requirements, per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340:110-5-60(e) and (f);
19. (D) completed an Oklahoma Human Services-provided physical environment safety checklist;
20. (E) received agency-provided professional development regarding:
21. (i) confidentiality;
22. (ii) mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting;
23. (iii) grievance process; and
24. (iv) fire and disaster plans; and
25. (F) provided one reference; and
26. (G) complies with discipline and behavior management requirements, per OAC 340:110-5-62.
27. (2) When arranging care, the foster parent or agency ensures requirements, per (a)(1) of this Section, are met.
28. (3) Child records are maintained by the alternate care provider for 12 months after providing care. Records at least, include:
29. (A) the child's name and date of birth;
30. (B) foster parents' and agency personnel's names, addresses, and phone numbers;
31. (C) medical information, such as current medications or known allergies; and
32. (D) medical treatment authorization.

Added at 23 Ok Reg 1092, eff 6-1-06

Amended at 26 Ok Reg 415, eff 11-20-08 (emergency)

Amended at 26 Ok Reg 2239, eff 7-1-09

Amended at 36 Ok Reg 181, eff 12-17-18 (emergency)

Amended at 36 Ok Reg 1892, eff 9-16-19

Amended at 42 Ok Reg, Number 20, effective 11-1-25

Amended at 42 Ok Reg, Number 20, effective 11-1-25