Library: Policy

340:75-7-24. Kinship placement for the child in Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) custody

Revised 10-22-24

(a) Kinship care. Per Section 1-9-106 of Title 10A of the Oklahoma Statutes (10A O.S. § 1-9-106), OKDHS establishes standards for kinship foster care.

(1) Per 10A O.S. § 1-4-204, when determining the placement of a child in OKDHS custody, OKDHS gives preference to relatives and persons who have a kinship relationship with the child. OKDHS makes diligent efforts to place the child accordingly and, per 10A O.S. § 1-4-704, reports to the court the efforts made to secure a placement for the child in the least restrictive, most family-like setting, in reasonable proximity to the child's home, and where the child's special needs may be met. ■ 1

(2) When the child is not placed with a relative who was considered for placement, OKDHS notifies the court in writing the reasons the relative was denied placement and becomes part of the court record, per 10A O.S. § 1-4-204. ■ 9

(3) When the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) applies, ICWA placement preferences are followed. The Indian child in foster care is placed in the following order of preference, absent good cause to the contrary, with:

(A) a member of the Indian child's extended family as specified by the child's tribe;

(B) a foster home licensed, approved, or specified by the Indian child's tribe;

(D) an institution for children approved by an Indian tribe or operated by an Indian organization that has a program suitable to meet the Indian child's needs. If the Indian child's tribe has established by resolution a different order of preference, the tribe's placement preferences must be applied.

(b) Kinship relationships. Kinship relationships are identified in (1) through (5) of this subsection.

(1) Related by blood. Maternal and paternal blood relatives considered as kinship, including half-blood relatives, are:

(A) siblings;

(B) grandparents including those denoted by prefixes of great and great-great;

(D) nieces and nephews including those denoted by prefixes of grand and great-grand; and

(E) cousins.

(2) Related by marriage. Relationships created by marriage, as described in (1) of this subsection, whether by common-law or ceremony include:

(A) step-relations; and

(B) the previous relationship designation prior to the termination of the marriage by death or divorce.

(3) Related by adoption. Relatives by adoption as described in (1) and (2) of this subsection are considered kinship.

(4) Related by emotional tie or bond. An emotional tie or bond exists when a child or the child's parent acknowledges and accepts a person as part of the extended family or in the family's close network of friends and relationships. Individuals with whom a child in OKDHS custody establishes a relationship after the child's out-of-home placement may be considered as a non-relative kinship placement after an assessment of the child's case.

(A) When the child is in protective or OKDHS emergency custody, OKDHS gives priority to the child's noncustodial parent for placement, unless the placement is not in the child's best interests.

(B) When the child cannot be placed with the noncustodial parent, the child's placement is made, per 10A O.S. § 1-4-204. ■ 9

(5) Parent not considered kinship. A kinship placement does not include:

(A) the child's custodial or noncustodial parent with whom the child is placed or to whom the child is returned; or

(B) a parent whose parental rights are terminated.

(c) Residence requirement for kinship applicants. For kinship applicants or adult household members who have not lived continuously in Oklahoma for the past five years, OKDHS must obtain the child abuse and neglect registry checks from the previous state(s) of residence, when a registry is available, prior to the child's placement in a kinship resource home, per 10A O.S. § 1-7-111.

(d) Initial kinship placement. ■ 3 & 4 Per 10A O.S. § 1-9-106, a child may be placed in the kinship resource home prior to final approval of the applicant

(e) Kinship Resource Family Assessment (KRFA). Per 10A O.S. § 1-7-111, OKDHS conducts an assessment of the applicant's and each household member's background and other circumstances and conditions to determine if the applicants, household members, references, and home environment is suitable and provides a safe environment for the child in OKDHS custody requiring foster care. The goal of KRFA is to prepare a kinship caregiver's home for children. The intention is to support and strengthen families and exercise flexibility for what each child needs. This includes an assessment of:

(1) consideration of each family member's criminal and child welfare histories; ■ 3

(2) an assessment of the kinship caregiver(s); ■ 5 and

(3) an assessment of the kinship caregiver(s) physical environment. ■ 3 & 4

(f) Kinship resource applicant criminal history records searches. ■ 13

(1) In determining the suitability of the prospective kinship home, OKDHS uses the OKDHS Office of Background Investigations (OBI) to perform a name-based state criminal history records search, per procedures set forth in Section 901 et seq. of Title 28 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(2) When OKDHS OBI is not operational, OKDHS may elect to contract or otherwise collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to perform a name-based state and federal criminal history records search followed by fingerprint verification, per 10A O.S. § 1-7-115.

