Library: Policy

317:40-5-40. Home profile process

Revised 9-12-22

(a) Applicability. This Section establishes procedures for Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) home profile process. A home profile is required for:

(1) Agency companion services (ACS);

(2) Specialized Foster Care (SFC) services;

(3) Respite services delivered in the provider's home;

(4) Approving services in a home shared by a non-relative provider and a member; and

(5) Any other situation that requires a home profile.

(b) Pre-screening. Designated DDS staff provides the applicant with program orientation and completes pre-screening activities that include, but are not limited to:

(1) Facts description;

(2) An explanation of:

(A) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program's guiding principles;

(B) The home profile process;

(D) Health, safety, and environmental issues; and

(E) Training required per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340:100-3-38; and

(3) Gathering relevant information about the applicant and applicant's family, including household members, addresses, contact information, and motivation to provide services; and

(4) An explanation of the background investigation that is conducted on the applicant and on any adult or child living in the applicant's home.

(A) Background investigations are conducted at the time of application and include, but are not limited to:

(i) An Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) name and criminal records history search, including the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, Sex Offender Registry, Mary Rippy Violent Offender Registries, and Nurse Aide and Non-technical Services Worker Registry;

(ii) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) national criminal history search, which is based on the applicant's fingerprints and any adult household member's fingerprints; except when an exception is necessary as outlined in (I) through (II) of this subsection.

(I) When fingerprints are low quality, as determined by OSBI, FBI, or both, and make it impossible for the national crime information databases to provide results. In this instance, a name-based search, state, national, or both, may be authorized.

(II) When the DDS State Office residential staff requests an exception from an individual who has a severe physical condition precluding the individual from being fingerprinted, a name-based search, state, national, or both may be authorized.

(iii) A search of any involvement as a party in a court action;

(iv) A search of all OKDHS records, including Child Welfare Services records, Community Services Worker Registry, and Restricted Registry;

(v) A search of all applicable out-of-state child abuse and neglect registries for any applicant or adult household member who has not lived in Oklahoma continuously for the past five (5) years. A home is not approved without the results out-of-state child abuse and neglect registry check for all adult household members living in the home. When a child abuse and neglect registry is not maintained in the applicable state, an information request is made to the applicable state; and

(vi) A search of Juvenile Justice Information System records for any child older than thirteen (13) years of age in the applicant's household.

(B) An application is denied when the applicant or any person residing in the applicant's home:

(i) Has a criminal conviction of, or pled guilty or no contest to:

(I) Physical assault, battery, or a drug-related offense in the five(5) year period preceding the application date;

(II) Child abuse or neglect;

(III) Domestic abuse;

(IV) A crime against a child, including, but not limited to, child pornography;

(V) A crime involving violence, including, but not limited to, rape, sexual assault, or homicide, including manslaughter, excluding physical assault and battery; or

(ii) Does not meet OAC 340:100-3-39 requirements;

(c) Home profile process. When the applicant meets the prescreening requirements, the initial home profile process described in (1) through (8) of this subsection is initiated.

(1) The applicant provides required information for home profile completion.

(2) When an incomplete form or other information is returned to DDS, designated DDS staff sends a letter to the provider or provider agency identifying information needed to complete the required forms. The home profile is not completed until all required information is provided to DDS.

(3) Designated DDS staff completes the home profile when all required forms are completed and provided to DDS.

(4) For each reference the applicant provides, designated DDS staff documents the completed reference check results.

(5) Designated DDS staff, through interviews, visits, and phone calls, gathers information required to complete the home profile.

(6) DDS staff review policies and responsibility areas with the applicant and DDS staff and the applicant acknowledge the review in writing.

(7) The DDS area residential services programs manager sends the applicant:

(A) A provider approval letter confirming the applicant is approved to serve as a provider; or

(B) A denial letter stating the application and home profile are denied.

(8) DDS staff records the completion dates of each part of the home profile process.

(d) Home standards. In order to qualify and remain in compliance, the applicant's or provider's home must meet the provisions in (1) through (11) of this subsection.

(1) General conditions.

(A) The home, buildings, and furnishings are comfortable, clean, and in good repair, and the grounds are maintained. There is no accumulating garbage, debris, rubbish or offensive odors.

(B) The home must:

(i) Be accessible to school, employment, church, day programming, recreational activities, health facilities, and other community resources as needed;

(ii) Have adequate heating, cooling, and plumbing;

(iii) Provide space for the member's personal possessions and privacy; and

(iv) Allow adequate space for the occupants' recreational and social needs.

