Office and Division: Office of Children, Youth and Families, Division of Child Welfare and Office of Performance and Strategic Outcomes, Administrative Review Division

Number: OM-CW-2017-0006

Program Area: Child Welfare

Issue Date: April 5, 2017

Title: Rule Clarification for County Foster Home Certification Requirements

Office Director: Robert Werthwein and Melissa Wavelet

Memo Type: Operation

Division Director: Ann Rosales and Marc Mackert

Pertinent State/Federal Statute and/or State/Federal Rule:  Section 471 [42 U.S.C. 671] (a) (22)  Section 475 [42 U.S.C. 675] (5) (6)  45 C.F.R. 1355.34 (c) (3)  45 C.F.R. 1357.15 (u)  Section 26-6-103, C.R.S.  Section 26-6-107, C.R.S.  Section 7.500 (12 CCR 2509-6)  Section 7.708 (12 CCR 2509-8)

Expiry Date: April 5, 2020

Outcome: To interpret and provide further guidance to promulgated regulations in regards to Foster Home Certification requirements

Effective Date: April 5, 2017

Key Words: Certification, foster care home, recertification, review instrument Intended Recipients: This communication has been sent to all county human or social service directors. Please forward pertinent information on to staff members including administrators, supervisors, foster care/resource caseworkers, and other stakeholders as you deem necessary. Purpose: This Operation memo was developed to clarify and instruct county departments of human/social services (county departments) about interpretation of requirements for foster home certification. Action: County departments shall follow the program instructions detailed in this memo. Background: Colorado statute and Code of Colorado Regulations (CCR), Volume 7 rules require county departments to follow specific processes when certifying foster care homes. This joint operation memo was developed in response to stakeholder feedback requesting clarification. The information below contains the specific reference in statute or rule, expectations of practice, and reference to the Administrative Review Division’s (ARD) review of practice for county foster care homes and kinship foster care homes. Information being conveyed: Interpretation of the foster care home certification rules are identified in bullets and will be applied during a county Foster Home Certification Review (FHCR) using the Initial Certification and Recertification Foster Home Review Instruments.

1

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 2 of 24 Statute and Code of Colorado Regulations being clarified 26-6-106.3(11), C.R.S.: Certification and annual recertification of foster care homes by county departments and licensed child placement agencies - background and reference check requirements - definitions A county department or licensed child placement agency may issue a one-time provisional certificate for a period of six months to an applicant for an original certificate that permits the applicant to operate a foster care home if the applicant is temporarily unable to conform to all standards required under this part 1 upon proof by the applicant that he or she is attempting to conform to such standards or to comply with any other requirements. 7.500.312: Issuance/Denial of Certificate [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] B. A provisional certificate shall be issued for child specific homes if the home is temporarily unable to conform to all appropriate regulations upon proof by the applicant that attempts are being made to comply with the appropriate regulations. 1. A provisional certificate may be issued to complete required training or in the event that an emergency placement into a previously uncertified home is required. If the applicant does not complete training within six months after application, no additional children can be placed in the home until this requirement is met. The reasons for the issuance of a provisional certificate shall be displayed on the certificate. The Department will not reimburse for children placed in a provisionally certified foster care home more than ninety (90) calendar days from the date of application. 7.500.316: Inter-county Transfer or Move of Foster Home [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] B. When a foster family moves to a new residence in the same county or within a new county, the county department shall inspect the new residence to assure compliance with the Rules Regulating Foster Care Homes, Section 7.708 (12 CCR 2509-8). Certification action which results in issuance of a certificate shall be dated in the following fashion: 2. The county department may issue a provisional certificate if the home is temporarily unable to conform to all appropriate rules of the Rules Regulating Foster Care Homes, Section 7.708, upon proof by the foster parents that attempts are being made to comply with the appropriate regulations. The reasons for the issuance of the provisional certificate will be displayed on the certificate. The provisional certificate may not exceed ninety (90) calendar days from the date it is determined that time will be needed to meet the rules. Only one original provisional certificate may be issued to a foster home at one location address. Practice Expectation  Provisional certificates are intended to be issued to foster care homes to come into conformity with certification requirements. This allows kinship foster care homes a time line to come into compliance when accepting child specific placements. Statute allows provisional certificates to be issued for six months. County departments are required to have the foster care or kinship foster care home fully certified in 90 calendar days for reimbursement, or it becomes non-reimbursable (county-only funds). Quality Assurance Review Process The practice expectation outlined in this section of rule will be monitored through the ARD Initial Certification Foster Home review instrument. The question and corresponding response options are shown below. Was a provisional certificate issued during the review period? Yes No NA

Code of Colorado Regulations being clarified 7.701.31: Original Application [Rev. eff. 6/1/12] A. A completed original application accompanied by the appropriate fee and proof of lawful presence in the United States (see Section 3.140.11, 9 CCR 2503-1) must be submitted to the State Department a minimum of sixty (60) days prior to the proposed opening date for the facility. 7.500.316: Inter-county Transfer or Move of Foster Home A. When a foster family moves to a new location within the county of residence or within a new county, the family must make a timely notification to the certifying county department prior to the move by submission of an original application.

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 3 of 24

7.701.35 Changes Requiring a New Application A license is deemed surrendered and a new application is required in the following circumstances: A. Change of licensee, owner, or governing body. B. Change in classification of facility or service offered; or C. Change in location of the facility. Practice Expectation  An application is not considered complete until it is signed.  The state issued application cannot be modified if used for a certified foster care or certified kinship care home.  If a provider is interested in changing an area of interest (classification/placement type), such as a kinship foster care home changing classification to a traditional foster care home, this does not constitute a change in service type requiring a new application. The provider will need to resubmit the area of interest portion of the application with a new signature and date, but a full new application does not need to be completed. Any significant changes to the family composition, income, etc. must be identified on the application.  A new application is required if it has been longer than one year and the home has not been originally certified.  If the kinship foster care home received a waiver of non-safety standards, the home would need to meet all qualifications to be a certified traditional foster care home, which requires a new application.  When a provider changes residences, the provider must notify the county department no later than 30 calendar days prior to the move.  A new application is required when a provider’s residence changes locations. Quality Assurance Review Process The practice expectations outlined in this section of rule will be monitored through the ARD Initial Certification and/or Recertification Foster Home review instruments. The questions and corresponding response options are shown below. Was the original application completed timely according to placement type? Yes No No, incomplete No signature/date, provider one No signature/date, provider two No affidavit, provider one No affidavit, provider two No, not timely No, after certification NA If a new application was required during this review period, was it completed? Yes No, moved No signature/date, provider one No signature/date, provider two No, change in provider status NA