(g) Kinship maintenance payment option. ■ 14 The kinship applicant may opt for:

(1) an OKDHS foster care maintenance payment; or

(2) a money payment that the child is eligible for, instead of the foster care maintenance payment, when the child lived with the kinship applicant continuously for at least twelve months.

(A) The foster care maintenance payment is reduced by the amount of the money payment when the money payment is less than the foster care maintenance payment. Refer to OAC 340:75-7-52.1 for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits received for a parent who is deceased or disabled.

(B) Payment may include:

(i) other financial resources, per OAC 340:75-13-28; or

(ii) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, per OAC 340:10-9.

(h) Kinship start-up and training stipend. ■ 14 The kinship resource family that has not been approved within the preceding five years is entitled to receive, per OKDHS Appendix C-20, Child Welfare Services Rates Schedule, a:

(1) one-time kinship start-up stipend to assist with initial expenditures for each child placed in the home for 14-consecutive days; and

(2) training stipend.

(i) Foster care maintenance payments begin when the kinship foster parent receives final approval. Per 10A O.S. § 1-9-106, the kinship resource parent is not entitled to any payments for providing foster care until the resource parent receives final approval from OKDHS. Final approval may only be granted after completion and disposition of the Kinship RFA. ■ 14

(j) Number of children in the kinship resource home. OKDHS determines the number and ages of children placed in each kinship resource home per, OAC 340:75-7-18.

(k) Authorization to check applicant's references. The kinship applicant grants OKDHS permission to contact the applicant's references by signing Form 04AF001E, Resource Family Application. Information obtained from the references is confidential and may only be released upon order of a court with competent jurisdiction. ■ 3

INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF 340:75-7-24

Revised 10-22-24

1. Kinship. OKDHS makes efforts to place a child in a kinship placement. The resource specialist carefully considers the child's physical and emotional health and safety when identifying prospective kin providers.

2. Initial kinship request. The resource specialist initiates:

(1) emergency kinship requests the day the request is made; and

(2) all other kinship requests within two business days.

3. Initial kinship placement. Prior to placement, the resource specialist:

(1) documents:

(A) Form 04AD003E, Request for Background Check, with all required signatures and results received for the applicant and each adult household member, per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340:75-7-15;

(B) Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) records search, including Child Welfare Services (CWS) records, and documents the applicant and each adult household member on Form 04AF007E, Records Check Documentation. A Juvenile On-line Tracking System (JOLTS) review for any child 13 through 17 years of age living in the home is included, per OAC 340:75-7-15. When an applicant or adult living in the home has not lived continuously in Oklahoma for the past five years, the resource specialist obtains the child abuse and neglect registry checks from the previous state(s) of residence, when a registry is available. The applicant and each adult living in the home submit fingerprints for a national criminal history records search to expedite the initial placement approval process. Guidance on the fingerprint process is found in OAC 340:75-7-15;

(C) Form 04FC001E, Initial Kinship Placement Agreement, with all required signatures;

(D) Form 04AF001E, Resource Family Application, with all required signatures;

(E) assessment of the kinship caregiver(s) physical environment and Form 04MP061E, Water Safety Agreement, with all required signatures;

(F) Form 04AF021E, Verification of Receipt of OKDHS Rules, with all required signatures;

(G) references; including:

(i) a phone interview with three personal references, only one of whom is a family member. When all other requirements are satisfied and the placement is occurring after 10:00 p.m., the child may be placed and references contacted the next calendar day;

(ii) OKDHS does not deny the continuation of the resource application process based solely on information a reference provides. When a reference provides information requiring further explanation from the applicant, the resource specialist discusses the nature of the information without revealing the source; and

(iii) requests consultation with the resource supervisor and field manager to determine the significance of the information provided by a reference, who:

(I) has a history of abuse, neglect, or both that includes victimization by the applicant;

(II) disagrees with the applicant's desire to foster; or

(III) has other concerns about his or her ability to parent; and

(H) Form 04AF052E, Initial Kinship Safety Evaluation and Assessment Tool, that includes a staffing with his or her resource supervisor prior to the initial kinship placement approval; and

(2) copies the KIDS Pre-Resource to a Resource after the child is placed in the kinship resource home and the initial placement requirements are completed, per OAC 340:75-7-24;

(3) documents the kinship applicant's relationship in KIDS Resource General Information screen;

(4) end dates the KIDS Pre-Resource after conversion to a Resource; and

(5) when requesting an out-of-district kinship placement, creates and assigns a KIDS Pre-Resource to the district where the kinship applicant resides.

