Section 465IAC2-15-13. Continued placement in current or previous foster family home

   (a) This section applies if the applicant for OYFC services requests in the application either:

(1) continuation of a current placement for foster care in a foster family home after the child in need of services case or delinquency case is closed; or

(2) placement in a foster family home in which the applicant had previously resided while in foster care under the jurisdiction of a juvenile court.

  (b) Upon approval under applicable provisions of sections 10 through 12 of this rule of an application to which this section applies, the department local office will give preference to the placement requested by the applicant, subject to determination by the local office that the:

(1) placement is suitable for the applicant, based on the:

(A) facts and circumstances disclosed in the application;

(B) any other relevant information obtained concerning the applicant; and

(C) results of the assessments and background check required under section 10 of this rule;

(2) placement will not endanger the health, safety, or welfare of any current resident of the requested foster family home, including any child placed in the home for foster care; and

(3) foster family home licensee with whom the applicant requests to be placed has agreed to accept placement of the applicant in the licensee's home for the purpose of OYFC services.

  (c) The local office will not attempt to locate a new foster care home placement for an approved applicant for OYFC services if preference for a continuing or former placement is approved as provided in subsection (b), unless the approved placement subsequently becomes unavailable or terminates as a result of changed circumstances.

  (d) If the foster family home in which an applicant for OYFC services will continue in placement under this section is managed or supervised by a licensed child placing agency under IC 31-27-6, the department will send a copy of the signed placement agreement to the supervising child placing agency. (Department of Child Services; 465 IAC 2-15-13; filed Dec 10, 2010, 10:25 a.m.: 20110105-IR-465090168FRA)