DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

CHILDREN’S SERVICES AGENCY

CHILD PLACING AGENCIES

(By authority conferred on the director of the department of health and humans

services by sections 2, 5, 10, and 14 of 1973 PA 116, and Reorganization Nos. 1996-

1, 1996-2, 2003-1, 2004-4, and Executive Order 2015-004; MCL 722.112,

722.115, 722.120, and 722.124, and Executive Reorganization Order No. 2015-1, MCL

400.227.330.3101, 333.5111, 445.2001, 445.2011, and 400.226)

PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

R 400.12101 Definitions.

Rule 101. (1) As used in these rules:

(a) “Act” means 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.111 to 722.128.

(b) “Agency” means child-placing agency as defined in section 1 of the act, MCL

722.111.

(c) "Case record" means the individual file, including electronic records, kept by an

agency concerning a child who has been placed by the agency.

(d) “Chief administrator” means the person designated by the licensee as having the

day-to-day responsibility for the overall administration of a child placing agency and for

assuring the care, safety, and protection of children and families served.

(e) “Concurrent planning” means simultaneously planning for reunification and

alternative permanence.

(f) “Contractor” means a person contracted to perform services or to provide

supplies to a child placing agency.

(g) “Corporal punishment” means hitting, paddling, shaking, slapping, spanking, or

any other use of physical force as a means of behavior management.

(h) “Department” means the Michigan department of health and human services.

(i) “Deemed status” means a status conferred on an organization based on a

professional standard’s review by a national accrediting organization that recognizes that

the organization’s programs meet certain effectiveness criteria.

(j) “Emergency placement” means a placement that is made in response to a sudden

unexpected occurrence that demands immediate action.

(k) “Foster care” means a child's placement outside the child's parental home by and

under the supervision of a child placing agency, the court, or the department. Foster care

does not include the delegation of a parent's or guardian's powers regarding care, custody,

or property of a child or ward under a properly executed power of attorney under the safe

families for children act, 2018 PA 434, MCL 722.1551 to 722.1567.

(l) “Foster child” means a person who meets all the following criteria:

(i) Resides in an out-of-home placement based on a court order or is temporarily

placed by a parent or guardian for a limited time in a foster home as defined by the act or

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has been released by a parent to the department or a child placing agency pursuant to

section 22 of chapter X of the probate code of 1939, 1939 PA 288, MCL 710.22.

(ii) Is either of the following:

(A) Placed with or committed to the department for care and supervision by a

court order under section 2 of chapter XIIA of the probate code of 1939, 1939 PA 288,

MCL 712A.2.

(B) Is 18 years of age or older, was in foster care prior to turning 18, and agrees to

remain in care following termination of court jurisdiction.

(m) “Foster parent" means the person or persons, including tribal members, to

whom a foster home license is issued.

(n) “Gender” or “gender identity” means a person’s internal identification or self-

image as a man, boy, woman, girl, or another gender identity.

(o) “Gender expression” means how a person publicly expresses or presents their

gender, which may include behavior and outward appearance such as dress, hair, make-

up, body language, and voice. Components of gender expression may or may not align

with gender identity.

(p) “Human behavioral science” means a course of study producing a degree from

an accredited college or university that is approved by the department for the specific

positions when required by the act and these rules.

(q) “Independent living” means the placement, by an agency, of a youth who is not

less than 16 years of age in his or her own unlicensed residence, the residence of an adult

who does not have supervisory responsibility for the youth, or in a residence under the

control of the agency. The authorized agency or governmental unit retains supervisory

responsibility for the youth.

(r) “Infant” means a child between birth and the date of the child’s first birthday.

(s) “Licensing authority” means the administrative unit of the department

responsible for making licensing and approval recommendations for a child placing

agency.

(t) “Parent” means a legal parent and includes a custodial parent, noncustodial

parent, or adoptive parent.

(u) “Placement” means moving a child to an out-of-home living arrangement for

purposes of foster care, adoption, or independent living; or from out-of-home placement

to another out-of-home placement.

(v) “Sexual orientation” means a person's identity in relation to the gender or

genders to which they are attracted.

(w) “Social service aide” means an individual who is employed, contracted, or a

volunteer who has specified case-support duties as defined by department or agency

policy.

(x) “Social service supervisor” means a person who supervises a social service

worker. A social service supervisor may also function as a social service worker in the

temporary absence of the social service worker if the provisions of R 400.12205 are met.

(y) “Social service worker” means a person who performs social service functions

prescribed by these rules.

(z) “SOGIE” means an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and

expression.

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(aa) “Staff” means an individual who is 18 years of age or older and who is

employed by a child placing agency for compensation.

(bb) “Tribe” means a federally recognized tribe.