4. Assessment of the kinship caregiver(s) physical environment. An in-home evaluation of the applicant's residence is conducted to assess the location, condition, and capacity to accommodate the child in OKDHS custody who requires kinship foster care and includes:

(1) The location of the home. The home is accessible to school, medical, and recreational resources.

(2) The condition of the home and property. The home is clean and safe and any structures on the property that are accessible to a child are in a safe condition. The home and surroundings are evaluated regarding possible safety concerns and addressed with a plan of supervision, when applicable.

(3) Age-appropriate equipment. Age-appropriate child care equipment, such as beds, high chairs, or toys are available, clean, and in good repair.

(4) Medication, cleaning supplies, and other hazardous materials storage. Medication, cleaning supplies, and other hazardous materials are securely stored to ensure safety for all children, and the resource specialist assesses the home environment for safety according to the physical and mental development of the children in the home, as provided by this subsection.

(A) All medications, prescribed and over-the-counter, are stored in a secure location. Guidelines for medication storage are found at https://www.cdc.gov/medicationsafety/ and may include a medication lock box to keep medications out of reach and sight of children.

(B) All medical marijuana or marijuana-infused products for medical use, including marijuana plants, are securely stored and inaccessible to children. The resource specialist obtains a copy of each individual's medical marijuana license, as applicable.

(iii) All cleaning supplies, alcohol, and other hazardous items are securely stored and inaccessible to children.

(5) Phone communications. The kinship applicant has access to an operable phone when a child is present.

(6) Transportation.

(A) The applicant:

(i) maintains a vehicle in safe working order that is capable of transporting children and:

(I) carries the statutorily mandated vehicle liability insurance;

(II) possesses a valid driver license; and

(III) has a current, valid vehicle license tag; or

(ii) provides an acceptable transportation plan for the child in OKDHS custody.

(B) The applicant is advised that proper passenger restraints are used at all times when a child in OKDHS custody is riding in a vehicle.

(C) The applicant agrees to transport all children and adults in compliance with applicable state law, per section 11-1112 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes (47 O.S. § 11-1112).

(7) Sleeping arrangements and privacy.

(A) The applicant's home provides a separate bed for each child, with the exception of siblings younger than 6 years of age who exhibit a need for mutual support.

(B) A separate bedroom is provided for a child who acts out sexually.

(C) Preferably, no more than two children share a bedroom. Primary consideration is given to related children according to age and emotional needs.

(D) The applicant's home provides separate bedrooms for children 7 years of age and older of the opposite sex.

(E) A child in OKDHS custody, with the exception of an infant who is younger than 12 months of age, does not share a bedroom with an adult in the household. Under no circumstances is a child of any age authorized to sleep with an adult.

(F) The applicant's home provides space for the child's personal possessions and for a reasonable degree of privacy.

(i) Cameras are not permitted to be placed in a bathroom.

(ii) Cameras are permitted in bedrooms until the age of 3 years old. If cameras are needed for a child above the age of 3 and due to child specific needs, the Field Manager may approve a waiver or variance.

(G) A designated bedroom is the preferred sleeping arrangement for children in OKDHS custody; however, a room or space in the home as a bedroom for a child in OKDHS custody may be designated if necessary due to limited living space. If using a common space for sleep, the resource specialist will ensure the child has a space for privacy.

(8) Infant sleeping arrangements. A crib, port-a-crib, or playpen with a firm, waterproof mattress or pad is used for each child younger than 12 months of age.

(A) Cribs, port-a-cribs, and playpens with more than two and 3/8 inches between slats or between the side and end panels are not allowed.

(B) Cribs with decorative cutout areas in crib-end panels or tall decorative knobs on the corner posts that may entrap a child's head or catch the child's clothing are not allowed.

