Section 413.140  Meeting Basic Needs of Children

a)         All children in the host home shall be treated equitably.

b)         A host home child shall receive supervision appropriate to their developmental age at all times. All host home children in the host home shall be protected from exploitation, neglect, and abuse. Suspected child abuse or neglect shall be reported to the DCFS Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline and the supervising agency immediately.

c)         Each host home child shall be given the opportunity to develop social relationships through participation in schools, and other community and group activities.

d)         Host home parents shall assist the host home child in the proper handling of money.

e)         Each host home child shall have the opportunity to learn to assume some responsibility for themselves and for household duties in accordance with their age, health, and ability. No host home child shall be permitted to do tasks which are hazardous, dangerous or risk harm to the host home child.

f)         The Department and supervising agency shall immediately be notified of any situation that affects the care of the host home child, including but not limited to death, serious illness, incarceration, death of a host home child or any other significant occurrence.

g)         Licensees shall ensure adequate closet and dresser space for each child is sufficient for personal belongings.

h)         Licensees shall not use video or audio recording devices in a child's bedroom, bathroom, or other areas of the host home where privacy is expected.

i)          Licensees shall treat LGBTQIA+ children in an affirming manner by being open, non-judgmental, empathic, and proactively work to create a respectful space.  All host home parents are to be culturally competent in serving the needs of LGBTQIA+ children and youth, including understanding the challenges that LGBTQIA+ children and youth face.  Expectations of host home parents include:

1)         Respect the host home child's gender expression and self-determination, including the child/youth's choice of clothes, make-up, hairstyle, friends, and activities within appropriate boundaries, as well as the child/youth's chosen name and preferred gender pronouns;

2)         Protect the host home child's right to confidentiality about sensitive and private information such as the child's sexual orientation and gender identity.