(i) Guards and rails on stairways;

(ii) Wheelchair ramps;

(iii) Widened doorways;

(iv) Grab bars;

(v) Appropriate lifting equipment as needed for safe transfers;

(vi) Access to safe bathing and toileting;

(vii) Adequate lighting;

(viii) Anti-scald devices; and

(ix) Heat and air conditioning equipment guarded and installed in accordance with manufacturer requirements. Home modifications and equipment may be provided through HCBS Waivers operated by DDS.

(D) Providers must not permit members to access or use swimming or other pools, hot tubs, saunas, ponds, or spas on the premises without supervision. Swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, ponds, or spas are equipped with sufficient safety barriers or devices designed to prevent accidental injury or unsupervised access.

(E) The household is covered by homeowner's or renter's insurance including personal liability insurance.

(2) Sanitation.

(A) Sanitary facilities are adequate and safe, including toilet and bathing facilities, water supply, and garbage and sewer disposal.

(B) When a septic tank or other non-municipal sewage disposal system is used, it is in good working order.

(D) There is adequate control of insects and rodents, including doors and windows with ventilation screens in good repair.

(E) Universal precautions for infection control are followed in the member's care. Hands and other skin surfaces are washed immediately and thoroughly when contaminated with blood or other body fluids.

(F) Laundry equipment, if in the home, is located in a safe, well-ventilated, and clean area, with the dryer vented to the outside.

(3) Bathrooms. A bathroom must:

(A) Provide for individual privacy and have a finished interior;

(B) Be clean and free of objectionable odors; and

(C) Have a bathtub or shower, flush toilet, and sink in good repair, and hot and cold water in sufficient supply to meet the member's hygiene needs.

(i) A sink is located near each toilet.

(ii) For members who are non-ambulatory or who have limited mobility, a toilet, shower and sink are provided on each floor where their rooms are located.

(iii) There must be at least one (1) toilet, one (1) sink, and one (1) bathtub or shower for every six (6) household occupants, including the provider and family.

(4) Bedrooms. A bedroom:

(A) Has been constructed for that purpose when the home was built or remodeled under permit;

(B) Is provided for each member.

(i) The DDS are residential services program manager may make exceptions to allow members to share a bedroom when DDS determines sharing a bedroom is in the members' best interests.

(ii) A member must not share a bedroom with more than one (1) other member;

(iii) Minor members must not share bedrooms with an adult member. Exceptions may be approved by the DDS Area Field Administrator when (I) through (III) of this section are met. Additional exceptions to these rules may be approved by the division director or designee:

(I) The minor is at least sixteen (16) years of age;

(II) The adult member does not present a risk of harm to the minor; and

(III) The members are sharing a room at the time the older member turns eighteen (18) years of age;

(C) Has two (2) means of egress and a minimum of eighty (80) square feet of usable floor space for each member or one-hundred and twenty (120) square feet for two (2) members. The home's provider, family members, or other occupants must not sleep in areas designated as common use living areas, nor share bedrooms with members.

(i) Exceptions to allow non-members and members to share a bedroom may be approved by the Division Director or designee when:

(I) The member agrees and the agreement is documented in the IP annually;

(II) Neither the member nor the non-member are determined to be at risk or harm; and

(III) Neither the member not the non-member are eighteen (18) years are older; and

(ii) Consideration is given to age, gender, support needs, behavioral health needs, number of restrooms available in the home, and total household square footage.

(D) Is finished with standard construction walls or partitions that go from floor to ceiling;

(E) Is adequately ventilated, heated, cooled, and lighted;

(F) Includes an individual bed for each member consisting of a frame, box spring when other support is not included in the frame, and a mattress at least thirty-six (36) inches wide, unless a specialized bed is required to meet identified needs. Cots, rollaway beds, couches, futons, air mattresses, and folding beds are not used for members. The division director or designee may make exceptions for temporary respite when the Personal Support Team (Team) is able to demonstrate that privacy can be maintained.

(i) Each bed has clean bedding in good condition consisting of a mattress pad, bedspread, two (2) sheets, pillow, pillowcase, and blankets adequate for the weather.

(ii) Sheets and pillowcases are laundered at least weekly or more often if necessary.

(iii) Waterproof mattress covers are used for members who are incontinent;

(G) Has sufficient space for each member's clothing and personal effects, including hygiene and grooming supplies.

(i) Members are allowed to keep and use reasonable amounts of personal belongings and have private, secure storage space.