(C) Cribs with drop-side latches have the manufacturer-provided kits to lock the crib side in the upright position due to safety hazards.

(D) Mattresses are tight-fitting with no more than one inch between the mattress and crib, port-a-crib, or playpen.

(E) Mattress and crib sheets fit snugly.

(F) Soft sleeping surfaces, such as soft mattresses, waterbeds, sofas, pillows, beanbag chairs, and inflatable mats are prohibited.

(G) Pillows, quilts, comforters and blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, bumper pads, breathable bumper pads, and other soft products are not permitted in the infant's crib, port-a-crib, or playpen.

(H) Infants birth through three months of age may be swaddled with an infant-sized, thin fabric, such as a receiving blanket.

(I) When placed for sleeping, items, such as pacifiers, teething necklaces, and bibs, are not attached to the infant or his or her clothing.

(J) An infant is immediately moved to a crib, port-a-crib, or playpen when he or she falls asleep in other equipment.

(K) Mobiles may be securely attached or hung above the crib provided no part of the mobile is within the infant's reach.

(9) Infant sleep positions.

(A) To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the infant younger than 12 months of age is placed on his or her back for sleeping, unless there is a medical reason documented by a health care professional that the infant cannot sleep on his or her back.

(B) The infant who is able to turn himself or herself over is placed initially on his or her back for sleeping but is allowed to sleep in the position he or she prefers.

(C) When there is a medical reason that an infant cannot or may not sleep on his or her back, the resource parent maintains documentation from a health care professional and a copy is filed in the resource file.

(10) Water safety.

(A) Form 04MP061E, Water Safety Agreement, is completed for all applicants.

(B) The definition of a water structure or water mass includes, but is not limited to:

(i) swimming pools;

(ii) decorative ponds;

(iii) farm ponds or streams;

(iv) fountains;

(v) wading pools;

(vi) hot tubs or spas; and

(vii) waterfalls.

(C) Any activity that involves a child in OKDHS custody wading or swimming is supervised at all times.

(D) All applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, and insurance requirements for pools are followed.

(E) A hot tub is equipped with a hard cover designed for a hot tub.

(F) The use of portable wading pools is monitored at all times. The wading pool is emptied at the end of each use.

(G) A water Safety Plan is developed and each adult identified to provide supervision for the child during water activities signs the water safety plan. The water Safety Plan includes appropriate measures to ensure the child's safety. Appropriate measures may include, but are not limited to:

(i) fencing. A water structure or water mass is fenced to prevent unsupervised access. There is a sturdy fence:

(I) at least four feet high that cannot be easily climbed; or

(II) that connects to the top of an above-ground pool and extends two feet above the pool or follows other specified safety guidelines; or

(ii) pool covers. A child-safety pool cover is placed over the water area each time the pool is not in use. Pool covers are completely removed prior to pool use;

(iii) locked doors. All doors and gates leading to the water structure, are locked;

(iv) pool alarms. Pool alarms are installed and operating when the pool is not in use;

(v) removable ladders. Removable ladders are removed from the water structure when not in use;

(vi) safety devices, such as lifejackets or rings;

(vii) swimming lessons; or

(viii) training, such as cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and first aid.

(11) Animal and household pet safety.

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

(B) When an animal bites a child, the applicant or parent obtains appropriate and immediate medical treatment and contacts the assigned child welfare (CW) specialist as soon as the child's safety is secured.

(i) Inquiry is made regarding when any animal displayed aggressive behavior, bit anyone, or required restraint due to the animal's nature.

(ii) To determine the safety issues for children, the resource specialist or RFA contractor contacts the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife or the veterinarian of record when the applicant has an exotic animal and documents the information in the KIDS resource.

(12) Weapon safety. The kinship resource home follows requirements as outlined OAC 340:75-7-18.

(13) Disaster plans. Disaster plans are reviewed with each newly-placed child and periodically with all children in the home. The family disaster plan includes:

(A) a list of emergency phone numbers posted in an accessible and conspicuous place. The list includes:

(i) 911;

(ii) doctors' names and phone numbers;

(iii) health professionals or clinics;

(iv) fire and police departments;

(v) an ambulance service; and

(vi) the name and phone numbers of the alternate caregiver; and

(B) access to an operable phone at all times when a child in OKDHS custody is present;

(C) an evacuation plan in the event of a fire, tornado, earthquake, flood, ice storm, or other natural, state, or national disaster; and

(D) first aid procedures and supplies.

