Library: Policy

340:110-5-61.1. Alternative care arrangements

Revised 12-17-18

(a) Informal arrangements.The foster parent may make informal care arrangements with friends, neighbors, or relatives for occasional child care for no more than seven-consecutive calendar days.

(1) The foster parent:

(A) ensures informal care providers possess the maturity and skills to address the needs of the child in foster care;

(B) secures prior authorization for informal care from the foster home agency.Prior authorization may apply to multiple events when the same informal provider is used;

(C) does not utilize a child in foster care to babysit a younger child unless approved by the agency;

(D) provides the informal provider information for contacting the foster parent and other emergency contacts; and

(E) uses reasonable and prudent parent standards when selecting an informal caregiver.

(2) The informal provider who is living:

(A) outside of the home must be at least 18 years of age; or

(B) in the home must be at least 16 years of age and a foster parent's relative.

(3) An informal provider cannot be an individual excluded by Child Welfare Services.

(4) An individual providing care for more than seven-consecutive days must be approved as alternate care.

(b) Alternate care.The foster family is encouraged to develop a relationship with another family as an alternate provider who can provide care for the child in foster care in case of emergencies, vacations, or needed respite care.The agency must approve the alternate care and have documentation the alternate provider:

(1) is at least 21 years of age;

(2) obtained a criminal history records search within the last 12 months conducted by:

(A) the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) that includes a search of Oklahoma Department of Corrections files maintained by OSBI, per the Sex Offenders Registration Act for each household member, 18 years of age or older; and

(B) the authorized agency in the previous state of residence when the person resided in Oklahoma less than one year;

(3) meets the foster home requirements, per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340:110-5-60;

(4) provides one reference; and

(5) complies with discipline and behavior management requirements, per OAC OAC 340:110-5-62.