Virginia Law

A. The licensee shall have a written foster home agreement with the family for each child in foster care, treatment foster care, and short-term foster care.

B. The foster home agreement shall be signed by all necessary parties on or before the date the child is placed in the home.

C. The foster home agreement shall include the following elements:

1. The code of ethics and mutual responsibilities for all parties to the agreement in language and format approved by the State Board;

2. Financial responsibilities of each party, including payment for foster care and payment for other expenses;

3. Services each party agrees to provide for the child, the child's family, and foster family;

4. Provisions for receiving consent for routine and emergency medical, mental health, and dental care for the child;

5. Arrangements for the provision of medical, mental health, and dental care;

6. Provisions for handling emergencies during and outside the licensee's regular office hours;

7. Arrangements for the provision of clothing for the child;

8. Arrangements for visits by parents;

9. A statement of agreement that corporal punishment is prohibited. The agreement shall also prohibit the family from granting permission for others to use corporal punishment on the child;

10. Permission for out-of-state travel;

11. Permission, if necessary, for the child to participate in any fund-raising activities;

12. A statement of understanding that the licensee maintains responsibility to protect the best interests of the child and that the licensee has the right to remove the child from the family home when removal is determined to be in the best interests of the child; and

13. A statement that the approved provider agrees:

a. To provide meals and snacks appropriate to the child's daily nutritional needs including a special diet if prescribed by a licensed health care provider or in accordance with religions or ethnic requirements or other special needs;

b. That if he provides transportation to the child he shall, on the vehicle used for transportation of the child, maintain:

(1) A valid license to drive in Virginia;

(2) Automobile liability insurance as required by Virginia law;

(3) Valid vehicle registration; and

(4) Valid Virginia-required inspection sticker;

c. To transport the child in accordance with Virginia laws for safe transport, including use of functioning child restraint devices in accordance with requirements of Virginia law;

d. As necessary, to seek and secure services from licensed professionals to meet the medical, dental, and mental health needs of the child; and

e. That he understands he has the right, at all times, to receive support and assistance of the licensee in relation to the child's care in the home.

D. The licensee shall ensure any changes made in the terms of the agreement are amended in the agreement, dated, signed, or initialed by all parties to the agreement.