Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 37 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Chapter 37.51 - YOUTH FOSTER HOMES
Subchapter 37.51.8 - Youth Rights
Rule 37.51.816 - YOUTH FOSTER HOMES: SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS

(1) Each foster child must sleep in a room designated as a bedroom that provides for privacy.

(2) Any room in which the child sleeps must have a window sufficiently large for an adult to enter or exit in an emergency.

(3) Children of the opposite sex who are five years of age or older may not share a bedroom.

(4) Children over 24 months of age may not routinely sleep in the same room with an adult unless approved by the department foster care licensing supervisor.

(5) A foster parent shall sleep within call of all foster children during the night or must use a baby monitor or other intercom system that will alert the foster parent to the child's call.

(6) A foster parent shall provide each child with their own bed, which must be at least 30 inches wide and of a length that is adequate for the child's height.

(7) A child under the age of four may be provided with a toddler bed that uses a standard crib mattress, is at least 28 inches wide, and is of a length adequate for the child's height.

(8) Children under age two must sleep in a crib, as defined in ARM 37.51.102(2).

(9) Each bed or crib must have appropriate bedding.

(10) Bunk beds more than two bunks high are prohibited. If bunk beds are used, the upper bunk must have a guardrail. Upper bunks may not be used by children under eight years of age.

(11) A foster parent shall provide each child with space in a closet, locker, or dresser for storage of the child's clothing and personal belongings. This storage space must be located in the child's sleeping area.

(12) When placement in a kinship foster home is determined to be in a child's best interests, an exception to one or more provisions (other than (8)(a)) of this rule may be granted by the department after careful review of the circumstances.