Revised 12-15-11

1.   Bridge resource family assessment.  The Bridge resource family assessment is completed by Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) staff or an OKDHS contractor.  The written assessment depicts the family based on complete, consistent, and truthful information gathered by the resource specialist or contractor in conjunction with the family.

(1) Initial family assessment.  The resource specialist conducts the initial consultation with the family in the family's home to answer questions, explain the mutual assessment process and training requirements, and assess the safety of the home.  Observations are documented on Form 04AF004E, House Assessment.

(2) Resource family assessment.  The resource specialist or contractor uses Form 04AF002E, Guidelines for Resource Family Assessment – Bridge Family Profile, to obtain information regarding the family.  When the resource specialist is completing the resource family assessment, the information is written on Form 04AF003E, Resource Family Assessment – Bridge Family Profile.

(3) Fingerprint addendum.  The resource specialist completes Form 04AF033E, National Criminal History Records Search Results – Bridge Resource Family Assessment Addendum, for each adult household member when the results of the national criminal history record check are received.

(A) When there is no record found or the results are the same as the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) name search, the addendum is completed and filed in a manila envelope with the national criminal history record check results based on fingerprints.

(B) When the results are different from the OSBI name search, the resource specialist:

(i) discusses the results with the applicant or adult household member;

(ii) completes Form 04AF033E;

(iii) obtains the applicant or adult household member's signature on the addendum; and

(iv) files the addendum in a manila envelope with the appropriate national criminal history record check results based on fingerprints.

(4) Review of resource assessment forms.  During the initial consultation, the resource specialist provides dates for pre-service training and reviews Forms:

(A) 04AF010E, Resource Family Financial Assessment;

(B) 04AF001E, Bridge Resource Family Assessment Application;

(C) 04AF008E, Medical Examination Report, that is received by the resource specialist as soon as possible or prior to the final consultation visit, and includes, when applicable, a statement from the family physician for each child in the home to verify that each child is healthy, free from communicable diseases, and current on immunizations;

(D) 04AF017E, Family Health History;

(E) 04AF018E, Child Needs Information List;

(F) 04AF005E, Notice to Bridge Resource Applicants, signed by the applicant;

(G) 04MP001E, Consent for Release of Information, signed by the applicant; and

(H) 08HI003E, Authorization to Disclose Medical Records.

(5) Tribal membership.  The resource specialist verifies the applicant's tribal membership or tribal affiliation to identify valid placement resources for the Indian child pursuant to the Indian Child Welfare Acts, per OAC 340:75-19.

2.   House assessment.  The resource specialist conducts an evaluation of the applicant's residence to assess the location, condition, and capacity to accommodate the child requiring foster care.  The resource specialist assesses:

(1) the home's location.  The home must be accessible to school, medical, and recreational resources;

(2) the home's condition.  The home must be clean and safe;

(3) available play space.  Adequate and safe indoor and outdoor space for play activities must be available;

(4) age-appropriate equipment.  Age appropriate child care equipment, such as beds, high chairs, and toys must be available and in good repair;

(5) phone communications.  A phone must be available in the home when a child is present;

(6) the applicant's automobiles.

(A) The applicant must:

(i) maintain an automobile in working order that is capable of transporting children;

(ii) carry the statutorily mandated automobile liability insurance;

(iii) possess a valid Oklahoma driver license; and

(iv) have a current, valid license tag for the vehicle.

(B) The resource specialist observes passenger restraints and advises the applicant that proper automobile restraints are used at all times when a child in OKDHS custody is riding in an automobile.

(C) Every driver must use a child passenger restraint system that meets federal standards when transporting a child who is younger than six years of age.

(D) Every child age six to 18 years of age who is transported in an automobile must be protected by a passenger restraint system or seat belt.