(ii) The provider assists the member in furnishing and decorating the member's bedroom.

(iii) Window coverings are in good condition and allow privacy for members;

(H) Is on ground level for members with impaired mobility or who are non-ambulatory; and

(I) Is in close enough proximity to the provider to alert the provider to nighttime needs or emergencies, or be equipped with an alert system.

(5) Food.

(A) Adequate storage is available to maintain food at the proper temperature, including a properly working refrigerator such that, and to keep food protected from dirt and contamination to prevent spoilage.

(B) Utensils, dishes, glassware, and food supplies not stored in bedrooms, bathrooms, or living areas.

(D) Food storage and preparation areas and equipment must be clean, free of offensive odors, and in good repair.

(6) Phone.

(A) There is a working phone in the home that is available and accessible for the member's use, including during periods of time when the member is home alone.

(B) Phone numbers to the home and providers are kept current and provided to DDS and, when applicable, the provider agency.

(7) Safety.

(A) Buildings must meet all applicable state building, mechanical, and housing codes.

(B) Heating, in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, and electrical equipment, including wood stoves, are installed in accordance with all applicable fire and life safety codes. Such equipment is used and maintained properly and kept in good repair.

(i) Fireplaces are required to have protective glass screens or metal mesh curtains attached at top and bottom.

(ii) Unvented portable oil, gas, or kerosene heaters are prohibited.

(D) Hardware for all exit and interior doors must have an obvious operation method that cannot be locked against egress.

(8) Emergencies.

(A) Working smoke detectors are provided in each bedroom, adjacent hallways, and in two (2) story homes, at the top of each stairway. Alarms are equipped with a device that has a low battery warning when battery operated.

(B) At least one (1) working fire extinguisher is in a readily accessible location.

(D) The provider:

(i) Maintains a working carbon monoxide detector in the home;

(ii) Maintains the home's written evacuation plan evacuation training with the member;

(iii) Conducts fire drills quarterly and severe weather drills twice per year;

(iv) Makes fire and severe weather drill documentation available for DDS review;

(v) Has a written back-up plan for temporary housing in the event of an emergency; and

(vi) Is responsible for re-establishing a residence if the home becomes uninhabitable.

(E) A first aid kit is available in the home.

(F) The home's address is clearly visible from the street.

(9) Special hazards.

(A) Firearms and other dangerous weapons are stored in a locked permanent enclosure. Ammunition is stored in a separate locked location. Providers are prohibited from assisting members to obtain, possess, or use dangerous or deadly weapons, per OAC 340:100-5-22.1.

(B) Flammable and combustible liquids and hazardous materials are safely and properly stored in original, properly labeled containers.

(C) Cleaning supplies, medical sharps containers, poisons, and insecticides are properly stored in original, properly labeled containers in a safe area away from food, food preparation areas, dining areas, and medications.

(D) Illegal substances are not permitted on the premises.

(10) Vehicles.

(A) All vehicles used to transport members meet local and state requirements for accessibility, safe transit, licensing, inspection, insurance, and capacity.

(B) Drivers have valid and appropriate driver licenses.

(11) Medication. Medication for the member is stored, per OAC 340:100-5-32.

(12) Pets. Sanitation for household pets and other domestic animals is required to prevent health hazards.

(A) For all household pets, proof of rabies and/or other vaccinations as required by a licensed veterinarian is maintained on the premises.

(B) Pets not confined in enclosures must not jeopardize the safety of residents and visitors to the home.

(C) Animals and pets are in good health, do not show evidence of carrying disease, and do not present a threat to member health, safety, or welfare.

(D) Appropriate supervision is required when the member is in the presence of household animals and pets.

(E) If an animal or pet bites a member, the provider ensures the member receives medical treatment when appropriate, contacts designated DDS staff as soon as the member is safe, and completes an incident report per OAC 340:100-3-34.

(e) Evaluating the applicant and home. The initial home profile evaluation includes, but is not limited to:

(1) Evaluating the applicant's:

(A) Interest and motivation;

(B) Life skills;

(D) Methods of behavior support and discipline;

(E) Marital status, background, and household composition;

(F) Income and money management; and

(G) Teamwork and supervision, back-up plan, and relief use; and

(2) Assessment and recommendation. DDS staff:

(A) Evaluates the applicant's ability to provide services;

(B) Assesses the applicant's overall compatibility with the service recipient, ensuring the lifestyles and personalities of each are compatible for the shared living arrangement. The applicant:

(i) Expresses a long term commitment to the service member unless the applicant will only be providing respite services;

