1. A. The Department of Human Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice and child-placing agencies shall each establish grievance procedures for foster parents with whom such state agencies or child-placing agencies contract.

2. B. The procedures for foster parents established by each state agency and child-placing agency shall contain the following minimum requirements:

   1. 1. Resolution of disputes with foster parents shall be accomplished quickly, informally and at the lowest possible level, but shall provide for access to impartial arbitration by management level personnel within the central office; and
   2. 2. Prompt resolution of grievances within established time frames.
3. C. Each state agency and child-placing agency shall designate an employee to receive and process foster care grievances.
4. D. Each state agency and child-placing agency shall maintain records of each grievance filed as well as summary information about the number, nature and outcome of all grievances filed. Agencies shall keep records of grievances separate and apart from other foster parent files. A foster parent or a former foster parent shall have a right of access to the grievance record of grievances such person filed after the grievance procedure has been completed.

5. E.

   1. 1. Each foster parent shall have the right, without fear of reprisal or discrimination, to present grievances with respect to the providing of foster care services.

   2. 2. Each state agency shall promptly initiate a plan of corrective discipline including, but not limited to, dismissal of any agency employee or cancellation or nonrenewal of the contract of a child-placing agency determined by the state agency, through an investigation to have retaliated or discriminated against a foster parent who has:

      1. a. filed a grievance pursuant to the provisions of this section,
      2. b. provided information to any official or Department employee, or
      3. c. testified, assisted, or otherwise participated in an investigation, proceeding or hearing against the Department or the child-placing agency.
   3. 3. The provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to include any complaint by the foster parent resulting from an administrative, civil or criminal action taken by the employee or child-placing agency for violations of law or rules, or contract provisions by the foster parent.

Laws 1996, HB 2960, c. 353, § 13, eff. November 1, 1996; Amended by Laws 1997, HB 2133, c. 389, § 17, eff. November 1, 1997 (superseded document available); Amended by Laws 1999, HB 1280, c. 396. § 14, emerg. eff. June 10, 1999 (superseded document available).