5. Assessment of the kinship caregiver(s). After initial kinship placement and prior to final approval, on-going assessment of the family includes, but is not limited to:

(1) assessment of applicant's marital and relationship history. The applicant has stable relationships whether married, single, separated, or divorced. The applicant's ability to develop and sustain stable relationships is assessed and documented;

(2) household income. OKDHS will support the applicant kinship family in locating resources to ensure they have sufficient income or community resources to meet the needs of an additional child placed in the kinship home;

(3) interview(s) with applicable adult(s) and child(ren; and

(4) if applicable, adult children are contacted to provide an Adult Child Reference.

6. Kinship Resource Family Assessment (KRFA) disposition. Upon completion of the KRFA and review of the information gathered, a decision is made regarding final approval within 30 days of the initial kinship placement. Efforts are taken to approve the home for the identified kinship relative or non-relative child(ren). If the resource specialist identifies needs which could affect the health or safety of child(ren) in the home, the resource specialist:

(1) KRFA approval. Upon approval of the KRFA, the resource specialist:

(A) signs, and obtains the signatures of the family and resource supervisor on, the KRFA; and

(B) enters the KRFA approval date in the Family Assessment Line in KIDS. The resource supervisor approves the Family Assessment Line in KIDS within three-business days for a kinship resource home.

(2) KRFA approval with concerns. If the resource specialist identifies needs which could affect the health or safety of child(ren) in the home, the resource specialist:

(A) discusses with the supervisor and/or Field Manager, and the child’s assigned specialist and supervisor:

(i) available resources from the community, OKDHS, and resource family to support the resource home to address concern(s);

(ii) identification and assignment of action items, staff responsibilities and due date; and

(B) creates a contact in the KIDS Pre-Resource documenting resources discussed and disposition decision. Upon approval, the resource specialist:

(i) signs, and obtains the signatures of the family and resource supervisor on, the KRFA;

(ii) enters the KRFA approval date in the Family Assessment Line in KIDS. The resource supervisor approves the Family Assessment Line in KIDS within three-business days for a kinship resource home; and

(iii) enters a resource alert in the KIDS resource according to OAC:340-75-7-94.

7. Kinship application denial criteria. When concerns cannot be mitigated by supports and/or services and a decision is made to deny a kinship applicant as a resource parent, the applicant is provided an explanation regarding the reasons for the denial. Reasons for denying an application may include, but are not limited to:

(1) the physical facility presents health or safety concerns;

(2) a household member that has a history of alleged or confirmed child abuse, neglect, or both, per OAC 340:75-7-15;

(3) a household member that has a history of arrests or convictions, per OAC 340:75-7-15;

(4) any household member's health, behavioral health, or any condition that impedes the applicant's ability to provide appropriate care for a child;

(5) relationships in the household present health or safety concerns;

(6) references that are guarded or have reservations in recommending the applicant;

(7) the applicant fails to complete the application or provides incomplete, inconsistent, or untruthful information; and

(8) one or more factors concerning any household member or conditions in the home, as described in the denial letter, renders the applicant or home environment inappropriate as a resource home.

8. Kinship application denial process.

(1) Before the resource home application is denied, the resource specialist:

(A) shares the information with the resource supervisor;

(B) consults with the field manager when determining whether to deny an application;

(C) documents all information obtained in the resource file and KIDS Pre-Resource or Resource Contacts;

(D) documents and summarizes the reasons for application denial including identification of supporting documentation in KIDS Pre-Resource or Resource Contacts;

(E) references the contact entry date from (iv) in the Application tab of the Results screen comments box in the Pre-Resource or in the Resource closure screen;

(F) notifies the child’s assigned specialist of the decision to deny; and

(G) scans the documentation into the KIDS Pre-Resource or Resource document management system (DMS) and closes the Pre-Resource or Resource.

(2) When possible, the resource specialist makes face-to-face or phone contact with the applicant to clarify the reason for denying the application.

(3) Form 04FC020E, Notice of Denial to Resource Applicant, is sent to the applicant stating the reason for the application denial. Relevant OKDHS rules or procedures are cited and attached to the letter.

