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State of Florida Department of Children & Families
Licensing Requirements For Foster Homes
Physical Space
A Foster Homes must have sufficient space for safe outdoor and indoor play, plus sleeping arrangements that include: Children must have their own beds. Cots, pullout sofas, sleeping bags and other such temporary beds are unacceptable except in an emergency. Children age three and over may not share a bedroom with child of the opposite sex. No children may share a room with an adult. It is not acceptable to use living areas, i.e., living/dining rooms, dens, as bedrooms since privacy and personal space are essential for each member of the household.
Foster homes must have easy access to a telephone, public or private transportation, and be in reasonable proximity to medical facilities, schools and other necessary facilities.
Sanitation and Fire Safety
An annual fire, health and safety inspections are mandatory. Requirements include but are not limited to the following:
One or more smoke detectors, especially in bedroom areas
Fire extinguisher (2A10BC)
Written evacuation plan
Swimming pools must be fenced and/or an alarm system is place.
Good Moral Character
All persons residing in the foster home must be screened for in accordance with Florida Statutes. Screening involves a check of employment history and character references, a check of local criminal history and domestic violence records through local law enforcement agencies, checks of statewide and federal criminal records, delinquency records and the completion of an affidavit attesting to good moral character.
Composition and Characteristics of a Foster Family
Foster parents need to be stable, mature individuals, who can handle separation from a child and who, when appropriate, can assist the child in accepting separation from them.
Foster Parents must be emotionally stable and in reasonably good physical health. If medical problems warrant, the agency may require a physician’s statement.
A foster home may be licensed for a maximum of five (5) children, including the family’s own biological/adoptive children. There can never be more than two (2) children under the age of two. Applicants with children of their own under the age of one are asked to postpone fostering until the child reaches his or her first birthday.s
Foster Parents must be willing to follow Wesley House policies and procedures. These include:
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A discipline policy that prohibits the use of any form of physical discipline, as well as practices regarded as humiliating and/or emotionally abusive.
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No boarders/unrelated adults in the home.
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Must provide adult supervision of foster child at all times. Babysitters must be 18 years of age and complete background screening.
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