(cc) “Volunteer” means a person who is not an employee and does not receive

compensation but donates his or her work and acts at the direction of and within the

scope of duties determined by the child placing agency.

(2) A term defined in the act has the same meaning when used in these rules.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2007 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26,

2023.

R 400.12102 Rule variance.

Rule 102. (1) Upon the written request of an applicant or agency, the department

may grant a variance from an administrative rule if the alternative proposed ensures that

the health, care, safety, protection, supervision, and needed services of children are

maintained, and that the alternative aligns with the intent of the administrative rule.

(2) The department shall enter its decision, including the qualifications under which

the variance is granted, in the records of the department and a signed copy must be sent to

the applicant or agency. The variance may be time-limited or may remain in effect for as

long as the agency continues to comply with the intent of the rule.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12103 Staff exception.

Rule 103. An agency who has a person in a position that is regulated by these rules

and who was approved before the effective date of these rules is considered qualified for

the position.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12104 Deemed status.

Rule 104. (1) The department may accept, for the purpose of determining rule

compliance, evidence that the child placing agency is accredited by the council on

accreditation or other nationally recognized accrediting body whose standards closely

match state licensing regulations.

(2) All of the following apply to deemed status:

(a) The organization may request deemed status when the accreditation site

inspection is less than 12 months old.

(b) When deemed status is requested, an organization shall submit a copy of the

most recent accreditation report to the department.

(c) An organization is only eligible for deemed status if the license is on a regular

status.

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(3) The acceptance of accreditation in subrule (1) of this rule does not prohibit the

department from conducting on-site inspections or investigations of any rule at intervals

determined by the department.

History: 1979 AC; 1998-2000 AACS, 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12105 Public review.

Rule 105. An agency shall make all written policies, procedures, and program

statements, required by these administrative rules, available for review by the public.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS.

PART 2. AGENCY SERVICES

R 400.12201 Department authorization.

Rule 201. An agency shall comply with the provisions of part 2 of these rules to

be authorized by the department to provide regulated services.

History: 1998-2000 AACS.

R 400.12202 Policy and procedures.

Rule 202. An agency shall have and follow written policies and procedures for all

the areas of foster care services as provided in R 400.12203 to R 400.12214.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2007 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12203 Financial stability.

Rule 203. (1) An agency shall demonstrate sufficient financing, on an ongoing

basis, to ensure the agency is carrying out its programs and meeting the requirements for

licensing. A plan of financing must include all the following:

(a) A listing of all income sources and the anticipated amount of income for the

current fiscal year.

(b) An annual budget for the current fiscal year.

(c) A copy of the income and expenditures from the previous fiscal year.

(d) A copy of the nonprofit tax return from the previous fiscal year.

(e) An audit of all financial accounts conducted annually by an independent

certified public accountant not administratively related to the agency. A copy of the audit

shall be available to the department upon request.

(2) Subdivisions (d) and (e) of subrule (1) do not apply to a governmentally operated

agency.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

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R 400.12204 Facilities.

Rule 204. (1) An agency shall provide and maintain sufficient office space,

equipment, and supplies to ensure the delivery of services.

(2) An agency shall have physical office space with a Michigan street address.

(3) An organization may maintain satellite offices when the following conditions are

met:

(a) The agency has notified the department in writing prior to opening the

satellite

office and has received approval to open the satellite office.

(b) There is a completed written plan to ensure appropriate supervision is provided

on a regular basis.

(c) The files are made available for review at the agency main location when

requested by the department.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12205 Required staff.

Rule 205. (1) An agency shall employ or contract for all the following staff

positions:

(a) Chief administrator.

(b) Social service supervisor.

(c) Social service worker.

(2) An agency shall appoint a chief administrator who possesses at least 1 of the

following:

(a) A master’s degree in a human behavioral science, or in another major where

25% of the course credits earned toward the degree are in human behavioral sciences,

business administration, or public administration from an accredited college or university

and 2 years of experience in an agency or child caring institution, at least 1 of which is in

a management capacity.

(b) A bachelor’s degree in a human behavioral science, or in another major where

25% of the course credits earned toward the degree are in human behavioral sciences,

business administration, or public administration from an accredited college or university

and 4 years of post- bachelor’s degree experience in an agency or child caring institution,

at least 2 of which are in a management capacity.

(3) An agency shall report any change of chief administrator by the next business

day to the department.

(4) An agency shall appoint a social service supervisor who possesses the

qualifications in either of the following:

(a) A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a human

behavioral science or in another major where 25% of the course credits earned toward the

degree are in human behavioral sciences and 3 years of experience as a social service

worker in an agency, or a child caring institution, or in an agency in a child welfare

function.