9. Notification to court of relative denied placement. When the relative considered for placement is denied placement, Form 04MP056E, Notice to the Court of Relative Denied Placement, is submitted. The resource specialist:

(1) communicates all information regarding the relative denial with the CW specialist and CW supervisor that initiated the placement relative request. The CW specialist conveys the identified safety concerns, diminished protective capacities of the applicant(s) and articulates how these cannot be mitigated by supports and/or services resulting in the denial decision; and

(2) must be available to attend any court hearings when requested by either the court or other Child Welfare Services (CWS) programs. The resource specialist maintains confidentiality during court proceedings while still articulating the safety concerns and potential risks to a child. The resource specialist consults with the resource supervisor prior to appearing in court. Prior to the court appearance, the resource supervisor determines with the resource field manager or OKDHS Legal Services if a higher level staffing is needed.

10. Waivers to kinship assessment guidelines. Upon the applicant's or CW specialist's request, OKDHS may grant a waiver, at its discretion, of specific rules or standards that do not compromise a child's safety and does not violate federal or state statutes.

11. Authority to approve or deny resource home and Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) assessments. OKDHS determines the final disposition of each resource home and ICPC assessment completed by OKDHS or RFA contractors.

12. Changes in the household.

(1) The resource parent immediately notifies the resource specialist of any:

(A) charges, arrests, or any alleged illegal activity the applicant or any household member commits; and

(B) proceeding for a protective order filed by or against the applicant or any household member.

(2) The resource parent notifies the resource specialist within 24-hours of any household change including, but not limited to:

(A) the address or the home's location, including emergency home displacement;

(B) any significant change in the home that impacts the family's day-to-day living;

(C) the resource parent's death or serious illness;

(D) any household member's health;

(E) income;

(F) individuals moving in or moving out of the home for any reason; or

(G) new or terminated relationships.

(i) When the resource parents divorce, separate, or the relationship ends, the person who continues to foster retains the existing resource number and information.

(ii) An addendum is completed and documented in KIDS Resource Contacts to reflect the household changes.

(iii) The Out-of-House Date and Reason are entered in KIDS Resource Homes screen.

(iv) When both resource parents want to continue to foster, the primary resource parent maintains the original KIDS resource number and another resource is opened cross-referencing the original resource number.

(v) When the primary resource parent does not want to continue fostering and the designated head of household (HOH) 2 elects to foster, he or she becomes HOH 1 in the existing KIDS Resource. The person who wants to continue fostering signs a new foster care contract, per OAC 340:75-7-52, and a new contract number is assigned.

(vi) When neither resource parent wants to foster, the KIDS Resource is closed.

(3) The resource specialist addresses any household changes or serious illnesses with the resource parent within seven-business days of the change or illness, and documents the information. An assessment is completed and conducted in the home regarding the parent's ability to continue providing care for a child in OKDHS custody.

(4) The resource specialist emails a vendor update with a copy of the Social Security card to *STO.Finance.VUR for name changes.

(5) The resource specialist updates address changes in KIDS. A vendor update is not sent for an address change. Address changes made in KIDS automatically update in OKDHS Financial Services.

(6) When a resource parent dies, the resource specialist consults the surviving HOH, when applicable, to determine his or her interest in continuing to foster.

(A) When the surviving HOH wants to continue as a resource parent, a new contract is signed and a new contract number is issued.

(B) When the surviving HOH does not want to continue as a resource parent, he or she may continue to access the debit card or direct deposit funds until reimbursement ceases.

(C) When there is no surviving HOH, the resource specialist obtains the:

(i) estate name;

(ii) documentation showing the estate's personal representative; and

(iii) address where the monies are mailed.

(D) The resource specialist provides needed information to the Resource Unit for submission to Child Welfare Services Finance and Business.

12. Kinship applicant criminal history records search after normal business hours or on a holiday.

(1) The resource specialist requests a name-based criminal history records search from OKDHS Office of Background Investigations (OBI).

(A) The resource specialist gives OKDHS OBI the name, race, gender, date of birth, and Social Security number of each person 18 years of age and older living in the household considered for the child's emergency placement.

(B) Each adult household member verbally agrees or completes and signs Form 04AD003E to initiate the search. If the applicant provides verbal permission to complete a background search, the resource specialist obtains the signature on Form 04AD003E.