Code of Colorado Regulations being clarified 7.500.2 ASSESSMENT OF FOSTER HOMES AND ADOPTIVE HOMES [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] B. State Automated Case Management System, Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Colorado State Courts Data Access 1. Prior to full certification of a foster home, there shall be a review and documentation in the provider record of: a. Complete a background check for each adult living in the home for the following: 2) A fingerprint-based criminal history record information check of CBI and FBI records; 7.500.311 Training and Foster Home Assessment

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 4 of 24 D. If a provisional certificate will be issued because a “child specific” emergency placement is required in a previously non-certified home, prior to or at the time of the placement the county department of human or social services shall receive the completed Original Application to Care for Children, and the county staff and the applicant shall review and sign the CWS-7A, “Individual Provider Contract for Purchase of Foster Care Services in a Foster Care Home”, and submit fingerprints and current processing fee to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. The following shall be initiated by the county department of human or social services as soon as possible for an emergency “child specific” placement of a child and/or youth. Complete a background check for each adult (18 years and older) living in the home for the following: 2. Fingerprint-based criminal history record information checks from the CBI and the FBI as soon as possible and consistent with Section 7.304.21, E, 2, f (12 CCR 2509-4); 7.500.315 Recertification Action [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] A. Within ninety (90) calendar days of the receipt of a timely renewal application for a certificate, the county department of human or social services must complete the following action to determine if continued certification is appropriate: 3. Review the following information, for the applicant(s) and all adults residing in the home: b. Any arrest or conviction records in the previous year; 4. If the foster parent or any adult living in the foster home left the state for three (3) consecutive months or longer, a new FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record information check shall be conducted. 7.304.21 Kinship Care E. Kinship care services when the county department has assumed legal authority for placement or been granted legal custody: 2. Placement with Kinship Care Providers: f. When an emergency placement is necessary and a prospective relative or other available person is identified, and child(ren)/youth are placed into temporary custody by law enforcement and/or the court places temporary custody with a county department of human or social services the following actions shall occur prior to placement of child(ren)/youth in the home: 3) Kin who is not disqualified as an emergency placement and who authorizes the child(ren)/youth to be placed in the home shall report to law enforcement or the county department of human or social services if a fingerprint machine is available to submit fingerprints no later than five calendar days after the child(ren)/youth are placed in the home or no later than fifteen calendar days when documented urgent circumstances exist. The cost of the fingerprints is the responsibility of the relative or other available person. Practice Expectation  CBI and FBI fingerprint based criminal history record checks must be completed on all adults eighteen (18) years or older residing in the foster care or kinship foster care home.  An FBI check is valid for 90 calendar days prior to certification. If the certification process takes more than 90 calendar days, a new FBI check is required.  If any adult household member leaves the state for three (3) consecutive months a new FBI fingerprint based criminal history check is required.  New FBI checks are not required annually, prior to recertification.  The county department will identify and document which employee is responsible for receiving the flags from the CBI. o Documentation will indicate the CBI flags have been reviewed prior to recertification.  If fingerprints are rejected by the CBI, the process outlined on the form established by the CBI will be followed. If fingerprints are rejected by FBI over the Secure Document Delivery System (SDDS), another fingerprint card must be submitted to CBI with the FBI rejection response.  If a new adult individual is visiting or living in the foster care or kinship foster care home for 14 consecutive days, the county department has 5 calendar days (and no more than 15 calendar days in urgent circumstances) to ensure fingerprints of these adult individuals are provided for the CBI and FBI fingerprint based criminal history checks from the date the county department learned of this adult individual being in the foster care or kinship foster care home.  Documentation of the CBI and FBI checks, with dates, must be entered into the state automated case management system. Dates can be entered into the requirements section of resource. Documentation needs to indicate the results were reviewed and the county department did not have any concerns. This could be in the form of a record of contact (ROC) note. The hard copy results must be located in the provider case file.

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 5 of 24 

New checks are required if a foster care or kinship foster care home was previously certified by a different entity and will be seeking certification from a county department.

Quality Assurance Review Process The practice expectations outlined in this section of rule will be monitored through the ARD Initial Certification and Recertification Foster Home review instruments. The questions and corresponding response options are shown below. Were CBI fingerprint based background checks completed? Yes No, provider one No, provider two No, adult household members No, after certification, provider one No, after certification, provider two No, after certification, adult household members No, rejected NA Were FBI fingerprint based background checks completed? Yes No, provider one No, provider two No, adult household members No, after certification, provider one No, after certification, provider two No, after certification, adult household members No, rejected NA Did the county review CBI flags for all adults living in the household prior to recertification? Yes No, provider one No, provider two No, adult household members No, after certification, provider one No, after certification, provider two No, after certification, adult household members NA If the provider(s) or adults living in the home left the state for 3 consecutive months after being issued a one-year certificate, were new FBI fingerprint based background checks completed? Yes No, provider one No, provider two No, adult household members No, late NA If new adults moved into the foster home or turned 18 years of age after the issuance of a one year certificate, were the required background clearance checks conducted on each adult? Yes No, CBI No, FBI No, State Sex Offender Registry No, National Sex Offender Registry No, Court Case Management System No, Trails No, all other states No, reference checks No, late