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(b) A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a human

behavioral science, or in another major where 25% of the course credits earned toward

the degree are in human behavioral sciences, and 4 years of experience as a social service

worker, 2 years of which are in an agency or in a child caring institution, or in an agency

in a child welfare function.

(5) An agency shall appoint a social service worker who possesses at least a

bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a human

behavioral science, or in another major where 25% of the course credits earned toward

the degree are in human behavioral sciences.

(6) A person who is employed by the agency or who has a contract with the agency

and who fulfills more than 1 function specified by subrule (1) of this rule must meet the

requirements for each position.

(7) If a social service worker also has social service supervisor responsibilities, as

permitted under subrule (6) of this rule, then the worker may not supervise his or her own

tasks as a social service worker.

(8) An agency shall employ or contract for a sufficient number of competent staff to

carry out the provisions covered by these rules. The workload for each staff member may

not be more than any of the following:

(a) Five social service workers per supervisor.

(b) Fifteen children assigned to a social services worker for purposes of providing

direct services in foster care, independent living, adoption, or post adoption services or a

combination thereof.

(c) Thirty certified or enrolled foster homes per licensing worker.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12206 Staff qualifications; volunteer, contractors on central registry.

Rule 206. (1) An agency shall require a staff member who has ongoing contact with

children or parents to be a person who has the ability, experience, education, and training

to perform the duties assigned.

(2) A staff member must be of responsible character and suitable and able to meet

the needs of children and families served by the agency.

(3) An agency’s policy on staff qualifications must state all the following:

(a) A person who has unsupervised contact with children may not have been

convicted of either of the following:

(i) Child abuse or neglect.

(ii) A felony involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10

years immediately preceding the date of hire.

(b) A person who is listed on the central registry as a perpetrator of child abuse or

child neglect is ineligible for employment if the responsibilities of the position includes

unsupervised contact with children.

(4) A volunteer or contractor who is listed on the central registry as a perpetrator of

child abuse or child neglect may not have unsupervised contact with children.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

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R 400.12207 Staff responsibilities.

Rule 207. (1) An agency shall designate the chief administrator as responsible for

the day-to-day operation of the agency and for ensuring compliance with the applicable

provisions of these rules.

(2) An agency chief administrator is administratively responsible for all the

following functions:

(a) The licensee or chief administrator has the administrative capability to operate a

child placing agency and provide the level of care and program stipulated in the

application.

(b) A chief administrator must demonstrate the administrative capability to oversee

the on-site, day-to-day operation of the institution and for ensuring compliance with these

rules.

(c) Not less than once annually, conduct a written assessment and verify the

agency’s compliance with the applicable provisions of these rules.

(d) Assess all disrupted and unplanned removals of children from foster homes,

independent living, and adoptive homes to identify systemic trends and patterns of those

disrupted and unplanned removals.

(e) Within 6 months, develop and implement a written plan to correct

noncompliance identified in subdivision (c) of this subrule and address causes of

disrupted and unplanned removals identified in subdivision (d) of this subrule.

(f) Provide space to individuals served to be interviewed privately by police,

regulatory staff, children’s protective services, or other entities investigating activities of

the agency related to safety of children and compliance with statute and promulgated

rules.

(3) An agency shall require that social service workers be directly responsible for all

the following activities:

(a) Placing and supervising children in out-of-home care. Social service workers

shall work directly with the children, their families, and other relevant individuals and be

primarily responsible for the development, implementation, and review of service plans

for the children and their families.

(b) Facilitating services and parenting time for children for purposes of

reunification.

(c) Assessing and certifying private family homes for licensure and supervising the

homes.

(d) Conducting evaluations of private family homes for purposes of adoption.

(e) Supervising and assessing children for adoptive placement.

(4) An agency shall require social service aides to be directly responsible to a social

service worker or social service supervisor. A social service aide may provide clearly

defined support functions, but may not have responsibility for any of the following:

(a) Case planning.

(b) Selecting placements.

(c) Foster home certification.

(d) Conducting foster care and licensing case contacts for purposes of foster care or

adoption case planning, or licensing certification contacts.

(e) Conducting adoptive family evaluations.

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History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12208 Job descriptions.

Rule 208. (1) An agency shall have a current written job description for each staff

and position.

(2) Each job description must contain all the following information:

(a) Prescribed duties and functions.

(b) Specific education, knowledge, experience, and skills necessary to provide

services to children and families served by the agency.

(c) Lines of authority.

(3) An agency shall give copies of job descriptions to staff at the time of

employment in a specified position and when the job description is revised.

(4) Practice must conform to the job description.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12209 Orientation and training.

Rule 209. (1) An agency shall ensure and document all the following:

(a) That each social service worker and each social service supervisor receives not

less than 16 hours of orientation after initial appointment and before assumption of

assigned duties.

