Utah Administrative Code
Topic - Human Services
Title R501 - Human Services Program Licensing
Rule R501-12 - Foster Care Services
Section R501-12-6 - Physical Aspects of Home

Universal Citation: UT Admin Code R 501-12-6

Current through Bulletin 2024-06, March 15, 2024

(1) The provider shall ensure the following regarding the foster home environment:

(a) indoor and outdoor areas of the home are maintained to ensure a safe physical environment;

(b) the home is free from health and fire hazards;

(c) the home has a working smoke detector and a working carbon monoxide detector on each separated level and at least one of each shall be in close proximity to sleeping areas;

(d) the home has at least one fire extinguisher meeting the rating requirements of 2A:10BC, that is fully charged and readily accessible to the main living area;

(e) the home has at least one toilet, sink and tub or shower; and

(f) each bathroom has a lock sufficient to preserve the privacy of the occupant.

(2) The provider shall ensure bedroom spaces comply with the following:

(a) children of the opposite genders do not share a bedroom unless;
(i) each child sharing the room is under two years of age;

(ii) the DHHS client record identifies gender-specific rationale; or

(iii) there is written caseworker approval for the bedroom assignment;

(b) the foster parent's bedroom is only shared with a foster child under the age of two years and the foster parent may not bed-share with a foster child;

(c) the foster parent's bedroom is not considered in calculating the allowable bedroom space for a foster child;

(d) a foster child may not share a bedroom with other adults in the home;

(e) a foster child has an individual bed or crib, mattress, and linens that meet the child's needs;

(f) weighted blankets are only used for foster children if therapeutically recommended in writing or approved in writing by the child's caseworker;

(g) there is a minimum of 40 square feet per child, excluding adjoining bathrooms and storage space;

(h) no more than four children are housed in a single bedroom that houses at least one foster child;

(i) a bedroom used for a foster child is comparable to other similarly utilized bedrooms in the home, including access, location, space, finishings, and furnishings;

(j) a bedroom used by a foster child on the ground floor shall have a minimum of one screened window that opens that may be used to evacuate the room in case of fire;

(k) a bedroom used by a foster child that is not on the ground floor shall have a source of natural light and a minimum of two exits, at least one of which shall exit directly to outside the home that may be used to evacuate the room in case of fire; and

(l) closet or dresser space is provided within the bedroom for the foster child's personal possessions and for a reasonable degree of privacy.

(3) The provider shall ensure:

(a) there is space or access to common areas for recreational activities;

(b) there is adequate lighting, ventilation and the home is maintained at a reasonable temperature when occupied by a foster child in consideration of the age and needs of the foster child and other residents;

(c) there is a properly operating kitchen with working refrigerator, cooking appliances, adequate supply of safe drinking water and functional indoor plumbing;

(d) hazards on the property are abated and mitigated through the use of protective hardware, fences, banisters, railings, grates, natural barriers, or other licensor approved methods to include:
(i) fall hazards of 3 feet or greater including steep grades, cliffs, open pits, window wells, stairwells, elevated porches, retaining walls;

(ii) drowning hazards including swimming pools, hot tubs, water features, ponds or streams;

(iii) burn hazards including fireplaces, candles, radiators, water temperature;

(iv) unstable heavy items to include televisions, bookshelves; and

(v) high voltage boosters, or dangerous traffic conditions;

(e) home and its contents are maintained in a clean and safe condition and food, clothing, supplies, furniture, and equipment are of sufficient quantity, variety, and quality to meet the foster child's needs;

(f) the home is free from rodent and insect infestation;

(g) there are at least two exits adequately sized for emergency personnel on each accessible floor of the home and multiple-level homes have a functional, automatic fire suppression system, or an escape ladder, stairway, or other exterior egress to ground level accessible from each of the upper levels;

(h) the foster parent has and uses child safety devices appropriate to the needs of the foster child, including safety gates, and electrical outlet covers;

(i) the home address is clearly visible and location is accessible;

(j) the water and sewage disposal system, other than a public system, is approved by the appropriate authorities;

(k) there is trash and recycling disposal;

(l) any swimming pool is secured to prevent unsupervised access and complies with applicable community ordinances; and

(m) any hot tub and spa has a locked cover.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Utah 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.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.