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 6 of 24 -

NA

Code of Colorado Regulations being clarified 7.500.315 Recertification Action [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] A. Within ninety (90) calendar days of the receipt of a timely renewal application for a certificate, the county department of human or social services must complete the following action to determine if continued certification is appropriate: 2. Complete searches on the CBI sex offender registry and national sex offender public website operated by the United States Department of Justice and include a copy in the provider record using the following criteria, at a minimum: a. Known names and addresses of each adult residing in the home; and, b. Address only, of the foster home. 7.500.311 Training and Foster Home Assessment [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] D. If a provisional certificate will be issued because a “child specific” emergency placement is required in a previously non-certified home, prior to or at the time of the placement the county department of human or social services shall receive the completed Original Application to Care for Children, and the county staff and the applicant shall review and sign the CWS-7A, “Individual Provider Contract for Purchase of Foster Care Services in a Foster Care Home”, and submit fingerprints and current processing fee to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. The following shall be initiated by the county department of human or social services as soon as possible for an emergency “child specific” placement of a child and/or youth. Complete a background check for each adult (18 years and older) living in the home for the following: 4. The CBI sex offender registry and the national sex offender public website operated by the United States Department of Justice and include a copy in the provider record using: a. Known names and addresses of each adult residing in the home; and, B. Address only, of the provider’s home. 7.500.2 ASSESSMENT OF FOSTER HOMES AND ADOPTIVE HOMES [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] B. State Automated Case Management System, Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Colorado State Courts Data Access 1. Prior to full certification of a foster home, there shall be a review and documentation in the provider record of: a. Complete a background check for each adult living in the home for the following: 4) The CBI sex offender registry and national sex offender public website operated by the United States Department of Justice by: a) Known names and addresses of each adult residing in the home; and, b) Address only of the home. Practice Expectation  State and National sex offender registry checks must be completed on all adults eighteen (18) years or older residing in the foster care home.  State and National sex offender registry checks are valid for one year prior to certification. If the certification process takes more than 12 months, new sex offender registry checks are required.  For emergency and non-emergency child specific placements, the sex offender registry checks must be completed prior to placement.  If a new adult individual is visiting or living in the foster care or kinship foster care home for 14 consecutive days, the county has 24-hours to complete and document (in the state automated case management system) the sex offender registry checks from the date the county department learned of this adult individual being in the foster care or kinship foster care home. o If this individual has not been in the home for 14 consecutive days at the time the county learns of this person being in the home, but this person intends to stay in the home beyond 14 consecutive days, the county has 24-hours to complete and document (in the state automated case management system) the sex offender registry checks from the date the county department became aware this individual intended to be in the foster care or kinship care home greater than 14 consecutive days.  Documentation of the sex offender registry checks, with dates, needs to be entered into the state automated case management system. Dates can be entered into the requirements section of resource. Documentation needs to indicate the results were reviewed and the county department did not have any concerns. This could be in the form of a ROC note. The hard copy results need to be located in the

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 7 of 24



provider case file. This can be in the form of screen prints which verify the name and address checks were completed. New checks are required if a foster care home was previously certified by a different entity and will be seeking certification from a county department.

Quality Assurance Review Process The practice expectations outlined in this section of rule will be monitored through the ARD Initial Certification and Recertification Foster Home review instruments. The questions and corresponding response options are shown below. Did the county conduct a name and address check against the State Sex Offender Registry of all adults living in the foster home? Yes No No name, provider one No name, provider two No name, adult household members No address No, after certification, provider one No, after certification, provider two No, after certification, adult household members No, after certification, address NA Did the county conduct a name and address check against the National Sex Offender Registry of all adults living in the foster home? Yes No No name, provider one No name, provider two No name, adult household members No address No, after certification, provider one No, after certification, provider two No, after certification, adult household members No, after certification, address NA If new adults moved into the foster home or turned 18 years of age after the issuance of a one year certificate, were the required background clearance checks conducted on each adult? Yes No, CBI No, FBI No, State Sex Offender Registry No, National Sex Offender Registry No, Court Case Management System No, Trails No, all other states No, reference checks No, late NA

Code of Colorado Regulations being clarified 7.500.2 ASSESSMENT OF FOSTER HOMES AND ADOPTIVE HOMES [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] B. State Automated Case Management System, Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Colorado State Courts Data Access 1. Prior to full certification of a foster home, there shall be a review and documentation in the provider record of: a. Complete a background check for each adult living in the home for the following:

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 8 of 24 3) A comparison search on the court case management system at the State Judicial Department, using the name and date of birth with available criminal history information for each adult eighteen (18) years and older living in the home. This search must be completed regardless of whether the CBI and FBI fingerprint history confirms or does not confirm a criminal history. 7.500.311 Training and Foster Home Assessment [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] D. If a provisional certificate will be issued because a “child specific” emergency placement is required in a previously non-certified home, prior to or at the time of the placement the county department of human or social services shall receive the completed Original Application to Care for Children, and the county staff and the applicant shall review and sign the CWS-7A, “Individual Provider Contract for Purchase of Foster Care Services in a Foster Care Home”, and submit fingerprints and current processing fee to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. The following shall be initiated by the county department of human or social services as soon as possible for an emergency “child specific” placement of a child and/or youth. Complete a background check for each adult (18 years and older) living in the home for the following: 3. Review the court case management system at the State Judicial Department and include a copy in the provider record; Practice Expectation  The terms ICON, Colorado State Courts Data Access, and Court Case Management System are used interchangeably and reference the same Colorado check.  A check of the court case management system must be completed on all adults eighteen (18) years or older residing in the foster care home.  This check is valid for one year prior to certification. If the certification process takes more than 12 months, a new check is required.  For emergency and non-emergency child specific placements, the court case management system checks must be completed prior to placement.  If a new adult individual is visiting or living in the foster care or kinship foster care home for 14 consecutive days, the county department has 24-hours to complete and document (in the state automated case management system), the court case management system checks from the date the county department learned of this adult individual being in the foster care or kinship foster care home. o If this individual has not been in the home for 14 consecutive days at the time the county learns of this person being in the home, but this person intends to stay in the home beyond 14 consecutive days, the county has 24-hours to complete and document (in the state automated case management system) the court case management checks from the date the county department became aware this individual intended to be in the foster care or kinship care home greater than 14 consecutive days.  Documentation of the court case management checks, with dates, must be entered in the state automated case management system. Dates can be entered into the requirements section of resource. Documentation needs to indicate the results were reviewed and the county department did not have any concerns. This could be in the form of a ROC note. The hard copy results need to be located in the provider case file.  New checks are required if a foster care home was previously certified by a different entity and will be seeking certification from a county department. Quality Assurance Review Process The practice expectations outlined in this section of rule will be monitored through the ARD Initial Certification and Recertification Foster Home review instrument. The questions and corresponding response options are shown below. Was a search of the court case management system completed on all adults living in the household? Yes No, provider one No, provider two No, all other adult household members No, after certification, provider one No, after certification, provider two No, after certification, all other adult household members No, after emergency placement NA

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 9 of 24 If new adults moved into the foster home or turned 18 years of age after the issuance of a one year certificate, were the required background clearance checks conducted on each adult? Yes No, CBI No, FBI No, State Sex Offender Registry No, National Sex Offender Registry No, Court Case Management System No, Trails No, all other states No, reference checks No, late NA