(b) That each social service worker and each social service supervisor receives not

less than 15 hours of training relating to his or her current position within the first year of

being assigned to the position.

(c) That each social service worker and each social service supervisor receives not

less than 15 hours of planned training relating to his or her current position annually after

the time periods specified in subrule (1) of this rule.

(2) The orientation and training specified in subrule (1) of this rule for each social

service worker must include all the following topics:

(a) Characteristics and needs of children and families served by the agency,

including trauma-informed parenting, human trafficking, systemic racism, and SOGIE

training.

(b) Requirements of applicable statutes relating to the services the agency provides

that are subject to these rules.

(c) Agency expectations for the social service worker to facilitate and supervise the

care of children and to work with families that are served by the agency.

(d) Agency expectations for the social service worker’s role and responsibility with

foster parents and other persons who provide care or services to children and families

served by the agency.

(e) Agency expectations for developing, maintaining, and reviewing initial and

updated service plans for children and families served by the agency.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

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R 400.12210 Grievance handling.

Rule 210. An agency shall have a written grievance handling procedure as mandated

by section 8a of the foster care and adoption services act, 1994 PA 203, MCL 722.958a,

and known as the “foster parent’s bill of rights law.”

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12211 Privacy safeguard.

Rule 211. (1) An agency shall safeguard the privacy of a child and his or her

family.

(2) An agency shall not use a child's identity for publicity purposes unless consent is

provided by the appropriate legal parent, the department, or the court.

(3) Video cameras in a bedroom of any foster child over the age of 2 is strictly

prohibited.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12212 Personnel records.

Rule 212. (1) An agency shall maintain a personnel record for each staff member.

(2) The personnel record must contain all the following information before

employment may occur:

(a) Name.

(b) Verification of education.

(c) Work history.

(d) Three references obtained from persons who are unrelated to the staff person.

(e) A record of any convictions other than minor traffic violations from either of the

following:

(i) The Michigan state police, tribal police, or the equivalent state or Canadian

provincial law enforcement agency where the person usually resides.

(ii) An entity accessing either Michigan state police records or equivalent state or

Canadian provincial law enforcement agency where the person usually resides.

(f) If the employee has criminal convictions, the chief administrator or his or her

designee shall complete a written evaluation of the convictions that addresses the nature

of the conviction, the length of time since the conviction, and the relationship of the

conviction to regulated activity.

(g) A written statement from the employee regarding any convictions.

(h) Documentation from the department that the person has not been named in a

central registry case as the perpetrator of child abuse or neglect in Michigan or in any

state where the person lived in the 5 years preceding hire.

(3) The personnel record must contain both of the following:

(a) A written evaluation of a staff member’s performance within a probationary

period or not later than 6 months after the staff member assumes his or her current

responsibilities. After the initial evaluation, a written evaluation must be conducted every

12 months.

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(b) A copy of the job description for the staff member’s current position.

(4) An agency shall maintain an orientation and training record for staff members.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12213 Record Management.

Rule 213. An agency shall do all the following with respect to maintenance of

required records:

(a) Protect each record against destruction and damage.

(b) Keep each record in a uniform fashion.

(c) Store and maintain each record in a manner to ensure confidentiality and to

prevent unauthorized access.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12214 Compliance with the child protection law.

Rule 214. An agency shall comply with the child protection law, 1975 PA 238,

MCL 722.621 to 722.638.

History: 2007 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

PART 3. FOSTER HOME CERTIFICATION

R 400.12301 Department authorization.

Rule 301. (1) The department shall authorize an agency to certify foster homes for

licensure.

(2) An approved governmental unit must comply with the provisions of this part to

be authorized to certify foster homes for licensure.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12302 Program statement.

Rule 302. An agency shall have and follow a current written program statement that

includes all the following information:

(a) Types of foster care provided.

(b) Age and characteristics of children served.

(c) Types and numbers of foster homes needed.

(d) Types of services provided to children, parents, relatives, and foster families.

(e) Geographical area covered.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

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R 400.12303 Policy and procedures.

Rule 303. (1) An agency shall have and follow written policies and procedures for

assessing and certifying foster homes for licensure. An agency may not have a policy

related to certifying homes that violates section 102 of the Elliott-Larsen civil rights act,

1976 PA 453, MCL 37.2102.

(2) Policies and procedures must address R 400.12304 to R 400.12328 and be on

forms provided, and in a manner prescribed, by the department.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12304 Recruitment and retention.

Rule 304. (1) An agency shall have an ongoing foster home recruitment program to

ensure an adequate number of suitable and qualified homes based on the needs of

children referred to the agency.

(2) An agency shall develop, implement, and maintain a program of foster home

retention that includes foster parent involvement.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12305 Certification training.