(E) The provisions in (i) through (iv) of this subparagraph do not apply to the:

(i) driver of a school bus, taxicab, moped, motorcycle, or other vehicle not required by law to be equipped with safety belts;

(ii) driver of a vehicle in which all seat belts are in use;

(iii) transportation of a child for whom medical reasons prohibit the use of a passenger restraint system or seat belt; or

(iv) transportation of a child who weighs more than 40 pounds and is transported in the back seat using only a lap seat belt when the back seat of the vehicle is not equipped with combination lap and shoulder belts or when the combination lap and shoulder belts are used by other children weighing more than 40 pounds.  The back seat includes all seats located behind the front seat of a vehicle;

(7) sleeping arrangements and privacy.

(A) The applicant's home provides a separate bed for each child with the exception of siblings younger than six years of age who exhibit a need for mutual support. 

(B) A separate bedroom is provided for a child who acts out sexually.

(C) Preferably, no more than two children share a bedroom.  Primary consideration is given to the child's safety according to age and emotional needs.

(D) The applicant's home provides separate bedrooms for children older than six years of age who are of the opposite sex.

(E) A child in OKDHS custody, with the exception of an infant who is younger than 12 months of age, does not share a bedroom with an adult in the household.  Under no circumstances is a child of any age authorized to sleep with an adult.

(F) The applicant's home provides space for the child's personal possessions and for a reasonable degree of privacy.

(G) The applicant may not designate a room, such as the living room, utility room, den, dining room, pantry, or unconverted garage, as a bedroom unless the room is specifically designed as a bedroom;

(8) sleeping arrangements for infants.  A crib, port-a-crib, bassinet, or playpen with a firm waterproof mattress or pad is used for each child younger than 12 months of age.

(A) Bassinets may be used for infants:

(i) weighing up to 15 pounds; or

(ii) no more than three months of age.

(B) Port-a-cribs or playpens may be used for short-term sleeping arrangements such as naps or respite and traveling for periods of no more than one week.

(C) Cribs, port-a-cribs, bassinets, and playpens with more than two and 3/8 inches between slats or between the side and end panels are not allowed.

(D) Cribs with decorative cutout areas in crib-end panels or tall decorative knobs on the corner posts that may entrap a child's head or catch the child's clothing are not allowed.

(E) Mattresses must be tight fitting with no more than one inch between the mattress and crib, port-a-crib, bassinet, or playpen.

(F) Mattress and crib sheets must fit snugly.

(G) Cribs with drop-side latches must have the manufacturer-provided kits to lock the crib side in the upright position due to safety hazards.

(H) Pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, bumper pads, and other soft products are not permitted in the infant's crib, port-a-crib, bassinet, or playpen.

(I) To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), infants younger than 12 months of age are placed on their back for sleeping, unless there is a medical reason, as documented by a health professional, that the infant must not sleep in this position.  The documentation is maintained by the foster parent and a copy is filed in the child's Child Welfare (CW) case record.

(J) Infants who are able to turn themselves over are placed initially on their back for sleeping but allowed to sleep in the position they prefer;

(9) water safety.

(A) Any activity that involves wading and swimming is supervised at all times.

(B) All applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, and insurance requirements for pools are followed. 

(C) When there is a water structure or water mass on the Bridge resource applicant's property, the Water Safety Checklist and Agreement is completed.  A water structure or water mass includes but is not limited to:

(i) swimming pools;

(ii) decorative ponds;

(iii) farm ponds or streams;

(iv) fountains;

(v) wading pools;

(vi) hot tubs or spas; and

(vii) waterfalls.

(D) The water checklist is completed and signed by the resource specialist and Bridge resource applicant(s).  The resource specialist observes all water structure and water mass within sight of the living structure or yard.  A water safety plan is developed, as applicable.

(E) The water safety plan is:

(i) developed with the Bridge resource applicant(s);

(ii) documented and signed by the resource specialist, each Bridge resource applicant, and the resource supervisor;

(iii) filed in the resource file;

(iv) provided to the Bridge resource applicant;

(iv) updated when a change or an addition of a water structure or water mass occurs to the resource home or property;

(v) reviewed at each Bridge resource re-assessment; and

(vi) developed or modified as needed.