Code of Colorado Regulations being clarified 7.500.315 Recertification Action [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] A. Within ninety (90) calendar days of the receipt of a timely renewal application for a certificate, the county department of human or social services must complete the following action to determine if continued certification is appropriate: 3. Review the following information, for the applicant(s) and all adults residing in the home: a. Any child abuse and/or neglect allegations or investigations in the previous year; Practice Expectation  A state automated case management system search must be completed on all adults eighteen (18) years or older residing in the foster care home.  This check is valid for one year prior to certification. If the certification process takes more than 12 months, a new check is required.  For emergency and non-emergency child specific placements, state automated case management system checks must be completed prior to placement.  If a new adult individual is visiting or living in the foster care or kinship foster care home for 14 consecutive days, the county department has 24-hours to complete and document (in the state automated case management system) the state automated case management system checks from the date the county department learned of this adult individual being in the foster care or kinship foster care home. o If this individual has not been in the home for 14 consecutive days at the time the county learns of this person being in the home, but this person intends to stay in the home beyond 14 consecutive days, the county has 24-hours to complete and document (in the state automated case management system) the state automated case management checks from the date the county department became aware this individual intended to be in the foster care or kinship care home greater than 14 consecutive days.  Documentation of the state automated case management system checks, with dates, must be entered in the state automated case management systems. Dates can be entered into the requirements section of resource. Documentation needs to indicate the results were reviewed and the county department did not have any concerns. This could be in the form of a ROC note. The hard copy results need to be located in the provider case file. This can be in the form of screen prints.  New checks are required if a foster care or kinship foster care home was previously certified by a different certifying entity (a different county department or child placement agency) and will be seeking certification from a county department. Quality Assurance Review Process The practice expectations outlined in this section of rule will be monitored through the ARD Initial Certification and Recertification Foster Home review instruments. The questions and corresponding response options are shown below. Have Trails searches been completed on all adults living in the foster home? Yes No, provider one No, provider two No, adult household members No, after certification, provider one No, after certification, provider two

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 10 of 24 -

No, after certification, adult household members NA

If new adults moved into the foster home or turned 18 years of age after the issuance of a one year certificate, were the required background clearance checks conducted on each adult? Yes No, CBI No, FBI No, State Sex Offender Registry No, National Sex Offender Registry No, Court Case Management System No, Trails No, all other states No, reference checks No, late NA

Code of Colorado Regulations being clarified 7.500.2 ASSESSMENT OF FOSTER HOMES AND ADOPTIVE HOMES [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] B. State Automated Case Management System, Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Colorado State Courts Data Access 1. Prior to full certification of a foster home, there shall be a review and documentation in the provider record of: a. Complete a background check for each adult living in the home for the following: 1) Child abuse/neglect records check in every state where the adult has resided in the five (5) years immediately preceding the date of application for each adult (18 years and older) living in the home. 7.500.311 Training and Foster Home Assessment [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] D. If a provisional certificate will be issued because a “child specific” emergency placement is required in a previously non-certified home, prior to or at the time of the placement the county department of human or social services shall receive the completed Original Application to Care for Children, and the county staff and the applicant shall review and sign the CWS-7A, “Individual Provider Contract for Purchase of Foster Care Services in a Foster Care Home”, and submit fingerprints and current processing fee to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. The following shall be initiated by the county department of human or social services as soon as possible for an emergency “child specific” placement of a child and/or youth. Complete a background check for each adult (18 years and older) living in the home for the following: 1. Child abuse/neglect records in every state where any adult residing in the home has lived in the five (5) years immediately preceding the date of application; E. If a provisional certificate will be issued because a non-emergency "child specific" placement is required in a previously non-certified home: 1. The county department of human or social services shall submit fingerprints to CBI and FBI and complete all other background checks prior to placement of the child and/or youth, consistent with Section 7.500.2, B, 1, except that child abuse and neglect records in other states where an adult has resided in the five (5) years preceding the application shall be initiated no later than seven (7) working days following placement; Practice Expectation  A search of the child abuse/neglect records from other states must be completed on all adults eighteen (18) years or older residing in the foster care home who have lived outside of this state in the last five years.  For emergency and non-emergency child specific placements, the county department has seven (7) working days to initiate the check from the date of placement.  If a new adult individual is visiting or living in the foster care or kinship foster care home for 14 consecutive days, the county department has seven (7) working days to initiate the out-of-state check from the date the county department learned of this adult individual being in the foster care or kinship foster care home.

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 11 of 24 If this individual has not been in the home for 14 consecutive days at the time the county department learns of this person being in the home, but this person intends to stay in the home beyond 14 consecutive days, the county department has seven (7) working days to initiate the out-of-state check from the date the county department became aware this individual intended to be in the foster care or kinship care home greater than 14 consecutive days. A county department needs to make at least three (3) attempts to obtain the information from other states within 45 calendar days from the date of placement. If information cannot be received, this needs to be documented in the state automated case management system. o Each attempt needs to be spread out over a period of not less than seven (7) consecutive days. Documentation of the out-of-state checks, with dates, must be entered in the state automated case management system. Dates can be entered into the requirements section of resource. Documentation needs to indicate the results were reviewed and the county department did not have any concerns or the county department was not provided with information from the other states. This could be in the form of a ROC note. The hard copy results need to be located in the provider case file, when applicable. This check is valid (does not expire) if the parties have not lived out of the state since initiating the certification process. New checks are required if a foster care or kinship foster care home was previously certified by a different certifying entity (a different county department or child placement agency) and will be seeking certification from a county department. o





 

Quality Assurance Review Process The practice expectations outlined in this section of rule will be monitored through the ARD Initial Certification and Recertification Foster Home review instruments. The questions and corresponding response options are shown below. Did the county review the child abuse and neglect records from every state where the provider(s) and all adults living in the foster home have resided within the preceding 5 years? Yes No, provider one No, provider two No, adult household members No, after certification, provider one No, after certification, provider two No, after certification, adult household members NA If new adults moved into the foster home or turned 18 years of age after the issuance of a one year certificate, were the required background clearance checks conducted on each adult? Yes No, CBI No, FBI No, State Sex Offender Registry No, National Sex Offender Registry No, Court Case Management System No, Trails No, all other states No, reference checks No, late NA

Statute and Code of Colorado Regulations being clarified 26-6-107, C.R.S.: Investigations and inspections - local authority - reports - rules (a.5) An applicant for certification as a foster care home shall provide the child placement agency or the county department from whom the certification is sought with a list of all the prior child placement agencies and county departments to which the applicant had previously applied, and a release of information from such child placement agencies and county departments to which the applicant had previously applied, to obtain information about the application and any certification given by such child placement agencies and county departments. A child placement agency or county department from whom the certification is sought shall conduct a reference check of the applicant and any adult resident of the foster care home by contacting all of the child placement

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 12 of 24 agencies and county departments identified by the applicant before issuing the certification for that foster care home. Child placement agencies and county departments shall be held harmless for information released, in good faith, to other child placement agencies or county departments.

