New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 18 - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Chapter II - Regulations of the Department of Social Services
Subchapter C - Social Services
Article 3 - Child-care Agencies
Part 444 - Host Family Homes
Subpart D - Administration of Host Family Home Program
Section 444.16 - Approval of Host Family Homes

(1) The host family home must be in good condition and present no hazard to the health and safety of children.

(2) The host family home must be in substantial compliance with all applicable state and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations.

(3) The physical space, construction and maintenance of the host family home and premises must be in good repair and kept in a sufficiently clean and sanitary condition so that the physical well-being as well as a reasonable degree of physical comfort is assured to the members of the host family home.

(4) Separate bedrooms are required for children of the opposite sex over 7 years of age, unless the children are siblings or half-siblings sharing the same bedroom and the alternative sleeping arrangement is consistent with the health, safety, and welfare of each of the siblings or half-siblings and is necessary to keep the siblings or half-siblings together in the same host family home.

(5) Not more than three persons may occupy any bedroom where children placed in the host family home sleep, unless the children are siblings or half-siblings and the occupancy is consistent with the health, safety, and welfare of each of the siblings or half-siblings and is necessary to keep the siblings or half-siblings placed together in the same host family home.

(6) No bed may be located in any unfinished attic or basement.

(7) No child above the age of 3 may sleep in the same room with an adult of the opposite sex unless it is their parent.

(8) Each child must have sleeping space of sufficient size for the safety, comfort, and privacy of the child. Each child must have a separate bed or crib of sufficient size and cleanliness for the comfort and well-being of the child with waterproof covering, if needed, and suitable bedding adequate to the season. Bunk beds may be used.

(9) There must be an adequate and safe supply of water for drinking and household use. Water from wells, springs, or other private sources must be protected against contamination. There must be provision for hot water for washing and bathing.

(10) The dwelling must have window barriers, including window screens, guards, and/or stoppers above the first floor of the host family home.

(11) Heating apparatus must be safe and adequate to provide for the reasonable comfort of children in the host family home.

(12) Adequate bathing, toilet, and lavatory facilities must be provided and kept in sanitary condition.

(13) The host family home must be free from fire hazards and equipped with at least one smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.

(14) No approved host family home my rent rooms to lodgers or boarders or conduct any business on the premises that might adversely affect the welfare of children, unless permitted by the Agency that approved the host family home.

(15) All firearms, rifles, and shotguns, as defined in section 265.00 of the Penal Law, must be securely stored and must be maintained in compliance with applicable state and local standards regarding the licensing, storage, and maintenance of such weapons.