(F) The water safety plan includes appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the child and may include, but is not limited to:

(i) fencing.  A pool or water structure or water mass is fenced to prevent unsupervised access.  There is:

(I) a sturdy fence at least four feet high that cannot be easily climbed; or

(II) a fence that connects to the top of an above-ground pool and extends two feet above the pool or follows other specified safety guidelines;

(ii) pool covers.  A child safety pool cover may be placed over the water area each time the pool is not in use.  Pool covers are completely removed prior to pool use;

(iii) locked doors.  All doors and gates leading to the pool or water structure or water mass are locked;

(iv) pool alarms.  Pool alarms are installed and operating when the pool is not in use;

(vi) ladders, removed, when applicable;

(vii) safety devises such as lifejackets or rings;

(viii) swimming lessons; and

(ix) training such as cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.

(G) The hot tub must be equipped with a hard cover designed for a hot tub.

(H) The use of portable wading pools is monitored at all times.  The wading pool is emptied at the end of each use;

(10) animal and household pet safety.

(A) Animals are in good health, do not show evidence of carrying disease, and do not present a threat to the health, safety, or well-being of children.

(B) Documentation of current rabies vaccinations administered by a licensed veterinarian for dogs, cats, and other applicable pets is maintained in the resource file.

(C) When an animal bites a child, the CW specialist assigned to the child is contacted immediately.

(D) The resource specialist contacts the Wildlife Department or the veterinarian of record when the applicant has an exotic animal to determine the safety issues for children related to the animal and documents the information in the KIDS resource case; and

(11) weapon safety.  Any activity that involves a weapon must have supervision at all times.  A weapons activity is pre-approved by the CW specialist assigned to the child.  Weapon includes, but is not limited to:

(A) gun;

(B) BB gun;

(C) bow and arrow; and

(D) knife, with the exception of cooking and eating utensils.

(12) disaster plans.  The resource specialist discusses the applicant's disaster plan for the home with the applicant. The home must have:

(A) a list of emergency phone numbers posted in an accessible and conspicuous place. The list includes:

(i) 911;

(ii) doctor’s names and phone numbers;

(iii) health professionals or clinics;

(iv) fire and police departments;

(v) an ambulance service; and

(vi) the name and phone numbers of the alternate caregiver;

(B) access to a phone at all times when a child is present;

(C) an evacuation plan in the event of a fire, tornado, earthquake, flood, ice storm, or other natural or national disaster;

(D) first aid procedures and supplies readily available;

(E) planned source of medical care available such as a hospital emergency room, clinic, or health professional;

(F) a plan of whom to contact if there is an accident, an incident involving the child, the child runs away, or is abducted;

(G) a plan of whom to contact and community resources to access if the child has behavioral problems.

3.   References.  The resource specialist solicits and reviews the comments of personal, employer, and school references identified by the applicant regarding the applicant's parenting strategies and skills.  The resource specialist:

(1) documents all information provided by voluntary and applicant-specified references.  The resource specialist explains program expectations and the needs of children who come into care to each person contacted as a reference.

(A) Three personal references are interviewed by phone or in person.

(B) The applicant's current or most recent employer is contacted by letter, phone, or in person.  When the applicant is self-employed, a reference is obtained from a customer.

(C) When applicable, school teachers, counselors, or administrators who have recently served the applicant's child are contacted by letter, phone, or in person to assess the applicant's involvement in educational issues.

(D) When the applicant's child is home-schooled by the applicant, a person that has knowledge of the applicant's home-schooling experience is contacted by letter, phone, or in person.

(E) When applicable, each of the applicant's adult children are interviewed by letter, phone, or in person.