7.500.31 Foster Care Homes [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] I. Reference checks for the applicant and all adults residing in the home: An applicant for certification for a foster care home and all adults residing in the home shall provide the county department of human or social services from whom the certification is sought with a list of all child placement agencies and county departments of human or social services that previously certified the applicant or any adult residing in the home. Each adult shall sign a release of information; and, the county department of human or social services from whom the certification is sought shall conduct a reference check of each adult residing in the home by contacting all of the child placement agencies and county departments of human or social services identified before issuing the certification for the foster care home. 7.500.2 ASSESSMENT OF FOSTER HOMES AND ADOPTIVE HOMES [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] B. State Automated Case Management System, Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Colorado State Courts Data Access 1. Prior to full certification of a foster home, there shall be a review and documentation in the provider record of: d. The review of existing agency case records, including the automated system, for prior foster home certifications or denials; Practice Expectation  County departments are responsible for checking references for each certifying entity in which the applicants and all adults eighteen (18) years or older residing in the foster care or kinship foster care home have applied and been certified.  For emergency and non-emergency child specific placements, the county department has seven (7) working days to initiate the check from the date of placement.  If a new adult individual is visiting or living in the foster care or kinship foster care home, for 14 consecutive days, the county department has seven (7) working days to initiate the reference check from the date the county department learned of this adult individual being in the foster care or kinship foster care home. o If this individual has not been in the home for 14 consecutive days at the time the county department learns of this person being in the home, but this person intends to stay in the home beyond 14 consecutive days, the county department has seven (7) working days to initiate the reference check from the date the county department became aware this individual intended to be in the foster care or kinship care home greater than 14 consecutive days.  For emergency and non-emergency child specific placements, the county department has seven (7) working days to initiate the check from the date of placement.  If a new adult individual is visiting or living in the foster care home for 14 consecutive days, the county department has seven (7) working days to initiate the reference check from the date the county department learned of this adult individual being in the home.  A county department needs to make at least three (3) attempts to obtain the information from other certifying entities within 45 calendar days from the date of placement. If information cannot be received, this needs to be documented in the state automated case management system, when applicable. o Each attempt needs to be spread out over a period of not less than seven (7) consecutive days.  Documentation of the reference checks, with dates, must be entered in the state automated case management system. Dates can be entered into the requirements section of resource. Documentation needs to indicate the results were reviewed and the county department did not have any concerns or the county department was not provided with information from the other entities. This could be in the form of a ROC note. The hard copy results need to be located in the provider case file.  This check is valid (does not expire) if the parties have not applied for certification with other entities while initiating the certification process with the county department.  New checks are required if a foster care or kinship foster care home was previously certified by a different certifying entity (a different county department or child placement agency) and will be seeking certification from a county department.

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 13 of 24

Quality Assurance Review Process The practice expectations outlined in this section of rule will be monitored through the ARD Initial Certification and Recertification Foster Home review instruments. The questions and corresponding response options are shown below. Were reference checks conducted on the provider(s) and all adults living in the foster home from all former agencies where they have previously applied prior to the issuance of a one year certificate? Yes No, county No, CPA No, after certification, county No, after certification, CPA NA If new adults moved into the foster home or turned 18 years of age after the issuance of a one year certificate, were the required background clearance checks conducted on each adult? Yes No, CBI No, FBI No, State Sex Offender Registry No, National Sex Offender Registry No, Court Case Management System No, Trails No, all other states No, reference checks No, late NA

Code of Colorado Regulations being clarified 7.500.315 Recertification Action [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] A. Within ninety (90) calendar days of the receipt of a timely renewal application for a certificate, the county department of human or social services must complete the following action to determine if continued certification is appropriate: 12. The certificate information shall be entered into the state automated case management system. Practice Expectation  The expectation is that all certificate information is accurately entered into the state automated case management system. The information contained on the hard copy certificate must match the information entered into the state automated case management system. Quality Assurance Review Process The practice expectation outlined in this section of rule will be monitored through the ARD Initial Certification and Recertification Foster Home review instruments. The question and corresponding response options are shown below. Was a hard copy certificate issued accurately for the correct certificate type? Yes No, provisional certification No, initial certification No, inaccurate/incomplete No, Trails does not match No, more than one provisional certificate No, kinship foster care waiver NA

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 14 of 24

Was a hard copy certificate issued accurately for the correct certificate type? Yes No, recertification No, probationary certification No, inaccurate/incomplete No, Trails does not match No, kinship foster care waiver NA

Code of Colorado Regulations being clarified 7.708.21: Character, Suitability, and Qualifications of Family Foster Parents L. Each foster parent shall have a health assessment within one year prior to certification or within 30 calendar days after certification and thereafter as required, in writing, by a licensed health care professional. The reports of the medical examinations shall be dated and signed by the examining physician or nurse practitioner and shall be provided to the certifying authority. Reports shall include a statement of the evaluation of the person's physical ability to care for foster children. If, in the opinion of the licensed health care professional or the assessment worker, an emotional or psychological condition exists which would have a negative impact on the care of foster children, the issuance of a license shall be conditioned upon the satisfactory report of a licensed mental health practitioner. M. Children of the foster home parents and any other persons not placed by the agency and living in the foster care home shall obtain a medical statement from a licensed health care professional verifying that each such person suffers from no illness or communicable disease which would adversely affect foster children in care. This statement shall be obtained annually or as required in writing by an approved health care professional. A licensed health care professional is defined as a physician, nurse practitioner, or a physician's assistant. This statement shall have been signed within the twelve month period preceding the original license or full certificate granted to the home. Practice Expectation  Health assessments completed for an employer can be acceptable if the examination is identified as a medical evaluation and the evaluation was a global evaluation conducted by a medical professional. Medical professionals include physicians, physician’s assistant, or child health practitioners. It does not include Osteopaths. o Health assessments for an employer, such as Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) health assessments, must state the provider is in satisfactory health to provide foster care if this assessment will be used to meet Volume 7 requirement 7.708.21 L.  The health assessment requirement is the same for all other household members as it is for the providers.  Annual physical evaluations for additional household members are due within the same timeframes as for the providers.  Health assessments shall be obtained annually.  The current state health assessment forms (CWS 12 A & B) are being updated to include an exam completion date and required annual assessment.  Health assessments shall be continuous and shall not lapse.  All persons living in the foster care or kinship foster care home must have a health assessment. If a new individual is visiting or living in the foster care or kinship foster care home for 14 consecutive days, the county department has 30 calendar days to ensure the health assessment has been completed from the date the county department learned of this individual being in the foster care or kinship foster care home. o If this individual has not been in the home for 14 consecutive days at the time the county department learns of this person being in the home, but this person intends to stay in the home beyond 14 consecutive days, the county department has 30 calendar days to ensure the health assessment has been completed from the date the county department became aware this individual intended to be in the foster care or kinship care home greater than 14 consecutive days.  A physical evaluation must be completed within 12 months prior to the individual being in the foster care or kinship foster care home. If a physical evaluation has not been completed within the previous 12 months, the person has 30 calendar days from the date the county department learned of the individual being in the foster care or kinship foster care home to complete a physical evaluation.

