DISCUSSION:

In response to the Continuous Quality Improvement process, a revision has been made to the Foster/Adopt Home Assessment Application, CS-42, and to policy regarding personal references.

Current policy requires requesting three (3) personal references for foster/adopt applicants from individuals unrelated to the applicant. Policy has been revised for licensing of relative and kinship homes to also require 3 personal references. Previous policy required five references. The CS-42 has been revised to indicate three (3) unrelated personal references and a space has been added to include an e-mail address.

A new directive pertaining to any adult children no longer living in the home has been added to policy. If names of adult children no longer living in the home were submitted by the applicant in Section II on the CS-42, the worker may mail each one a Personal Reference Questionnaire, CS-101f, to provide an opportunity for them to comment.

Submission of references by unrelated individuals, the applicant’s employer, the teachers of the family’s own children, and any adult child no longer in the home are helpful tools in evaluating the applicant’s ability to be a successful resource parent for the Division. Failure to receive completed references does not prevent licensure.

However, before making the final recommendation, there should be discussion with the applicant regarding lack of submitted references. The lack of returned references should be considered in making the final recommendation for licensure.

Staff are to begin using the updated CS-42 upon the date of this memorandum.