5595462 Child and Family Services Agency - Notice of Final Rulemaking - Supplement the rights of foster children placed in foster homes

CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES AGENCY

 

NOTICE OF FINAL RULEMAKING

 

The Director of the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA), pursuant to Section 372 of the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Act of 1977 (Act), as amended, effective April 23, 2013 (D.C. Law 19-276; 60 DCR 2060 (February 22, 2013)) and Mayor’s Order 2013-145, dated August 8, 2013, hereby gives notice of the adoption of the following amendments to Chapters 60 (Foster Homes) of Title 29 (Public Welfare) of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR).

 

The amendments implement provisions of the Act regarding the care and treatment of foster youth.  However, these amendments do not establish any additional private right of action beyond that which already exists under federal or District law. The implementation of specific rights and responsibilities shall be consistent with each foster child’s health, welfare, age, and level of development. 

 

A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was published in the D.C. Register on March 20, 2015 at 62 DCR 3419. No written comments were received from the public in connection with this publication and no changes were made.  The proposed rulemaking was submitted to the Council on as required by § 372(c) of the Act.  Council approved the rules by resolution on May 5, 2015.  Final action to adopt these rules was taken on July 27, 2015.

 

These rules will take effect immediately upon publication of this notice in the D.C. Register.  

 

Chapter 60, FOSTER HOMES, of Title 29 DCMR, PUBLIC WELFARE, is amended as follows:

 

Section 6004, RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF FOSTER CHILDREN LIVING IN FOSTER HOMES, is amended as follows:

 

Section 6004.1 is amended by adding the following paragraphs:   

 

(qq)      To be integrated into household and family activities, consistent with his or her age and level of development.

 

(rr)       To have privileges and responsibilities that correspond with those provided to other children living in the foster home, consistent with his or her age and level of development.