Rule 305. (1) All social service workers who perform foster home certification

functions must complete certification and special evaluation trainings provided by the

department within 6 months of assignment to the certification function. Workers must

pass the written exam.

(2) Supervisors of social service workers who perform foster home certification

functions must complete certification and special evaluation training prior to supervising

the certification of foster homes and must pass the written exam.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12306 Application request.

Rule 306. (1) An agency shall provide an orientation for prospective applicants for

a foster home license before a foster home application is provided.

(2) An agency shall document that a person who has met the requirements of subrule

(1) of this rule has received an application and information regarding all the following:

(a) A copy of the act.

(b) Administrative rules for foster homes.

(c) Administrative rules for child placing agencies.

(d) Good moral character rules.

(e) The child protection law.

(f) The children’s ombudsman act.

(g) The agency’s program statement.

(h) The agency’s foster care services policies.

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(i) The agency’s foster parent training requirements.

(3) An agency shall provide the licensee an application for renewal of the license

and document the action not less than 60 calendar days before the expiration date of the

license. A renewal application must be provided to a licensee, regardless of any pending

recommendation for disciplinary action of the license.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12307 Orientation.

Rule 307. An agency foster parent orientation must consist of an overview of all the

following areas:

(a) Purposes of foster care.

(b) Characteristics and needs of the children and families served by the agency.

(c) Child attachment and separation issues.

(d) Impact of fostering on the foster family.

(e) Role of the foster family.

(f) Licensing process.

(g) Grievance procedure.

(h) Importance of a child’s parents and relatives

(i) Parenting time and sibling visits.

(j) Agency foster care policies and procedures.

(k) Agency foster parent training requirements.

(l) Supportive services and resources.

(m) Trauma responsive care.

(n) Collaboration in transportation planning.

(o) Provisions of the children’s ombudsman act.

(p) Provisions of the child protection law.

(q) Foster care review board appeal procedures.

(r) Foster parent bill of rights law.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12308 Application submission.

Rule 308. (1) An agency shall act on a completed and signed application.

(2) An agency shall require all caregivers in a multiple-caregiver household to sign

the application.

(3) An agency may consider an application withdrawn after 60 days if the

applicant fails to cooperate, after attempts to actively engage the family, with the

completion of the licensing process, provided there are no known non-compliances that

would result in disciplinary action.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

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R 400.12309 Criminal history; central registry; “good moral character”;

convictions.

Rule 309. (1) The agency shall obtain from a foster home applicant or licensee the

name of, and a signed release for, a criminal history and child protective services check

to obtain any of the following information from each adult member of the household,

including children who turn 18 years of age while living in the home:

(a) Conviction of a crime other than a minor traffic violation.

(b) Involvement in a confirmed abuse or neglect of a child or adult.

(c) Placement on court-supervised parole or probation.

(2) If an applicant, licensee, or adult member of the household is a member of a

federally recognized Indian tribe or identifies that they have lived on a reservation, the

certifying child placing agency must contact the specific tribal jurisdiction, including

tribal social services or the tribal court, to determine whether that jurisdiction has relevant

background information to provide to the certifying child placing agency regarding the

licensing assessment. In the event the tribe does not respond to the inquiry, the

department may proceed with the licensing assessment.

(3) The agency shall require a foster home applicant or licensee to undergo a

fingerprint-based, criminal history check.

(4) The agency shall require any adult member of the household to undergo a state-

based, criminal history background check and, if applicable, contact with the appropriate

tribal jurisdiction as referenced in subrule (2) of this rule. Upon the agency receiving

information that an additional adult is residing in the home, the agency shall immediately

obtain a release from the additional adult for the information required in subrule (1) of

the rule.

(5) A license will not be issued or maintained by an applicant or licensee unless the

department has made a determination under section 2 of 1974 PA 381, MCL 338.42,

regarding the applicant, licensee, or adult member of the household’s “good moral

character” and convictions.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12310 Initial evaluation.

Rule 310. (1) An agency social service worker shall complete a written initial foster

home evaluation, on a form provided by the department, before certifying the home for

licensure.

(2) The report must include the dates and places of contacts and persons interviewed

or observed.

(3) The agency shall assess all the following:

(a) The applicant or licensee’s family and marital status and history, including

current and past level of family functioning and relationships, and any incidents of

domestic violence, elder abuse, or child abuse, as a perpetrator.

(b) The circumstances surrounding any criminal convictions or arrests for each

member of the household, including minor children.

(c) Physical, mental, and emotional health of each member of the household,

including any history of substance use disorder or treatment.

(d) Current mental health or substance use, or both.

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(e) Parenting skills and strategies for building healthy relationships with children.

(f) Methods of discipline of children.

(g) Adjustment and special needs of the applicant’s own children, including

children not living in the home.