(C) When requested by CWS, OKDHS OBI immediately conducts the requested name-based state criminal history records search, provides a verbal response on each person's criminal history, and if any orders of protection or outstanding warrants exist.

(D) The failure of any adult living in the household to permit a name-based criminal history records search results in denial of placement.

(2) When OKDHS OBI is not operational, the CW specialist asks local law enforcement to conduct a name-based National Crime Information Center (NCIC) criminal history search. With an NCIC history search when a child is placed in the home, fingerprints for the applicant and each adult household member must be provided and submitted to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) within five-business days.

(A) OKDHS gives local law enforcement the name, race, gender, date of birth, and Social Security number of each person, 18 years of age and older, living in the household considered for emergency placement of the child.

(C) When requested by OKDHS, local law enforcement immediately conducts the requested name-based state and federal criminal history records searches, provides a verbal response on each person's criminal history and on any orders of protection or outstanding warrants.

(D) The failure of any adult living in the household to permit a name-based criminal history records search or submit a full set of fingerprints and provide written permission authorizing OKDHS to forward the fingerprints to OSBI for an FBI national criminal history records search within the required five-business days results in denial of placement or the immediate removal of the child from the prospective kinship resource home.

(E) When a child is placed in the home, fingerprints are forwarded to OSBI within 15-calendar days after the results of the preliminary name-based records check are received.

(3) The resource specialist documents the criminal history records search by local law enforcement in the KIDS Resource Contacts and submits signed Form 04AD003E to OKDHS OBI the next business day.

13. Kinship stipend and maintenance payment.

(1) The kinship start-up stipend (KSUS) and training stipend are entered automatically by KIDS.

(A) KIDS generates the KSUS on the 15th day of the child's placement when the child is in the placement for 14-consecutive days.

(B) KIDS allows a date range for automatic payment of the training stipend.

(2) The resource specialist:

(A) refers the relative kinship applicant to the local OKDHS office to apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits pending completion of the assessment process to become a paid resource family;

(B) to avoid an overpayment, informs the Adult and Family Services worker no later than the next business day after the resource home requirements are completed, and the resource supervisor approved the resource in KIDS;

(C) obtains each kinship applicant's signature on a foster care contract within two-business days of placement, per OAC 340:75-7-52 Instructions to Staff, or when the applicant is a non-paid kinship resource home, on Form 04FC002E, Nonpaid Agreement;

(D) assists each adult applicant and all adult household members to complete the process to obtain fingerprints within five-calendar days;

(E) consults with the resource supervisor on a case-by-case basis to determine if a waiver to a non-safety requirement is appropriate; and

(F) assists the resource parent in completing Form 10AD006E, Travel Claim, for mileage, per OAC 340:75-7-65, when applicable.

14. Kinship Resource parent retention.

(1) Resource specialist response time. The resource specialist is the key person providing necessary information to the resource parent and engages in activities to support the resource parent's role and assists him or her navigate the CW system. The resource specialist commits to respond to the resource parent's questions and inquiries within one-business day.

(2) A monthly in-home visit with kinship resource parents is required. The resource specialist:

(A) prepares by reviewing previous resource contacts;

(B) utilizes Form 04AF041E, Guide for Monthly Resource Home Contact during the in-home visit; and

(C) provides ongoing support and addresses concerns or issues the resource family may have, potentially discussing additional supports which may include but are not limited to:

(i) an overfill support plan;

(ii) an on-going written plan of compliance (WPC);

(iii) an ongoing resource alert; or

(iv) other circumstances, as applicable.

(3) All monthly visits are documented as monthly contact in KIDS Resource Contacts.(2) The resource specialist:

(D) assists each adult applicant and all adult household members to complete the process to obtain fingerprints within five-calendar days;

(E) consults with the resource supervisor on a case-by-case basis to determine if a waiver to a non-safety requirement is appropriate; and

(F) assists the resource parent in completing Form 10AD006E, Travel Claim, for mileage, per OAC 340:75-7-65, when applicable.

15. Kinship resource family transfer to a resource family partner (RFP). When a kinship resource family is already approved as a supported foster home or is in the approval process with an RFP, the RFP may request the kinship resource family case be transferred to the RFP agency.

Library: Policy

INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF 340:75-7-24 Revised 10-22-24

INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF 340:75-7-24

Revised 10-22-24