(F) The behavioral health professional is contacted by letter, when the applicant or applicant's child receives counseling or has received counseling in the past.

(G) The resource specialist obtains additional personal references when the required references do not total at least six;

(2) documents all information provided by voluntary and unsolicited applicant-specified references regarding the applicant.  The resource specialist utilizes Forms:

(A) 04AF015E, Resource Family Reference Letter for Adult Children, to document contact by mail, phone, or face-to-face with each of the applicant's adult children, when applicable.  The resource specialist requests consultation with the CW supervisor, CW field liaison (CWFL), and county director to determine the significance of the information provided by an adult child who:

(i) has a history of abuse and neglect;

(ii) disagrees with his or her parent's desire to foster; or

(iii) has other concerns about his or her parent;

(B) 04AF014E, Resource Family Reference for School Personnel, when the applicant has a school-age child, to contact by letter the school principal, counselor, or teacher for each applicant's child;

(C) 04AF025E, Resource Family Reference Letter for Home Schooling, when the applicant's child is home-schooled by the applicant;

(D) 04AF011E, Resource Family Reference Letter for an Employer, to document contact by mail, phone, or face-to-face with the applicant's employer or direct supervisor.  The resource specialist assesses the information given by the applicant and the present employer or supervisor and decides whether contact with past employers or supervisors is necessary.  When the applicant is self-employed, contact with a customer suffices;

(E) 04AF016E, Resource Family Personal Reference Letter, as a guide to conduct interviews and document phone interviews of personal references.  When a reference is not well acquainted with the applicant and cannot provide pertinent information or when the person declines to serve as a reference, the information is documented in the assessment, and the applicant is asked for another reference;

(F) 04AF013E, Resource Family Assessment Reference Letter for Behavioral Health Professionals, when the applicant has received behavioral health services, currently or in the past, to contact the behavioral health professional by letter.  The resource specialist uses Form 08HI003E, Authorization to Disclose Medical Records, to obtain the information; and

(G) 04AF012E, Child's Mental Health Reference Letter, when the applicant's child has received behavioral health services, currently or in the past, to contact the behavioral health professional by letter.  The resource specialist uses Form 08HI003E to obtain the information.

(3) obtains a copy of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release of Discharge from Active Duty, to determine the type of discharge, when the applicant has been discharged from the armed forces.

(A) Any discharge other than honorable is specifically addressed in the assessment as a consideration in the applicant's ability to attend to the safety and well-being of a child requiring foster care services. 

(B) The resource specialist requests consultation with the CW supervisor, CWFL, and county director to determine the significance of information provided by military history, when needed.

(4) does not deny the continuation of the foster application process based solely on information provided by a reference.  When a reference provides information requiring further explanation from the applicant, the resource specialist discusses the nature of the information without revealing the source.

4.   Marital and significant relationship history.  A copy of the current marriage license, all divorce decrees, legal separations, and annulment documents, when applicable, are obtained.

(1) When there is a child from a previous marriage, the child's role in the family is discussed and financial and emotional child support, when applicable, is documented.

(2) The ability of the applicant to develop and sustain healthy relationships is assessed and documented in the assessment.

5.   Previous foster care experience.  Applicants who have previously served as foster parents in another state or with a private agency provide or authorize release of all previous foster home assessments, reports, and training records from the state or agency.  The resource specialist:

(1) uses Form 04MP001E, Consent for Release of Information, to request and secure a copy of the applicant's foster home assessment, related information, and training record from other states or agencies, when applicable;

(2) provides the information to the OKDHS contractor, when applicable;

(3) sends the training record via mail or fax to Children and Family Services Division (CFSD) Foster Care Section to determine if further training requirements are necessary;

(4) obtains verbal verification from the other state when a copy of an out-of-state assessment and training record is presented by the Bridge resource applicant during the application and assessment process in Oklahoma;

(5) documents the verbal verification of the applicant's out-of-state training record in KIDS Pre-Resource or Resource Contacts screens, when applicable; and

(6) utilizes Form 04AF002E, Guidelines for Resource Family Assessment – Bridge Family Profile, and the information obtained from the other state to complete 04AF003E, Resource Family Assessment – Bridge Family Profile, with the supporting documentation.