(h) Previous licenses or experience in providing child foster care, child day care, or

adult foster care.

(i) Existence of a social support system including alternate care providers.

(j) Willingness to accept a child’s spirituality, or religious beliefs or practices, even

if they differ from the foster parent.

(k) Willingness to accept and support a child’s SOGIE.

(l) Safety and maintenance of the applicant’s house and property, including but not

limited to, the following:

(i) Sufficient beds and sleeping space.

(ii) Pets.

(iii) Weapons.

(iv) Fire or water hazards.

(m) The age, number, gender, race, ethnic background, and characteristics of

children preferred by the applicants, including those characteristics that an applicant or

licensee would not accept.

(4) The agency will collect all the following:

(a) Three current references, related or non-related, from the applicant or licensee.

(b) A medical statement that includes all treatments, prescriptions, and medications

for each adult member of the household that indicates that the member has no known

condition which would affect the care of a foster child. The statement must be signed by

a physician, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner within the 12-month period

preceding the date of the initial evaluation. Any subsequent household member added to

the household must provide the medical statement within 90 days.

(c) Information regarding any past or current, or both, mental health or substance

use disorder treatment by any member of the household.

(d) The inspection results in compliance with R 400.9305.

(5) An agency shall document placement specifications consistent with the

information contained in the evaluation. The placement specifications must include the

following:

(a) The age, number, SOGIE, race, ethnic background, and characteristics of

children preferred by the applicants.

(b) Characteristics of children best served by the family,

(c) Children who may not be placed in the home. The child’s racial, ethnic, and

cultural identity, heritage, and background may only be considered if an assessment of

the individual child indicates that such consideration is in the best interests of the child.

(6) An agency shall inform the applicant of the department’s policies and procedures

regarding concurrent planning.

(7) An agency shall provide the applicant with a copy of the final initial evaluation.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2007 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12311 Foster parent/agency agreement.

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Rule 311. (1) An agency shall have a written foster parent/agency agreement signed

by the foster parent and the agency before initially certifying a foster home for licensure.

(2) The foster parent/agency agreement must contain all the following provisions:

(a) The responsibilities of the agency.

(b) The services to be provided to foster children and the foster family.

(c) The responsibilities of the foster family.

(d) That the foster family has been informed of, and agrees to follow, agency

policies and procedures.

(e) A description of the role and the expectation to cooperate with the lawyer

guardian ad litem and the state and tribal court, including the role of other appointed state

and tribal attorneys.

(f) The agency schedule of foster care payments to foster parents.

(3) An agency shall document review of the foster parent/agency agreement with the

foster family at least annually and, when needed, develop a new agreement.

(4) An agency shall give a foster family a copy of the signed current foster

parent/agency agreement.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12312 Foster parent training.

Rule 312. (1) An agency shall develop a foster parent training plan with the

participation of foster parents.

(2) The foster parent training plan must provide for all the following:

(a) Not less than 12 hours of training to be completed by each person named on the

license before a recommendation is made for licensure, taking into account the individual

training needs of the foster parents. Not more than 3 hours of orientation may be included

as part of the initial 12 hours of training.

(b) Not less than 6 hours of training annually for each licensee after the time periods

specified in subdivision (a) of this subrule.

(3) The training specified in subrule (2)(a) of this rule must address all the following

areas:

(a) Characteristics and needs of children who may be placed into the home.

(b) Safe sleep practices for infants.

(c) Effective parenting.

(d) Calming and soothing supports for children, including sensory modulation and

de-escalation techniques.

(e) Importance of the foster child’s parents and relatives.

(f) Concurrent planning.

(g) Role of the agency.

(h) Emergency procedures, first aid, and fire safety.

(i) Preparation of the foster child for permanence and independence.

(j) The role of the court and lawyer guardian ad litem in permanency planning.

(k) Reasonable and prudent parent standards.

(l) Firearm storage and safety.

(m) The unique needs of foster children based on individual identities related to

culture, race and ethnicity, religion, and spirituality, and SOGIE.

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(n) Human trafficking.

(o) Trauma-informed parenting, including the effects of discipline in the household.

(4) At least 1 adult member of the household must have training in and maintain a

current certification in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation from the American

Heart Association or the American Red Cross, or other institution approved by the

department.

(5) An agency shall document all training received by each foster parent.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2007 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12313 Behavior support policy.

Rule 313. (1) An agency’s behavior support policy must identify appropriate and

specific methods of behavior support for foster children.

(2) An agency shall ensure that methods of behavior support for a foster child are

positive, consistent, and compassionate based on each foster child’s needs, stage of

development, and behavior, and promote self-regulation, self-esteem, and independence.

