14.8 BFC Foster Parent Responsibilities
It is recognized that the BFC foster parent is the key treatment agent in the BFC process. In order to successfully fulfill this role, the following responsibilities must be carried out:
- Provide a firm, consistent, nurturing and normalizing environment in which the child receives 24-hour supervision;
- Be available during all non-school hours except when other arrangements have been made;
- Provide day-to-day implementation and monitoring of the child's treatment plan and services as agreed upon with other treatment staff;
- Attend all staffings, FSTs, and court hearings if allowed by the court;
- Develop and implement a structure of discipline and intervention which encourages self-responsibility and mutual concern for all members of the household in conjunction with the BFC selection team decision;
- Set and communicate specific behavioral limits for the placed child and impose predetermined consequences when those limits are exceeded;
- Prepare each child with age appropriate "living" skills needed to function, i.e., personal hygiene, coping skills, money management, parenting skills, home management, job search, interpersonal, and social skills;
- Participate in the screening process of the child and natural family, if appropriate. Be available for consultation with other treatment team members;
- Complete periodic reports on the progress of the child in meeting both long and short-term treatment goals. Be available for consultation with other treatment team members;
- Provide transportation for the child to and from necessary appointments, medical care, daily activities, home visits, etc.;
- Attend and participate in those activities in which the child routinely engages, such as school, counseling, community activities, etc.;
- Work with the birth parents, as needed or deemed appropriate, to prepare them for the child's return, and to maintain a sense of family;
- Participate in BFC foster parent support group, if available;
- Provide the Division with 14 days notice if it is necessary to remove a child from the home unless an emergency; and
- If respite care is needed, provide the respite home with an understanding of the child and the treatment plan which must be continued.
- Complete STEP charts and positive time charts on each BFC child placed in the home in accordance with area Children’s Division program guidelines.