(ii) Demonstrates the skills to meet the member's needs;

(iii) Expresses an understanding of the commitment required as a service provider;

(iv) Expresses an understanding of the impact the arrangement will have on personal and family life;

(v) Demonstrates the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships, especially during stressful situations; and

(vi) Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with others in a team process;

(D) Ensures that when the applicant does not meet standards, per OAC 317:40-5-40, the final recommendation includes:

(i) A basis for the denial decision;

(ii) An effective date for determining the applicant does not meet standards; and

(iii) Reasons for denying a request to be a provider. Reasons may include, but are not limited to:

(I) A lack of stable, adequate income to meet the applicant's own or total family needs, or poor management of the available income;

(II) A physical facility that is inadequate to accommodate the addition of a member to the home or presents health or safety concerns;

(III) The applicant's age, health, or any other condition that impedes his or her ability to provide appropriate care for a member;

(IV) Relationships in the applicant's household that are unstable and unsatisfactory;

(V) The applicant's, other family member's or household member's mental health of the applicant or other family or household member that impedes the applicant's ability to provide appropriate care for a member;

(VI) The applicant's failure to complete verifications in a timely manner as requested, or the applicant's provision of incomplete, inconsistent, or untruthful information;

(VII) The home is determined unsuitable for the member requiring placement;

(VIII) Confirmed abuse, neglect, or exploitation of any person;

(IX) Confidentiality breach;

(X) Applicant or provider involvement in criminal activity or criminal activity in the home;

(XI) Failures to complete training, per OAC 340:100-3-38;

(XII) Home's failure to meet standards per subsection (d) of this Section;

(XIII) Failure to follow applicable OKDHS or Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) rules;

(XIV) References who are guarded or have reservations in recommending the applicant; and

(XV) The applicant's failure to complete the application in a timely manner.

(E) Notifies the applicant in writing of the home profile's final approval or denial; and

(F) Completes a final written assessment when an application is canceled or withdrawn prior to the home profile's completion. The written assessment includes the:

(i) Reason the application was canceled or withdrawn;

(ii) DDS staff impression of the applicant based on information obtained; and

(iii) Effective cancellation or withdrawal date. Written notice is sent to the applicant to confirm application cancellation or withdrawal, and a copy is included in local and State Office records.

(f) Unrelated habilitation training specialist (HTS) staff home. Designated DDS staff and provider agency staff work together to complete a home evaluation when the member lives with an unrelated HTS staff.

(1) The provider agency:

(A) Obtains pre-employment screening in compliance with OAC 340:100-3-39;

(B) Obtains background checks for all household residents in accordance with (b) (4) of this Section; and

(2) Designated DDS staff:

(A) Assesses household members' appropriateness;

(B) Develops an evacuation plan;

(D) Ensures pet vaccinations are current;

(E) Evaluates any other conditions that may affect the health or safety of a member's care; and

(F) Completes a home safety inspection initially and annually, then as needed.

(g) Evaluation frequency. Home profile evaluations are completed for an applicant's initial approval or denial. After an initial approval, a home profile review is conducted annually and as needed for compliance and continued approval. DDS area residential services staff conducts at least biannual home visits to SFC providers. The annual home profile review is a comprehensive review of the living arrangement, the provider's continued ability to meet standards, and the member's and home's needs to ensure ongoing compliance with home standards. A home profile review is conducted when a provider notifies DDS of his or her intent to move to a new residence. DDS staff assesses the home to ensure the new home meets home standards and is suitable to meet the member's needs. The annual home profile review:

(1) Includes information specifically related to the provider's home and is documented, as an annual review;

(2) Includes a medical examination report completed a minimum of every three (3) years following the initial approval, unless medical circumstances warrant more frequent completion;

(3) Includes information from the DDS case manager, the Child Welfare specialist, Adult Protective Services, and Office of Client Advocacy staff, and the provider agency program coordinator when applicable;

(4) Includes information from the service member indicating satisfaction with service and a desire to continue the arrangement;

(5) Includes service areas where improvement is needed;

(6) Includes service areas where progress was noted or were of significant benefit to the member;

(7) Ensures background investigation, per OAC 317:40-5-40(b), is repeated every year, except for the OSBI and FBI national criminal history search;

(8) Ensures the FBI national criminal history search, per OAC 317:40-5-40(b)(4)(A)(ii), is repeated every five (5) years;

(9) When applicable, ensures written notification of continued provider approval to providers and agencies; and

(10) Includes written notification to providers and agencies when the provider or agency fails to comply with the home standards, per OAC 317:40-5-40, including correction deadlines for the identified standards.