(3) All the following are prohibited:

(a) Corporal punishment, any type of restraint, including physical, chemical,

mechanical, or noxious substances; or any kind of punishment inflicted on the body.

(b) Confinement or seclusion in an area such as a closet or a room.

(c) Withholding food, clothing, rest, toilet use, or entrance to the foster home.

(d) Mental or emotional cruelty.

(e) Verbal abuse, threats, including the use of derogatory or discriminatory

language, negative references to the child’s or the child’s family SOGIE, yelling at youth,

ridicule, or humiliation.

(f) Prohibiting visits or communication with a foster child’s family.

(g) Denial of necessary educational, medical, mental health, or social work services.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12314 Religion and spirituality policy.

Rule 314. (1) An agency’s religion policy must ensure that the foster child may

participate or choose not to participate in religious or spiritual instruction, engage or

choose not to engage in religious or spiritual practices, or attend or choose not to attend

religious or spiritual services.

(2) A foster child may not be required to attend religious or spiritual services or

follow specific religious or spiritual doctrine.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12315 Communication.

Rule 315. An agency must ensure that a child is able to communicate with family

and friends in a manner consistent with the child’s expressed wishes, appropriate to the

child’s functioning, and in accordance with the child’s treatment plan.

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History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12316 Personal possessions.

Rule 316. An agency’s personal possessions policy must address all the following:

(a) Ensure that a child has a right to have his or her personal possessions during

placement with a foster family and when leaving the foster family.

(b) Safe storage of a child’s personal possessions.

(c) All gifts and clothing that are given to or purchased for the child during

placement with the foster family remain the property of the foster child.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12317 Allowance and money.

Rule 317. (1) The agency must specify the following:

(a) General guidelines that provide a monetary range based on a child’s age.

(b) Allowance for specific youth will be determined by the social services worker,

the child’s parent, and the foster parent based on the child’s age and treatment needs.

(c) How the agency monitors allowance.

(2) Any money earned or received directly by the child remains the property of the

child.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

b

Rule 318. The agency’s clothing policy for foster parents must specify both of the

following:

(a) A foster parent must ensure that a foster child has the minimum required clothing

specified by the agency’s policy and leaves the foster home with not less than the

minimum required clothing.

(b) All clothing the child has when he or she arrives at the foster home and all

clothing purchased for the child while in the foster home remains the property of the

foster child, unless returned to the child’s parent or parents.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12319 Transfer of enrollment or license.

Rule 319. (1) Prior to requesting the transfer of an enrollment or license, the

receiving agency must provide the applicant/licensee with the following:

(a) Orientation of the receiving agency.

(b) Application.

(2) The current certifying agency must provide the receiving agency with the

following:

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(a) The most recent application for a license.

(b) The initial evaluation and current reevaluation and any other relevant licensing

home study reports.

(c) The most recent copy of the licensing transaction record.

(d) All completed special evaluation reports and any associated corrective action

plans.

(e) All record clearance documents for all members of the household, including any

administrative review team assessments.

(f) Other information that might assist the agency considering the transfer with

making an informed decision.

(3) The agency considering the transfer must review all information in subrule (2) of

this rule. Prior to acceptance of the transfer, the receiving agency must make at least 1

home visit.

(4) If the agency considering the transfer declines to accept a transfer of the license

or enrollment, the agency must inform the applicant or licensee in writing and provide a

copy to the certifying agency.

(5) Written approval must come from the receiving agency’s chief administrator or

his or her designee prior to the transfer of the license during a special evaluation. When a

license is transferred during a special evaluation, the receiving agency must complete the

special evaluation.

(6) Written approval must come from the receiving agency’s chief administrator or

his or her designee prior to the transfer of the license during a provisional status.

(7) If there is an existing corrective action plan, the receiving agency is responsible

for ensuring compliance.

(8) Transfer of a license during a pending disciplinary action must be approved by

the department prior to the transfer.

(9) The receiving child placing agency must submit transfer documents to the

department within 7 calendar days after the decision has been made to accept the transfer.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12320 Supervision.

Rule 320. (1) An agency shall ensure an appropriate level of care and supervision

for the foster child at all times consistent with a child’s age, level of functioning, and

treatment plan.

(2) A foster parent shall identify at least 1 adult who would care for the foster child

for an extended overnight period. The identified adult must have both a central registry

and a criminal history background check.

(3) A foster parent shall notify the agency of any extended, overnight period when

the period will exceed 3 days.

(4) A foster parent shall notify any foster child’s care provider of the agency’s

policies relating to care and supervision and the care provider must follow the policies.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

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R 400.12321 Hazardous materials policy.

Rule 321. (1) Federal standards for a foster family or group home include specific

safety requirements for weapons, pools, hot tubs, and spas, as these pose a particular

preventable danger to children.