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 15 of 24 Quality Assurance Review Process The practice expectation outlined in this section of rule will be monitored through the ARD Initial Certification and Recertification Foster Home review instruments. The questions and corresponding response options are shown below. Have health -

assessments been completed? Yes No, provider one No, provider two No, all household members No, after certification, provider one No, after certification, provider two No, after certification, all household members No, lapsed No, signature/date healthcare professional NA

If new individuals moved into the foster home after the issuance of a one year certificate, did each individual complete a health assessment? Yes No No, late No, signature/date healthcare professional NA

Statute and Code of Colorado Regulations being clarified 7.708.46: Transportation [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] B. A foster care home shall have means of transporting foster children in cases of emergency. C. Any vehicle used by the foster care home in transporting foster children in care, whether such vehicle is operated by a foster parent or any other person acting on behalf of the foster care home, shall be property licensed, and the vehicle shall be maintained in accordance with Colorado law. D. Any foster parent or other person acting on behalf of the foster care home operating a vehicle for purpose of transporting foster children shall be properly licensed to operate the class of vehicle in accordance with Colorado law. 10-4-619, C.R.S.: Coverage compulsory (1) Every owner of a motor vehicle who operates the motor vehicle on the public highways of this state or who knowingly permits the operation of the motor vehicle on the public highways of this state shall have in full force and effect a complying policy under the terms of this part 6 covering the said motor vehicle, and any owner who fails to do so shall be subject to the sanctions provided under sections 42-4-1409 and 42-7-301, C.R.S., of the "Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Act". This section shall not apply to persons who hold a current and valid certificate of self-insurance pursuant to section 10-4-624. 42-3-103, C.R.S.: Registration required - exemptions (1) (a) Within sixty days after purchase, every owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or vehicle that is primarily designed to be operated or drawn upon any highway of this state or any owner of a trailer coach or of special mobile machinery whether or not it is operated on the highways, shall register such vehicle with the department. A person who violates this subsection (1) commits a class B traffic infraction. Practice Expectation  Children in foster care may not be transported in any vehicle that is driven by an unlicensed driver, as required by statute. o Driver licenses cannot lapse for individuals responsible for transporting children in foster care.  Children in foster care may not be transported in any vehicle that is not properly insured, as required by statute. o Vehicle insurance cannot lapse.  Children in foster care may not be transported in any vehicle that is not properly registered, as required by statute.

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 16 of 24 It is recommended registration does not lapse, however, a 30 day grace period to come into compliance if the registration does lapse is allowed. Documentation of verification can be in the form of a photo copy. Documentation must be located in the provider case file. o



Quality Assurance Review Process The practice expectations outlined in this section of rule will be monitored through the ARD Initial Certification and Recertification Foster Home review instruments. The questions and corresponding response options are shown below. Did the provider(s), or others who transport foster children on behalf of the provider(s), have valid driver licenses during the entire review period? Yes No, provider one No, provider two No, others transporting children No, after certification, provider one No, after certification, provider two No, after certification, others transporting children No, lapsed NA Did the provider case file contain verification of auto insurance for all vehicles used to transport foster children during the entire review period? Yes No No, after certification No, lapsed NA Did the provider case file contain verification of registration for all vehicles used to transport foster children during the entire review period? Yes No No, after certification No, lapsed NA

Code of Colorado Regulations being clarified 7.701.53: Reporting of Child Abuse A. A child care facility must require each staff member of the facility to read and sign a statement clearly defining child abuse and neglect pursuant to state law and outlining the staff member's personal responsibility to report all incidents of child abuse or neglect according to state law. Practice Expectation  The mandatory reporter statement must be signed prior to initial certification. Quality Assurance Review Process The practice expectation outlined in this section of rule will be monitored through the ARD Initial Certification Foster Home review instrument. The question and corresponding response options are shown below. Have/has the provider(s) signed a mandatory reporting statement? Yes No, provider one No, provider two NA

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 17 of 24

Code of Colorado Regulations being clarified 7.500.2: ASSESSMENT OF FOSTER HOMES AND ADOPTIVE HOMES [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] A. Content of the Assessment A family assessment, using the Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) instrument, including Questionnaires One (1) and Two (2) and completion of the psychosocial inventory, to determine the character and suitability of the applicant(s), appropriateness of the home, and child care practices, must be completed by a staff member that has completed the two (2) day SAFE assessment training, and must be reviewed by a supervisor that has completed the two day SAFE assessment training and the one day supervisor training. The assessment shall include, but not be limited to, the following: D. Additional Requirements List characteristics of child(ren) the home is approved for: age, sex, race, legal risk, and special needs (such as medical, physical, emotional). Following the completion of the assessment, a narrative report that summarizes and evaluates the information obtained must be completed. It shall be attached to the SAFE questionnaires 1 and 2. E. Assessment Update 1. If there are changes in the age, sex, and special characteristics of the child(ren) which will be considered for the family, a re-evaluation of the family will be completed and the assessment revised. 7.500.311: Training and Foster Home Assessment [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] A. Prior to certification, the county department of human or social services shall complete the single assessment of foster and adoptive homes as outlined in Section 7.500.2. 7.500.315 Recertification Action [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] A. Within ninety (90) calendar days of the receipt of a timely renewal application for a certificate, the county department of human or social services must complete the following action to determine if continued certification is appropriate: 7. Complete a Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (S.A.F.E.) update to document the status of the foster family, including changes that have occurred. Practice Expectation  All signatures are required for the S.A.F.E. home study to be considered complete.  All signatures must be dated prior to the issuance of a one-year certificate.  If there is a significant change in the composition of the household, an addendum must be completed. o The addendum can be documented on the update/addendum template or it can be written in a Word document. o The addendum must be attached to the S.A.F.E. home study that is being amended.  The addendum must be completed within 30 calendar days from the date the county department becomes aware of the change. o Changes include but are not limited to:  new individuals living in the foster care home (including results of the background checks)  new location of the family residence  death of a foster parent or household member o If the change occurs while the foster care home is in timely renewal, an addendum is not needed and the change can be reflected in the annual update.  The addendum needs to be signed by all parties.  If a foster care home transfers to a county department from another entity, it is allowable to complete a S.A.F.E. home study update if the previous entity provides the original S.A.F.E. home study and all subsequent updates. Quality Assurance Review Process The practice expectations outlined in this section of rule will be monitored through the ARD Initial Certification and Recertification Foster Home review instruments. The questions and corresponding response options are shown below.