(h) Home profile denial. Reasons a home profile review may be denied include, but are not limited to, reasons stated in subsection (e) (2) (D) (iii) (I through XIII) of this Section and:

(1) Provider's failure to complete tasks related to problem resolution, as agreed, per OAC 340:100-3-27;

(2) Provider's failure to complete an action plan, as agreed, per OAC 317:40-5-63;

(3) Failure to provide for the service member's care and well-being;

(4) Failure or continued failure to implement the member's Individual Plan, per OAC 340:100-5-50 through 100-5-58;

(5) Failure to report changes in the household;

(6) Decline in the provider's health to the point he or she can no longer meet the service member's needs;

(7) Provider employment without prior DDS area residential services programs manager approval; or

(8) Domestic disputes that cause emotional distress to the member.

(i) Placement termination. When an existing placement is terminated for any reason:

(1) The Team meets to develop an orderly transition plan; and

(2) DDS staff ensures the member's and state property are removed promptly and appropriately by the member or his or her designee.

INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF 317:40-5-40

Revised 2-9-15

1. Evaluating the applicant and home.

(1) Interest and motivation. Explore the applicant's interest and motivation for providing services by asking the questions in (A) through (H) of this paragraph.

(A) How did the applicant learn about the applicable Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program?

(B) Is there an existing relationship between the applicant and a specific member for placement? If so, explain the relationship.

(C) Why does the applicant wish to expand the applicant's family?

(D) Has the applicant ever had a home profile completed? If so, when, where, and what were the results?

(E) Is assuming the care of a member, in part, an attempt to work through a loss or to repeat or replace a major relationship?

(F) What expectations does the applicant have for the member?

(G) Is the extended family supportive of the decision to participate in the applicable HCBS program?

(H) Has the applicant had experience with an individual with developmental disabilities? If not, the applicant is made aware of the physical and emotional requirements of a person for whom the applicant may provide care.

(2) Applicant and any other adult in the home. Knowledge of past experience and influences is vital in understanding the applicant's and other adult's current functioning. Significant areas of study include:

(A) life skills and general attitudes of the applicant;

(B) childhood relationships with parents, siblings, relatives, or other meaningful persons, asking what each adult's childhood was like;

(C) experiences, such as death, illness, divorce, or poverty that had an impact on each person's attitudes, feelings, and expectations;

(D) whether the applicant ever knew anyone who was sexually or physically abused. When so, the applicant's experience is explored in depth and information is included in Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Form 06AC047E, Home Profile Notes;

(E) concepts of appropriate behavior support and discipline and the manner in which behavior supports must be administered, especially as applied to persons with developmental disabilities;

(F) the meaning of education and training to the applicant;

(G) the general physical and emotional health of household members.

(i) Adult family members must complete DHS Form 06AC011E, Family Health History.

(ii) When a household member has a physical disability, does the disability affect the ability to function as a provider of services providing adequate care and supervision? When yes, in what manner?

(iii) Do any household members experience a medical or emotional condition? Is any household member under professional care for any condition that requires the use of prescribed drugs or narcotics? If any household member uses prescribed drugs or narcotics, explore the extent of the use;

(H) the emotional abilities of family members to provide services.

(i) If any household member previously received psychiatric or psychological counseling, the circumstances and results must be explored in depth.

(ii) A release of information is obtained allowing contact with the person who provided the counseling;

(I) the applicant's physical description;

(J) an employment record regarding work stability and satisfaction derived from employment;

(K) social relationships with members of the community, including hobbies, skills, talents, and special interests;

(L) religious influences, affiliations, and activities.

(i) Does the applicant have any specific religious beliefs that may affect a member in areas, such as dress code, holiday observances, medical care, daily living, or social activities?

(ii) Will the applicant ensure the member is able to attend the member's choice of place of worship as often as desired and practice his or her faith as desired;

(M) the reaction to stressful situations;

(N) the current relationships within the family, including marital and parent-child relationships;

(O) the relationship with children, adults and minors, living outside of the home. Adult children must be interviewed by DDS staff in writing, by phone, or in person;

(P) special training, ability, or experience in working with or caring for a person with physical disabilities, mental retardation, behavior problems, emotional disturbances, or other special needs;

(Q) guidelines for background investigations during annual reviews:

(i) yearly Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) background checks are not necessary as RapBack serves the purpose for a yearly Oklahoma criminal background check for active, specialized foster parents and/or companion homes.

