Children are responsibly supervised at all times while in placement. The Child Protective Services standards regarding the supervision of children are not applicable to children in placement. As foster parents, your parental responsibilities require a higher standard of conduct than that of the birth family from whom the child has been removed. This is the primary basis for the pre-service and Continued Parent Development training for foster families. A well-trained foster parent, in actuality, is a “professional parent.” Supervision is provided or arranged by the foster parent based on each child’s age, condition and individual needs. When the foster parent is away from the home due to employment, training, or personal situations, a plan for the provision of substitute care by a competent and reliable person is put into place. In addition, foster parents must assure that any substitute caregiver is able to manage the parenting needs of the child left in their care. Any substitute caretaker must be made aware of and agree to follow agency guidelines regarding supervision, discipline and the safety needs of children in placement. Generally speaking, reliable youth may be left under their own supervision under certain circumstances for reasonable periods of time so as not to jeopardize their safety and wellbeing. At this stage in their lives, many youth in care are engaged in activities and processes that lead to their emancipation. Among these are experiences that foster independence and self-control. Situations requiring youth to be home alone after school hours or during the foster parent's business or personal appointments are acceptable within the limitations indicated. Primary factors to consider in determining if a teen in care should be left alone are age and level of maturity. Other factors include the following:

♦ Judgment and level of maturity, development or mental capacity. 

♦ Demonstration of dependability, responsibility and trustworthiness.

♦ History of emotional/psychological stability. 

♦ History of run-aways and other status offenses. 

♦ History of alcohol and substance abuse. 

♦ The number of youth in the home involved and their relationship with each other. 

♦ Safety of the home environment (firearm safety, water safety, etc.) 

♦ Youth’s ability to easily access the foster parent or other reliable adult.

Foster parents are required to consult with Case Managers as well as employ their own best judgment in determining whether a particular youth may be left in the home unsupervised.

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