Section 413.30 Application for License

a) Application for license as a host home shall be completed, signed by the host home parent applicants, and filed with the Department by a licensed child welfare agency on forms prescribed by the Department. A complete application for host home license shall meet the definition of "complete application for host home license" in Section 413.20.

b) When an employee or contractor of the Department seeks to become licensed as a host home, the study to determine compliance with licensing standards shall be provided by a Department region other than the region in which the individual is employed, and by employees of the Department or supervising agency who have no significant working relationship or personal relationship with the individual.

1) If the license is granted, the contractor or State employee may continue their contract or employment while operating the host home.

2) The contractor's or employee's host home shall be supervised, monitored, licensed, and evaluated by a Department region other than the region in which the individual is employed, and by individuals who have no significant working relationship or personal relationship with the employee.

3) The contractor or employee shall consult with appropriate Department licensing personnel to make sure the contractor or employee's official duties do not involve any interaction with the region responsible for supervising, monitoring, licensing, or evaluating the host home of the contractor or employee.

c) As part of the application, each host home applicant and adult member of the household shall authorize comprehensive criminal background checks and shall submit to fingerprinting to determine if the individual has ever been charged with a crime, and, if so, the disposition of the charges. In addition, members of the household ages 13 through 17 must authorize a partial background check as outlined in Section 413.110.

d) As a condition of licensure, each applicant must certify on the application form, under penalty of perjury, that they are not more than 30 days delinquent in complying with a child support order. [5 ILCS 100/10-65(c)]

1) Failure to certify may result in a denial of the license application, refusal to renew the license, or revocation of the license. (See 89 Ill. Adm. Code 385.40(a)(2))

2) If an applicant acknowledges that they are more than 30 days delinquent in complying with an order for child support or, upon completion of the background check, the applicant is found to be delinquent despite their certification, the supervising agency shall deny the application for license, refuse to renew the license, or revoke the license unless the applicant arranges for payment of past due and current child support and pay child support in accordance with 5 ILCS 100/10-65(c).

e) The supervising agency shall conduct a licensing study for each initial application for host home licensure under its supervision.

1) The licensing study shall be conducted by a licensing representative and shall be reviewed and approved by a licensing supervisor. (Supervisor requirements can be found in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 401, Licensing Standards for Child Welfare Agencies.)

2) The licensing study shall require the licensing representative to conduct at least one scheduled on-site visit to determine if the home meets licensing standards of this Part.

A) The licensing representative shall make a scheduled visit to the home when all household members are present to observe and assess family dynamics.

B) The licensing representative, with supervisory approval, shall have discretion on whether to interview or observe each household member based on their age and development.

3) The licensing representative shall assess the applicant and the applicant's ability to communicate and effectively work with host home children in conjunction with the CCBYS agency and DHS.

4) Before a final recommendation for licensure is made, applicants shall provide specific and signed assurances that the applicant understands and shall adhere to provisions of this Part that include, but are not limited to, corporal punishment, smoking, alcohol or drug use, and reasonable and prudent parent standards.

5) The licensing representative shall provide in writing any identified deficiencies in meeting the licensing standards of this Part and how the applicant can remedy those deficiencies in order to meet the licensing standards of this Part.

6) If a licensing representative identifies no deficiencies, the licensing representative shall issue a recommendation to their supervisor within 30 days after the on-site visit. If such a recommendation is not issued within 30 days after the on-site visit, then the licensing representative must conduct a second on-site visit prior to issuing any such recommendation.

f) A new application shall be filed when any of the following occurs:

1) When an application for license has been withdrawn, and the licensee seeks to reapply;

2) When there is a change in the name of the licensee, or the address of the host home;

3) When there is a change in the status of joint licensees, such as marriage, entering into a civil union, separation, divorce, dissolving a civil union, or death; or

4) Not sooner than five years after the Department has revoked or refused to renew a license, and a new license is sought.

g) A new application may be submitted at any time, including following the denial of an application for license, except that when a license has been revoked or the supervising agency has refused to renew a license, the licensee may not reapply for licensure as a host home for a period of five years after revocation or refusal to renew.

h) Licensees shall complete any training required by DHS for the purpose of maintaining host family homes. Host homes are not required to complete PRIDE pre-service and PRIDE in-service training requirements. Host home parents shall complete all required training DHS provides for the purpose of meeting the objectives of the CCBYS program.