(ii) The Federal Bureau of Investigation does not have a program similar to OSBI RapBack and continued fingerprinting for national criminal history records checks is necessary for active, specialized foster parents and/or companion homes every five years.

(S) explanations of any arrests or convictions, including status of parole or probation, from information obtained from the required background investigation per OAC 317:40-5-40(b); and

(T) explanations of any allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of child, adult, or animal.

(i) If there are no findings on the required searches, the absence of findings is stated as such on DHS Form 06ACO47E, Home Profile Notes.

(ii) A copy of background investigation searches and findings is included in local and State Office records.

(3) Children in the home. Provide a description of children in the home regarding:

(A) age and physical appearance;

(B) personality, interests, and skills;

(C) strengths and problems in parent-child relationships, school adjustment, behavior, and health;

(D) ability to get along with other persons, especially persons with developmental disabilities;

(E) physical or developmental disabilities and health, including current immunizations;

(F) attitude toward having a relationship with a person who has developmental disabilities; and

(G) depending on age, attitude toward persons receiving services.

(4) Behavior support and discipline. Applicants are advised on discipline and behavior management, per OAC 340:110-5-62, and individual planning and protective intervention, per OAC 340:100-5-50 through 340:100-5-57.

(A) DDS staff discusses with the applicant how he or she disciplines his or her natural children.

(i) When there is a divergence between DHS policy and the methods used to discipline natural children, DDS staff explores how the applicant will deal with any problems that may result from this difference.

(ii) DDS staff discusses with the applicant how the applicant was disciplined as a child and any effects it has on the applicant's attitude toward discipline.

(iii) From information obtained through training and discussion with the applicant, DDS staff documents the applicant's understanding and acceptance of applicable Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) or DHS policy on DHS Form 06AC047E, Home Profile Notes. This information is considered in the final recommendation.

(iv) DDS staff determines whether there is agreement among all adults in the household on methods of discipline.

(v) Any applicant who does not agree to abide by applicable OHCA or DHS policy is not approved to provide services.

(B) Members may require behavior supports. An Individual Plan (IP) is developed by the Personal Support Team (Team) that includes the service provider.

(C) Prohibited procedures, per OAC 340:100-5-58, must be upheld in the home.

(5) Marital status and background, household composition, and children. DDS staff documents aspects of the applicant's marital status.

(A) Current marriage, when applicable. DDS staff describes the applicant's marriage regarding:

(i) the length of the present marriage;

(ii) the stability of the marriage;

(iii) the methods used to resolve marital problems; and

(iv) whether the decision to become a provider is a joint decision.

(B) Previous marriage, when applicable. DDS staff discusses with the provider, his or her previous marriage regarding the:

(i) number and lengths of the previous marriages;

(ii) reason the marriages ended; and

(iii) children involved, visitation, and child support arrangements, if applicable.

(C) Single or never married. When the applicant is not married, DDS staff discusses the:

(i) best and most difficult aspects of being single;

(ii) applicant's source of support; and

(iii) significant adult relationships in the applicant's life.

(6) Income and money management. Verification of income and expenses is required.

(A) DHS Form 06AC009E, Financial Assessment, must be completed.

(B) Any financial problem areas are discussed and included in DHS Form 06AC047E.

(C) The applicant, and family when applicable, shows financial stability by being able to pay their bills and to live within their financial means.

(7) Teamwork and supervision, back-up plan, and use of relief. DHS Form 06AC047E includes a brief description of the:

(A) fundamental responsibility of DHS to meet the member's physical, emotional, and medical needs;

(B) responsibility of the provider for the member's daily care ensuring all areas of need are met;

(C) primary responsibility of Child Welfare Services staff and the DDS case manager as liaisons in all planning with the member, natural family, provider, Team, provider agency, and court, as applicable;

(D) situations necessitating placement;

(E) varying lengths of time for which members require services;

(F) characteristics of members requiring services;

(G) differences between service provision and adoption;

(H) importance of teamwork in:

(i) working toward member reunification with his or her biological family, if appropriate; or

(ii) when reunification is not possible, developing an alternative permanent plan for the member; and

(I) OHCA and DHS policies and procedures regarding:

(i) room and board payments;

(ii) clothing provisions;

(iii) medical care;

(iv) behavior support;

(v) confidentiality;

(vi) education; and

(vii) religious training.

2. Consultation. Consultation may be obtained from the DDS area residential programs manager, area manager, or State Office residential programs manager in the assessment and recommendation process.