Mississippi Administrative Code
Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES
Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements
Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies
Section 18-7-1-XVI - REQUIREMENTS FOR VISITING FAMILY HOMES

Universal Citation: MS Code of Rules 18-7-1-XVI

Current through September 24, 2024

A. If the agency uses private family homes for visitation by children during weekends, holidays or vacations, the agency shall develop written policy and procedures including forms to be used in approving and utilizing these homes. Visiting families shall have limited involvement and decision making authority on the day-to-day activities of the children with whom they visit. Decisions about the safety, permanency and well-being of the child shall be made by the parent, legal guardian or the Department.

B. Visiting home policies and records shall include the following:

1. Prior to visit, child's worker must given written approval for all visits

2. A completed application listing demographic information and the family's reasons for requesting to be a visiting family home

3. A site visit and home assessment which addresses safety issues, documentation that visiting child shall have his/her own bed and shall not share a bedroom with any adult or persons of the opposite sex

4. Four written references which indicate the family can provide proper temporary care and supervision for a child, a criminal background and Central Registry check, and fingerprinting, shall be performed on all household members age 14 years and older.

5. A written and signed agreement which states the roles and responsibilities of both the agency and family

6. A signed statement agreeing to confidentiality regarding the child's situation and circumstances

7. A signed statement from the parent or legal guardian authorizing the child's participation in a visiting family home program

8. Employees of the Department shall not be utilized as visiting family homes.

9. Visits shall not exceed fourteen (14) consecutive nights.

10. Board payments shall not be made unless visiting family is also an approved Resource Home meeting all Resource Home requirements.

C. Prior to visitation, the agency shall discuss with the visiting family the child's likes, dislikes, needs, behavior and health issues including any allergies and medications.

D. The agency shall provide the visiting family with emergency contact names and telephone numbers.

E. The child shall be in agreement to each visit. (It is recommended that a preliminary visit between the child and family take place prior to an overnight visit.)

F. After visitation, the agency shall talk with the child to determine his/her feelings and experiences. Pertinent information shall be recorded in the child's records.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Mississippi may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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