6.   Exceptions to assessment guidelines.

(1) The resource specialist submits a written request to the CW supervisor for an exception to the requirements in OAC 340:75-7.

(2) The CW supervisor sends the request to CFSD Foster Care Section with a copy to the county director.

(3) Upon receipt of the request, the CFSD Foster Care Section responds in writing with a decision.  A copy of the response to the request is retained in the resource and child's record.

(4) The resource specialist documents the request and response in KIDS Resource Contacts screen.

7.   (a) Disposition of the Bridge resource family assessment.  The Bridge resource family assessment, is approved or denied but determined no later than 90 days after receipt of Form 04AF001E, Bridge Resource Family Assessment Application.  The resource specialist:

(1) reviews Forms 04AF002E, Guidelines for Resource Family Assessment – Bridge Family Profile, and 04A003E, Resource Family Assessment – Bridge Family Profile, for content;

(2) shares the resource family assessment with the applicant for the applicant's input prior to deciding to select in or out of the foster care program;

(3) consults with the CW supervisor, CWFL, and county director when needed to reach a decision regarding the disposition of the assessment.  CFSD Foster Care Section provides consultation, when needed; and

(4) provides each decision made concerning the assessment and application in writing to the applicant;

(b) Disposition results.  Disposition of the assessment may result in:

(1) voluntary withdrawal of the application. During the assessment, the applicant is advised of any condition that does not conform to the foster home requirements, per OAC 340:75-7.  When the applicant and the resource specialist mutually decide to postpone the Bridge resource family assessment process to afford the applicant the opportunity to resolve issues of concern, the applicant withdraws from the foster care program.  When the applicant withdraws the application, the resource specialist sends a letter of confirmation documenting the withdrawal;

(2) approval of the Bridge resource family assessment.

(A) The resource specialist reviews and discusses the assessment, except for the verification and reference sections, with the applicant for clarification of content;

(B) The resource specialist, CW supervisor, and applicant sign Form 04AF003E, Resource Family Assessment – Bridge Family Profile, and a copy is provided to the applicant.  The home is not considered approved until:

(i) the CW supervisor approves the family assessment in KIDS and signs Form 04AF003E, Resource Family Assessment – Bridge Family Profile;

(ii) the applicant has completed the pre-service training; and

(iii) national criminal history records check results based on fingerprints have been received and reviewed.

(C) Prior to initiation of foster care maintenance payments, the applicant, with the exception of the kinship placement provider, per OAC 340:75-7-24, signs the foster care contract.

(D) The resource specialist provides the family the Resource Parent Handbook.

(E) Each foster parent signs Forms:

(i) 04AF021E, Verification of Receipt of OKDHS Rules; and

(ii) 15GR008E, Notice of Grievance Rights – Foster Parents.

(F) The resource specialist:

(i) copies the KIDS Pre-Resource to a Resource for each approved assessment, except when the child in OKDHS custody is in a kinship placement;

(ii) end dates the KIDS Pre-Resource after conversion to a Resource;

(iii) reviews the completed assessment and requests approval, changing the pending date to the date the approval is requested in KIDS Resource Status screen;

(iv) sends Form 04AF003E, Resource Family Assessment – Bridge Family Profile, to the CW supervisor for approval.  The CW supervisor:

(I) approves the Bridge resource family assessment in KIDS Resource Status screen; and

(II) signs Form 04AF003E no more than seven business days from the requested approval date;

(v) scans and files the signed assessment and documentation into the KIDS Resource file cabinet;

(vi) completes the Bridge resource screens in KIDS Resource/Other/Bridge;

(vii) files Form 04AF021E, Verification of Receipt of OKDHS Rules, in the resource record and documents receipt of the Resource Parent Handbook in KIDS Resource Contacts screen;

(viii) provides a signed copy of Form 15GR008E, Notice of Grievance Rights – Foster Parents, to the Bridge resource parent and files the original in the resource record with documentation of the signature in KIDS Resource Contacts screen; and

(ix) sends a copy of the approved family assessment to the CFSD Adoption Section when the family applicant selects into the Adoption program.

