It is our expectation that foster parents will set and enforce reasonable rules for the protection of the foster child placed with you.  We expect that you will set rules regarding curfew, dating, homework, and chores.

If your foster child complains to us regarding these rules, we will all discuss the problem.  However, the basic is that it is your home and you’re right to set the basic rules of the household as long as they are within Community Care Licensing regulations, including respecting the Personal Rights of the children and youth.

There are, however, some areas where we do have some guidelines for you.

CHORES:  All children should be expected to participate in reasonable, age-appropriate chores in their resource home.  In general, children should be responsible for cleaning their own rooms, as well as participating with other family members in completing other household chores.

TELEVISION, VIDEO GAMES, AND STEREOS:  Watching television and listening to stereos is a privilege, which can be withdrawn as a disciplinary measure.  It is expected that you will establish reasonable limitations on the amount of time spent watching television and playing video games.  It is also expected that you will set limits and on what programs the child is allowed to watch, or games they are allowed to play.  In general, programs with violent, anti-social, or sexually provocative themes are discouraged. Also, consistency is important. Treat all children with the same expectations.

INTERNET USAGE:  It is expected that resource parents will closely monitor children’s internet usage. Reasonable limitations and digital curfews may be implemented by foster parents.

CLOTHING/HAIRSTYLE:  You may establish rules based on your standards regarding clothing and hairstyles.  Children should not be allowed to wear any clothing that is sexually provocative, has offensive language, alcohol or drug logos, or any gang related symbols.

FRIENDS:  Your foster child should be able to have friends visit, unless that privilege has been withdrawn as a disciplinary measure.  Your foster child may not visit at a friend’s home unless there is an adult present.  You must have met the friend’s parent, and feel comfortable that it is a safe and appropriate environment.

ACTIVITIES AWAY FROM HOME:  It is expected that you will determine, with the input of your family social worker, each child’s individual ability to accept the responsibility of time away from home.  This decision should be based upon a child’s ability to accept responsibility at home and at school.  It is expected that children will have the opportunity to participate in age appropriate social activities such as sports, and clubs, or church youth group activities. 

A child may not go places in the community where there is not adult supervision unless permission to have unsupervised time in the community has been included in the child’s Needs and Services Plan.