Library: Policy

340:110-5-62. Discipline and behavior management

Revised 6-1-06

(a) Objective. Discipline contributes to the development of a capacity within the child for self-control and self-direction. The objective of discipline and behavior management is to provide a positive learning experience for the child to grow and develop and to learn acceptable standards of social behavior.

(b) Expectations of foster parents. Foster parents:

(1) recognize, encourage, and regard acceptable behavior;
(2) teach by example and use fair and consistent rules with logical consequences;
(3) use methods of discipline that are relevant to the behavior;
(4) supervise with an attitude of understanding, firmness, and discipline;
(5) give clear directions and provide guidance consistent with the child's level of understanding;
(6) redirect the child by stating alternatives when behavior is unacceptable;
(7) express themselves so the child understands that the child's feelings are acceptable but certain actions or behavior are not;
(8) help the child learn what conduct is acceptable in various situations;
(9) encourage the child to control the child's own behavior, cooperate with others and solve problems by talking things out;
(10) communicate with the child by showing an attitude of affection and concern; and
(11) encourage the child to consider others' feelings.

(c) Discipline and behavior management policy. The foster home agency (agency) complies with the requirements regarding discipline and behavior management contained in this subsection. The agency's discipline policy:

(1) is maintained in writing and current;
(2) is provided to foster parents;
(3) is available to the child and the child's parent or custodian;
(4) includes:

(A) the goal and purpose of the agency's discipline and behavior management program;
(B) approved methods of discipline and behavior management;
(C) a list of persons authorized to administer discipline and behavior management methods to children in foster care; and
(D) the agency's method of monitoring and documenting implementation of the policy; and

(5) prohibits punishment:

(A) of a physical nature, such as shaking, striking, spanking, or physical abuse;
(B) that constitutes emotional abuse, such as humiliation, name-calling, cursing, or degrading remarks regarding the child or the child's family;
(C) administered by one child to another child;
(D) that denies meals, sleep, or mail; and
(E) that places a child in a locked room.