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 18 of 24

Was a SAFE home study located in the provider case file with all of the required signatures and completed prior to certification? Yes No No, after certification No, not signed No, other NA Was a SAFE home study update located in the provider case file with all of the required signatures and completed prior to recertification? Yes No No, after certification No, not signed No, other NA If a SAFE home study addendum was needed during the review period, was one completed? Yes No No, not signed No, other NA

Code of Colorado Regulations being clarified 7.500.311: Training and Foster Home Assessment [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] B. Training, Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Five Year Child Abuse and Neglect Records Check Requirements 1. Prior to the placement of a child and/or youth, initial training shall be provided through the statewide core curriculum, county department of human or social services, or CPA. a. Each applicant shall complete twelve hours of core training… b. In addition to twenty-seven hours of pre-certification training, which includes twelve hours of core training, each foster parent shall be certified in First Aid or the equivalent, and CPR for the ages of the children and/or youth in placement. d. The county department of human or social services shall train foster parents how to determine whether to approve the child’s or youth’s participation in an extracurricular, enrichment, cultural, or social activity is consistent with the reasonable and prudent parent standard, based upon criteria in section 7.701.200 (12 CCR 2509-8). 2. Ongoing Training a. Each applicant shall have twenty (20) hours of ongoing training every year, except specialized providers outlined in Section 7.708.65, E (12 CCR 2509-8). The training shall be relevant to fostering the children and/or youth being served in the foster care home or kinship foster care home. C. Exceptions to the Training and CBI, FBI, and Five-Year Child Abuse and Neglect Records Check Requirements An exception to the rules may be made for emergency “child specific” placements identified in Section 7.304.21, E, 2, f, and for non-emergency “child specific” placements in Section 7.500.312, E. These are defined as placements where the child has a prior relationship to the applicant. 1. The applicant may have sixty (60) calendar days from the date of application to complete training. 7.708.65: Orientation, Training, and Certification [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] A. The certifying authority shall have a comprehensive written plan for the orientation, precertification training, certification, and ongoing training of foster parents. 1. The certifying authority shall have an introductory training and orientation program for all foster parents. This program shall include, at a minimum, twenty-seven hours of initial core training consisting of at least twelve (12) hours prior to placement of a child and the remaining hours to be completed within 3 months after placement, including the reasonable and prudent parent standard, orientation to emergency and safety procedures and the general and specific duties and responsibilities of being a foster parent.

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 19 of 24 2. If a child is placed with a foster care family on an emergency basis, twelve (12) hours of core training must be completed and the remaining hours of training competed within 4 months from the date of placement. An emergency means that a child’s safety is subject to actual or likely harm, immediate or emerging, serious or sever, which requires control. 3. The certifying authority shall maintain written documentation of specific in-service training held, foster parents participating, the hours involved, and/or other on-going training activities in which foster parents were involved. B. The certifying authority shall create a training development plan for each foster parent(s) to document the strengths and competencies of the foster parent(s) and to identify those areas in which additional training is needed. C. The certifying authority shall document that foster parents receive quality, appropriate, competency-based training in the following areas that builds on basic competencies of the foster parent(s) established through life experiences and pre-certification training. 8. The foster parent is trained and knowledgeable, and has the competencies required to apply the reasonable and prudent parent standard based upon the criteria in Section 7.701.200. D. Training requirements for the initial year of certification are as follows: 1. Twenty-Seven (27) hours of Core training, as identified in Section 7.708.65, A. E. Annually, each foster parent, except therapeutic foster parents or treatment foster parents, must complete twenty hours of on-going specific training as required in his/her training development plan. Training must include at least the areas listed above. Therapeutic or treatment foster parents providing therapeutic services must complete an additional twelve hours of on-going training annually for a total of thirty-two hours of training in such areas as dynamics of victimization issues, with emphasis on appropriate age and developmental levels; and the individual needs of the foster children in care. All providers serving children funded by the Children's Habilitation Residential Program (CHRP) must complete thirty-two (32) hours of ongoing specific training as identified in their training development plan. 7.708.41: Medical and Health Services [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] E. At all times there shall be First Aid supplies readily available at the foster care home. Each foster parent must be certified in first aid, or the equivalent, and CPR for all ages of foster children in care. 7.708.61: Admission Requirements [Rev. eff. 1/1/16] K. The placement agreement shall be developed with the involvement of the foster child, the parent(s) or guardian(s) and the representative of the placing agency. Where the involvement of any of these is not feasible or desirable, the reasons for the exclusion shall be recorded by the certifying authority. The placement agreement shall include by reference or attachment at a minimum the following: 7. If a foster child is being placed by a Colorado county department of human or social services, the appropriate state form or contract shall be completed. This form or contract may provide some of the required authorizations and shall require that the foster parent is trained in how to apply the reasonable and prudent parent standard. Practice Expectation  For traditional foster care homes, the intent is that all 27 hours of training is received prior to being certified. o In the event the provider did not receive all 27 hours of training prior to certification and a placement has not occurred, all 27 hours are required by the end of the initial certification year. o For traditional foster care homes, 12 hours of preservice foster parent training is intended to be completed prior to initial certification, but is required prior to placement of a child. The remaining 15 hours of training must be completed within three months of placement.  For emergency and non-emergency child specific kinship foster care placements, the provider has 60 days to complete the 12 hours of initial preservice training and up to four months after the date of placement to obtain the remaining 15 hours of required training.  Training from another state is non-transferrable for preservice training hours (initial 12 hours of training). The county department can appeal this if they feel the previous training could be transferred.  Training from another state could be transferrable for the additional 15 hours of required training.  Initial training in the reasonable and prudent parent standard, conducted by the county department, must occur prior to certification and can be included in the 27 hours of required training.  The state web-based training in the reasonable and prudent parent standard must be completed prior to certification.  Counties must provide the initial and ongoing training to providers in the reasonable and prudent parent standard prior to each certification year.  First Aid and CPR certification cannot lapse.

