Section R501-12-6 - Physical Aspects of Home(1) The provider shall ensure the following regarding the foster home environment: (a) indoor and outdoor areas of the home are maintained to ensure a safe physical environment;(b) the home is free from health and fire hazards;(c) the home has a working smoke detector and a working carbon monoxide detector on each separated level and at least one of each shall be in close proximity to sleeping areas;(d) the home has at least one fire extinguisher meeting the rating requirements of 2A:10BC, that is fully charged and readily accessible to the main living area;(e) the home has at least one toilet, sink and tub or shower; and(f) each bathroom has a lock sufficient to preserve the privacy of the occupant.(2) The provider shall ensure bedroom spaces comply with the following: (a) children of the opposite genders do not share a bedroom unless;(i) each child sharing the room is under two years of age;(ii) the DHHS client record identifies gender-specific rationale; or(iii) there is written caseworker approval for the bedroom assignment;(b) the foster parent's bedroom is only shared with a foster child under the age of two years and the foster parent may not bed-share with a foster child;(c) the foster parent's bedroom is not considered in calculating the allowable bedroom space for a foster child;(d) a foster child may not share a bedroom with other adults in the home;(e) a foster child has an individual bed or crib, mattress, and linens that meet the child's needs;(f) weighted blankets are only used for foster children if therapeutically recommended in writing or approved in writing by the child's caseworker;(g) there is a minimum of 40 square feet per child, excluding adjoining bathrooms and storage space;(h) no more than four children are housed in a single bedroom that houses at least one foster child;(i) a bedroom used for a foster child is comparable to other similarly utilized bedrooms in the home, including access, location, space, finishings, and furnishings;(j) a bedroom used by a foster child on the ground floor shall have a minimum of one screened window that opens that may be used to evacuate the room in case of fire;(k) a bedroom used by a foster child that is not on the ground floor shall have a source of natural light and a minimum of two exits, at least one of which shall exit directly to outside the home that may be used to evacuate the room in case of fire; and(l) closet or dresser space is provided within the bedroom for the foster child's personal possessions and for a reasonable degree of privacy.(3) The provider shall ensure: (a) there is space or access to common areas for recreational activities;(b) there is adequate lighting, ventilation and the home is maintained at a reasonable temperature when occupied by a foster child in consideration of the age and needs of the foster child and other residents;(c) there is a properly operating kitchen with working refrigerator, cooking appliances, adequate supply of safe drinking water and functional indoor plumbing;(d) hazards on the property are abated and mitigated through the use of protective hardware, fences, banisters, railings, grates, natural barriers, or other licensor approved methods to include: (i) fall hazards of 3 feet or greater including steep grades, cliffs, open pits, window wells, stairwells, elevated porches, retaining walls;(ii) drowning hazards including swimming pools, hot tubs, water features, ponds or streams;(iii) burn hazards including fireplaces, candles, radiators, water temperature;(iv) unstable heavy items to include televisions, bookshelves; and(v) high voltage boosters, or dangerous traffic conditions;(e) home and its contents are maintained in a clean and safe condition and food, clothing, supplies, furniture, and equipment are of sufficient quantity, variety, and quality to meet the foster child's needs;(f) the home is free from rodent and insect infestation;(g) there are at least two exits adequately sized for emergency personnel on each accessible floor of the home and multiple-level homes have a functional, automatic fire suppression system, or an escape ladder, stairway, or other exterior egress to ground level accessible from each of the upper levels;(h) the foster parent has and uses child safety devices appropriate to the needs of the foster child, including safety gates, and electrical outlet covers;(i) the home address is clearly visible and location is accessible;(j) the water and sewage disposal system, other than a public system, is approved by the appropriate authorities;(k) there is trash and recycling disposal;(l) any swimming pool is secured to prevent unsupervised access and complies with applicable community ordinances; and(m) any hot tub and spa has a locked cover.Utah Admin. Code R501-12-6
Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2014-24, effective 11/17/2014Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2015-22, effective 10/23/2015Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2018-6, effective 2/23/2018Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2018-14, effective 7/1/2018Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2020-09, effective 5/11/2020Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2020-11, effective 5/11/2020Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2023-04, effective 2/1/2023Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2023-12, effective 5/31/2023