(3) denial of the Bridge resource family assessment.

(A) When denying the Bridge resource family assessment, the resource specialist:

(i) staffs the information with the CW supervisor;

(ii) staffs with county director and CWFL when needed;

(iii) consults with CFSD Foster Care Section when determining whether to deny an application, when needed;

(iv) documents all information obtained in the resource record and KIDS Pre-Resource Contacts screens;

(v) documents the denial of the application in KIDS Pre-Resource or Resource Contacts screen; and

(vi) files a copy of the written summary in the resource record.

(B) When possible, the resource specialist makes face-to-face contact with the Bridge resource applicant to clarify the reason for denying the assessment.

(C) A letter is sent to the Bridge resource applicant stating the reason for denial of the assessment in clear, concise language.  Relevant OKDHS rules or procedures are cited in and attached to the letter.

(D) Reasons for denying the Bridge resource family assessment may include, but are not limited to:

(i) a lack of stable, adequate income to meet the applicant's own or total family needs or poor management of available income;

(ii) a physical facility that is inadequate to accommodate the addition of a child to the home or presents health or safety concerns;

(iii) the applicant or any person residing in the home has a history of alleged or confirmed child abuse, or neglect, or both, per OAC 340:75-7-15;

(iv) the applicant or any person residing in the home has a history of arrests or convictions that prohibits approval, or renders the applicant unsuitable to be a resource parent, per OAC 340:75-7-15;

(v) the age, health, or any other condition of the applicant impedes the applicant's ability to provide appropriate care for a child;

(vi) relationships in the household are unstable and unsatisfactory;

(vii) the behavioral health of the applicant or other family or household member impedes the applicant's ability to provide appropriate care for a child;

(viii) references are guarded or have reservations in recommending the applicant;

(ix) the applicant fails to complete the application, required training, or verifications in a timely manner as requested or provides information that is incomplete, inconsistent, or untruthful;

(x) the home is determined unsuitable for the child requiring placement;

(xi) the applicant has applied for a child that OKDHS reasonably believes may not be available for placement; or

(xii) one or more factors concerning the applicant, a family or household member, or conditions in the home as described in the denial letter, renders the applicant or home environment inappropriate as a resource home.

(E) denial of a relative's placement.  The CW specialist denying the relative placement:

(i) completes Form 04MP056E, Notice to the Court of Relative Denied Placement;

(ii) submits original Form 04MP056E to the court of jurisdiction;

(iii) files a copy in the child's CW record; and

(iv) files a copy in the resource file, when applicable.

8.   (a) Re-opening a foster home.  Persons who desire to re-open their foster home must re-apply.

(1) The resource specialist reviews the resource record to determine the former Bridge resource parent's OKDHS performance history.  The performance review includes assessing:

(A) any OKDHS policy or foster care contract violations or concerns;

(B) the outcomes of any written plans of compliance and recommendations regarding continued use of the home; and

(C) the training record, ensuring that pre-service and in-service training was completed as required and documented per OAC 340:75-7-14.

(2) After the review, the resource specialist and CW supervisor determine the disposition of the re-application.  Consultation is available with the CWFL, county director, or CFSD Foster Care Section, when needed.

(3) When the foster home has been closed more than five years, a new Bridge resource family assessment is completed.

(4) When the Bridge resource home has been closed five years or less and at the time of closure the home was in good standing and the re-assessments were up-to-date, the home may be opened with an approved re-assessment.

