Okla. Admin. Code § 377:10-7-3.3

Current through Vol. 42, No. 8, January 2, 2025

Section 377:10-7-3.3 - Foster home physical requirements

(a)General requirements. The foster home shall:

(1) be clean, safe, and in good repair;

(2) have the exterior around the home free from objects, materials, and conditions that constitute a danger to the juveniles served;

(3) have access to, or be able to provide transportation to, school, church, recreational and health facilities, and other community resources, as needed; and

(4) be in compliance with all applicable fire, health, and safety laws, ordinances, and regulations.

(b)Safety requirements.

(1) Clear glass doors are plainly marked to avoid accidental impact.

(2) All weapons and firearms are prohibited, except as provided in 70 O.S., § 3311.

(3) All controlled, prescribed, and alcoholic substances shall be secured in a locked cabinet.

(4) All dangerous, flammable, and poisonous substances shall be secured in a locked cabinet.

(5) Smoking is prohibited inside the home and when transporting juveniles.

(6) Stairways over four steps, inside and outside, have railings.

(c)Fire safety requirements.

(1) A fire extinguisher rated for Class ABC fires is installed in the kitchen area.

(2) The foster home is equipped with at least one operable smoke detector in the vicinity of the sleeping areas, or as required by OJA.

(3) Each floor used as living space has at least two means of escape, at least one of which is a door leading to an unobstructed path to the outside. The second means of escape may be an unobstructed, operable window with minimum dimensions of 20" X 24".

(4) All heating and air conditioning equipment is installed in accordance with state and local mechanical codes and manufacturer's instructions.

(d)Health requirements.

(1) Water supply, sewage disposal, and solid waste disposal meet local city ordinances and Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality regulations.

(2) Rooms used by juveniles are well ventilated and well lit.

(3) Windows and doors used for ventilation are screened.

(4) The foster parent shall not expose the juvenile to environmental tobacco smoke, also known as passive or secondhand smoke.

(5) Measures are taken by the foster parents to keep the house and grounds free of rodents, insects, and stray animals.

(6) At least one operable sink, one operable toilet, and one operable tub or shower are available in the home.

(7) Each juvenile is provided with individual combs, toothbrushes, wash cloths, towels, and eating and drinking utensils.

(8) Linens are changed when needed.

(9) Animals or household pets are permitted, provided there is proof of annual rabies vaccinations for each animal. Pets or animals in the foster home, indoors or outdoors, are in good health, show no evidence of carrying disease, are friendly toward juveniles, and present no threat to the health, safety, and well-being of juveniles.

(10) OJA requires the foster family to comply with the Oklahoma State Department of Health recommendations regarding tuberculin skin testing when there is a local identified tuberculin exposure.

(e)Sleeping arrangements. A separate bed is provided for each child or juvenile.

(1) No more than two children or juveniles may share a sleeping room, except as approved by OJA.

(2) Separate sleeping rooms are provided for children older than four years who are of a different sex.

(3) Juveniles in foster care do not share a sleeping surface with adults in the household.

(f)Emergency plans. The foster home complies with the requirements pertaining to emergency plans contained in this subsection.

(1) The foster home has a planned source of medical care available, such as a hospital emergency room, clinic, or health professional known to the foster family.

(2) The home has a telephone, and emergency numbers are posted for the health professional or clinic, fire department, police department, ambulance service, and substitute caregiver.

(3) The foster parent has an emergency evacuation plan in the event of fires, tornadoes, floods, and other emergencies.

(4) First aid procedures and supplies are readily available.

(5) The foster parent ensures that each child and juvenile, as appropriate to age and developmental level, knows how to evacuate from the home in the event of a fire. The foster parent conducts periodic evacuation drills.

Okla. Admin. Code § 377:10-7-3.3

Adopted by Oklahoma Register, Volume 31, Issue 24, September 2, 2014, eff. 9/12/2014