(a) Informal arrangements or babysitting.  The foster parent may make informal care arrangements with friends, neighbors, or relatives for occasional care of the child, including before and after school hours, and not to exceed 24 consecutive hours.

• (1) The foster parent:
  • (A) ensures that informal care providers possess the maturity and skills to address the needs of the child in foster care;
  • (B) secures prior authorization for informal care from the foster home agency (agency).  Prior authorization may apply to multiple events when the same informal provider is used;
  • (C) does not utilize a child in foster care to babysit a younger child unless approved by the agency; and
  • (D) provides the informal provider information for contacting the foster parent and other emergency contacts.
• (2) The informal provider who is living:
  • (A) outside the home must be at least 18 years of age; or
  • (B) in the home must be at least 16 years of age and related to the foster parent.

(b) Alternate care.  The foster family is encouraged to develop a relationship with another family as an alternate provider who can provide care for the child in foster care in case of family emergencies, family vacations, or when the provider needs respite care.  The agency must approve the alternate care and have documentation that the alternate provider:

• (1) is at least 21 years of age;
• (2) has obtained a criminal history records search within the last 12 months conducted by:
  • (A) the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) that includes a search of Department of Corrections files maintained by the OSBI pursuant to the Sex Offenders Registration Act for each household member who is 18 years of age or older; and
  • (B) the authorized agency in the previous state of residence if the person has resided in Oklahoma less than one year;
• (3) meets the foster home requirements listed in OAC 340:110-5-60;
• (4) provides one reference; and
• (5) complies with discipline and behavior management requirements in OAC 340:110-5-62.