(5) Re-opening a foster home requires:

(A) completion of:

(i) Form 04AF001E, Bridge Resource Family Assessment Application.  When closed six months or less, the previous application is updated, dated, and re-signed;

(ii) Form 04AF004E, House Assessment;

(iii) Forms 04AF008E, Medical Examination Report, and 04AF010E, Resource Family Financial Assessment, unless completed within the last 12 months;

(iv review the RapBack, per OAC 340:75-7-15;

(v) Form 04AD003E, Request for Background Check, to conduct a national criminal history record check based on fingerprints for each adult household member, unless completed within the last five years;

(vi) an OKDHS records search utilizing Form 04AF007E, Records Check Documentation Form; and

(vii) Form 04AF003E, Resource Family Assessment - Bridge Family Profile, including an updated recommendation when the home was closed for five years or more.

(B) contact with three current references, when the home was closed more than 12 months;

(C) additional references, when new reference information is not consistent with previous references or with the requirements per OAC 340:75-7-18;

(D) re-opening the closed resource as pending in KIDS Resource Status screen and entering a new family assessment line for the new assessment or the re-assessment; and

(E) a new contract.  Upon approval, the resource specialist:

(i) obtains each applicant's signature on a new contract;

(ii) discusses payment options per OAC 340:75-7-52.  When the Bridge resource parent was previously issued a Mastercard debit card, the same card number is used for the new episode; and

(iii) submits the contract to CFSD Foster Care Section to obtain a new contract number.

9.   Contract Bridge resource family assessments.  CFSD may contract with licensed child-placing agencies or qualified persons to provide a range of CW services that include conducting Bridge resource family assessments.  OKDHS determines the final disposition of each Bridge resource assessment completed by OKDHS contractors.

(1) The resource specialist refers the family assessment to the OKDHS contractor within seven days of the child's placement in a kinship Bridge resource.  When the referral is not made within seven days after the child's placement, the resource specialist completes the family assessment in a timely manner.

(2) Non-paid kinship and foster care Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) family assessments are not contracted, and the resource specialist completes the family assessment.

(3) The contractor completes an application packet for each Bridge family assessment referred to the contractor by the CWFL or contract liaison.

(4) At a minimum, the contractor meets with the foster or kinship applicant twice in the home during the assessment process and at the conclusion of the resource assessment for review and signatures by the applicant.  The identification of issues and concerns during the assessment process requires consultation with the resource specialist and additional meetings with the family.

10.  Changes in the Bridge resource household.

(1) The Bridge resource parent must notify the resource specialist within 24 hours of any change in the household, including, but not limited to:

(A) income;

(B) location of the home;

(C) health;

(D) residents; or

(E) relationships.

(i) When Bridge resource parents divorce or the relationship is dissolved the person who continues to foster retains the existing resource number and information.

(ii) An addendum is completed and documented in KIDS Resource Contacts screen to reflect the changes in the household.

(iii) A new Form 04AF010E, Resource Family Financial Assessment, is completed to address any change to the financial status of the household.

(iv) The Out-of-House Date and Reason is entered in KIDS Resource Homes screens to reflect the financial assessment information.

(v) When both foster parents wish to continue to foster, the primary foster parent maintains the original KIDS resource number and another resource is opened cross-referencing the original resource number.

(vi) When the primary foster parent does not wish to continue fostering and the designated head of household 2 elects to foster, he or she becomes head of household 1 in the existing KIDS resource.  The person wishing to continue to foster signs a new foster care contract, per OAC 340:75-7-52 and a new contract number is assigned.

(vii) When neither foster parent wishes to foster, the KIDS resource is closed.

(2) The resource specialist addresses any household changes with the Bridge resource parent within seven business days and documents the information.  An assessment is completed and conducted in the home regarding the foster parent's ability to continue providing care for a child in OKDHS custody.