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 20 of 24  

First Aid and CPR certification is valid for 1 year unless otherwise stated. “Equivalent” means the individual is currently employed with an organization where it is the expectation this individual would be performing similar skills and are appropriate to the population of children served. Documentation of CPR/First Aid training or equivalent is required for medical professionals who are foster parents. These individuals must provide documentation by an immediate supervisor that verifies they are a medical professional that performs these skills.



CPR and 1st Aid certification must be completed through classroom training. o If the provider can produce verification of a certificate and it is active, it is considered acceptable as long as the means by which it was obtained was by a method including classroom training. The 20 hours of ongoing training is based off the training development plan. o Counties must show applicability of training to children in foster care. Documentation must reflect a description of relevancy and what the provider has gained from this instruction. o The foster parent is also responsible for describing how the training is relevant Foster parent training hours must be completed prior to recertification. If not completed, a foster care provider may be put on a probationary certificate. o Training hours that were not completed for that certification year must be completed. Ongoing training hours for the next certification year will not be counted until all training hours for the prior certification year are made up. This could result in the foster home being placed on a probationary certificate until all training hours are completed and current. The training development plan must be developed prior to recertification. This is a working plan that can change so the provider will have continued opportunity to increase skills and competencies. Training development plans do not require signatures; however, it is recommended the provider(s) sign the plan to suggest they understand the plan and were part of recognizing their training needs. Documentation of training must include the name of the foster parent participating in the training, the number of hours received for the training, the specific type of training, and the activities involved in the training. This documentation must be located in the provider case file. o Certificates of completion are acceptable forms of documentation if they contain the above mentioned information. Training agendas can accompany the certificates of completion. o For independent study hours, documentation must reflect a description of relevancy and what the provider has gained from this instruction.





  

Quality Assurance Review Process The practice expectations outlined in this section of rule will be monitored through the ARD Initial Certification and Recertification Foster Home review instruments. The questions and corresponding response options are shown below. Did the provider(s) complete 12 hours of initial foster parent training? Yes No, provider one No, provider two No, after certification, provider one No, after certification, provider two NA Did the provider(s) complete 15 additional hours of training? Yes No, provider one No, provider two No, after certification, provider one No, after certification, provider two Unable to determine NA Did the provider(s) complete the required number of competency-based ongoing training hours? Yes No, provider one No, provider two No, after certification, provider one No, after certification, provider two

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 21 of 24 -

Unable to determine NA

Was/were the provider(s) trained in the application of the reasonable and prudent parent standard? Yes No, provider one No, provider two No, after certification, provider one No, after certification, provider two NA Was/were the provider(s) certified in First Aid? Yes No, provider one No, provider two No, after certification, provider one No, after certification, provider two No, lapsed NA Was/were the provider(s) certified in CPR? Yes No, provider one No, provider two No, after certification, provider one No, after certification, provider two No, lapsed NA Is there an annual training development plan for the current certification year for the provider(s)? Yes No, provider one No, provider two No, inaccurate/incomplete, provider one No, inaccurate/incomplete, provider two NA

Code of Colorado Regulations being clarified 7.500.313: Supervision A. Supervision and monitoring of the identified needs of the foster home shall be carried out according to the following schedule: 1. A face-to-face contact shall be made in the foster care home with the foster parent(s) at least every month when children are in placement. Documentation of such contact shall be entered in the State Department’s automated system in the contacts for the provider and/or the foster children placed in the home. The purpose of the contact is to answer questions that the foster parent has about the program, to indicate to the foster parents county department concerns about the operation of the home, and to observe child care. If the face-to-face contact is not possible, the reasons must be documented in the provider file and a telephone contact must be made. In the event face-to-face contact cannot be made, the maximum number of allowable days between face-to-face contacts shall not exceed forty five (45) calendar days. Practice Expectation  Monthly contact with the provider needs to occur with both providers, each month, if both providers are certified, when children are placed in the foster care or kinship foster care home. Contact with both providers can occur separately.  Documentation of the interaction between the foster parent and child in foster care is required when the child is present during the resource worker visit as defined by observation of child care. If the child is not present during this visit, and is supported by documentation, then the observation of child care component is not needed. Quality Assurance Review Process

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 22 of 24 The practice expectations outlined in this section of rule will be monitored through the ARD Initial Certification and Recertification Foster Home review instruments. The questions and corresponding response options are shown below.

How many face-to-face contacts should the county department have completed with provider one in the foster home during the review period? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 NA How many face-to-face contacts did the county department complete with provider one in the foster home during the review period? 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 NA How many face-to-face contacts in the foster home contained documentation that the quality of contacts with provider one was sufficient to address provider questions, department concerns, and observations of child care? 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 NA How many face-to-face contacts should the county department have completed with provider two in the foster home during the review period? 1 2

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 23 of 24 -

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 NA

How many face-to-face contacts did the county department complete with provider two in the foster home during the review period? 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 NA How many face-to-face contacts in the foster home contained documentation that the quality of contacts with provider two was sufficient to address provider questions, department concerns, and observations of child care? 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 NA

The ARD Initial Certification and Recertification review instruments and instructions can be accessed on the ARD webpage: https://sites.google.com/a/state.co.us/cdhs-ard/qualitative-case-reviews\

Thank you for the collaborative work to identify these practice applications. We are continually working to improve our processes, and we appreciate input provided by the counties and other stakeholders. We look forward to our continued work together. Supersedes: NA Contact: For questions regarding ARD Foster Home Certification Review Instruments: Tara Saya Livingston, Manager - Administrative Review Division Telephone: 303-866-7703, or E-mail: [email protected]

Division of Child Welfare Operational Memorandum: OM-CW-2017-0006 April 5, 2017 Page 24 of 24

For questions regarding program expectations: Mary Griffin, Program Administrator - Foster Care and Relative Guardianship Assistance Program Telephone: 303-866-3546, or E-mail: [email protected] Website: https://sites.google.com/a/state.co.us/cdhs-memo-series/home