Ariz. Admin. Code § 21-6-311

Current through Register Vol. 31, No. 2, January 10, 2025

Section R21-6-311 - Bedrooms, Beds, and Bedding

A. The placement of a foster child shall not displace another foster child or a household member from a bedroom to a space unrelated to sleeping.

B. A foster parent shall provide a foster child with a bedroom that accommodates the privacy and safety needs of the child and that is a finished room demonstrated by:

1. Floor-to-ceiling walls,

2. A door with a working doorknob or latch,

3. Lighting,

4. Ventilation,

5. Appropriate heating and cooling, and

6. A window or door that opens directly to the outdoors and is accessible for emergency evacuation.

C. A foster parent shall not use a space used as a closet, passageway, or primarily for purposes unrelated to sleeping as a bedroom for a foster child.

D. The bedroom for a foster child shall be large enough to accommodate a bed, furniture to store and display personal belongings, and space for the child to dress and move about.

E. A foster parent shall provide each foster child with a bed that is safe and appropriate based on the child's age and special needs. For the purpose of this Section, "bed" does not include sleeper sofas, rollaway beds, couches, cots, portable crib such as Pack 'n Play, sleeping bags, or mats, unless approved by OLR on a temporary basis not to exceed six days.

1. A foster parent shall ensure that:

a. Each foster child is provided with a separate bed or crib, as appropriate;

b. A foster child less than the age of three years does not sleep on a waterbed; and

c. A foster child does not sleep on the top tier of a bunk bed or similar style bed in which the top of the mattress is elevated four or more feet above the floor, if the child:

i. Is less than the age of six years,

ii. Has a disability that limits mobility, or

iii. Has a seizure disorder.

2. A foster parent may:

a. Provide a foster child with a used mattress if the mattress is sanitary; and

b. Allow a foster child not identified by subsection (E)(1)(c) to sleep in a bunk bed or similar style bed in which the top of the mattress is elevated four or more feet above the floor, if:

i. The top bunk is securely fastened to the side frames;

ii. The top bunk has guard-rails that extend at least five inches above the mattress surface to prevent a child from rolling off;

iii. The top bunk has cross ties or other secure structures under the mattress foundation to prevent the mattress from falling through the frame;

iv. The distance between the two beds or between the top bunk and the ceiling is sufficient to allow the child to sit upright while in bed; and

v. The bunk bed does not exceed two tiers.

F. A foster parent providing respite care for a foster child may use a sleeper sofa, rollaway bed, couch, cot, portable crib such as a Pack 'n Play, sleeping bag, or mat as an acceptable sleeping accommodation provided that:

1. The respite care does not exceed 14 consecutive days, and

2. The accommodation does not compromise the health or safety of the child.

G. Except as provided in subsection (H), bedding for a foster child shall be clean and shall include:

1. A pillow;

2. Bottom or fitted sheet;

3. A top sheet, blanket, or cover, as appropriate; and

4. A waterproof mattress cover, as needed.

H. Bedding for infants shall be clean and shall not include pillows, blankets, bumper pads, or other soft items or surfaces.

Ariz. Admin. Code § R21-6-311

New section made by exempt rulemaking at 21 A.A.R. 3479, effective 1/24/2016.