Section 148-16 and 15-15-1 - DefinitionsAs used in these rules, the following definitions shall apply:
A. "Specialized children's foster home" shall mean a children's licensed home that is a private dwelling where substitute parental care is provided within a family on a regular, 24 hour a day residential basis to children under 18 years of age. "Specialized care" is provided to no more than 2 moderately to severely handicapped children by a caretaker who is specifically educated and trained to provide for the particular needs of each child placed. The total number of children in a specialized children's home may not exceed 4, including the caretaker's legal children under 16 years of age, with no more than 2 children under the age of 2. In order to keep siblings together, this definition shall not prohibit the placement of more than the allowed number. This placement of a sibling group which would exceed four children permitted by law, is applicable when either a sibling is already placed in the home or at least one licensed slot is vacant and adequate space is available in the foster home. Indian tribes have the authority to license or approve Indian foster families located on the reservation according to their own rules and regulations.B. "Foster parent" shall mean a person maintaining a specialized children's foster home for moderately to severely handicapped children.C. "Moderately to Severely Handicapped Child" shall mean a child with a physical, emotional, mental or behavioral condition that requires: (1) diagnosis of the foster child by a qualified professional as having a physical, emotional, mental or behavioral condition which is moderately or severely different from the norms for his or her age group and developmental stage;(2) participation by the foster parents in a treatment plan for the child;(3) significantly more monitoring or supervision of the foster child than would be required for a child at his or her age group and normal level of development;(4) that the child be given assistance in self care and behavioral management needs which would normally be met by the foster child at his or her age group and normal level of development;(5) that the foster parents have specialized knowledge and training; and(6) involvement by a physician, mental health professional or in a special education program.D. "Paid Staff" shall mean any person other than the foster parent(s) who has responsibility for the care of the foster child(ren) for twenty-four hours or more who is an employee of the child placing agency having responsibility for the foster child(ren) in the foster home.E. "Respite Personnel" shall mean any person other than the foster parent who has responsibility for the care of the foster child(ren) for twenty-four hours or more.10-148 C.M.R. ch. 16 and 15, § 15-1