(2) Dangerous equipment and objects, weapons, chemicals, medications, poisonous

materials, cleaning supplies, and other hazardous materials that may present a risk to

children placed in the foster home must be stored securely and out of the reach of

children, as appropriate for the age and functioning level of the children.

(3) Unless carried in the licensed home and on the licensed property as permitted by

law, firearms and ammunition must be stored as follows:

(a) Firearms must be all the following:

(i) Locked in compliance with 1 of the following:

(A) By a cable-lock.

(B) By a trigger-lock.

(C) In a gun safe.

(D) A solid metal gun case.

(E) A solid wood gun case.

(ii) Unloaded.

(iii) Separate from ammunition; however, as long as the firearm is stored in

compliance with paragraph (i)(C) to (E) of this subdivision, the ammunition may be

stored together with the firearm in the same locked safe or case.

(iv) Inaccessible to children.

(b) Ammunition must be stored in a locked location and inaccessible to children.

(c) All applicable laws regarding the possession, use, transportation, and storage of

firearms and ammunition, including for hunting, still apply.

(d) Licensees with a CPL may possess a firearm pursuant to the law in a vehicle on

the licensed property, provided it is done so in a manner that prevents foster children

from having access to it, such as being on the licensee’s person or stored in a locked

container.

(e) Licensees may engage in hunting, range shooting, and target practice with a

foster child in accordance with the reasonable and prudent parent standard as defined in

section 1 of chapter XIIA of the probate code of 1939, 1939 PA 288, MCL 712A.1.

History: 2014 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12322 Unusual incident policy.

Rule 322. (1) An agency’s unusual incident policy must include immediate

notification to the agency by the foster parent of any of the following incidents:

(a) The death of a foster child.

(b) The removal or attempted removal of a foster child from a foster home by any

person not authorized by the agency.

(c) The foster child is missing.

(d) Any illness that results in treatment at a hospital emergency room or inpatient

hospitalization of a foster child.

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(2) An agency’s unusual incident policy must include notification to the agency by

the foster parent of any of the following incidents within 24 hours of knowledge of the

incident:

(a) A foster child’s involvement with law enforcement authorities.

(b) Pregnancy of a foster child.

(c) Incidences of child-on-child abuse.

(d) Involvement with law enforcement by anyone in the home pursuant to a

criminal investigation.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12323 Emergency policy.

Rule 323. (1) An agency’s emergency policy must include procedures for each of

the following situations:

(a) Fire.

(b) Tornado.

(c) Serious accident or injury.

(d) Epidemic.

(2) An agency shall approve the written evacuation plan for a foster home that

provides care for a person who requires assistance to evacuate the home.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12324 Reevaluation.

Rule 324. (1) An agency shall conduct an annual on-site visit and complete a

written reevaluation of a foster home.

(2) The annual reevaluation must include a determination and assessment of all the

following:

(a) All changes to the factual information contained in the initial evaluation and

subsequent renewal evaluations.

(b) Family functioning and interrelationships as determined by observation of, and

interviews with, each member of the household and each social service worker who has

had children placed in the home during the last licensing period.

(c) Training needs of the family.

(d) Compliance with the licensing rules for foster homes.

(e) Compliance with the agency’s written policies and procedures.

(3) An agency shall record the dates and places of contacts and persons interviewed

or observed as part of a reevaluation.

(4) An agency shall document placement specifications consistent with the

information contained in the reevaluation. The placement specifications must include all

the following:

(a) The age, number, SOGIE, race, ethnic background, and characteristics of

children preferred by the applicants.

(b) Characteristics of children best served by the home.

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(c) Children who may not be placed in the home. The child’s racial, ethnic, and

cultural identity, heritage, and background may only be considered if an assessment of

the individual child indicates that such consideration is in the best interests of the child.

(5) An agency shall inform the foster parent of and discuss the agency’s policy and

procedures regarding concurrent planning.

(6) An agency shall complete a licensing record clearance request form on each

adult non-licensee member of the household, including foster youth who turn 18 years of

age, prior to each renewal and assess the results of the record check.

(7) An agency shall provide the foster parent with a copy of the reevaluation upon

request.

(8) An agency shall complete a reevaluation and make a licensing recommendation

to the department at least 15 calendar days before the expiration date of the foster home

license.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12325 License recommendation.

Rule 325. (1) An agency shall recommend to the department the appropriate

licensing action consistent with facts contained in the foster home evaluation and any

special evaluations.

(2) An agency shall document foster home license changes in the foster home record

and communicate the changes immediately to the department in the manner prescribed by

the department.

(3) Except for an original license, an agency shall recommend to the department the

issuance of a regular license or the continuation of an active license only when all rules

are in compliance, or both of the following conditions exist:

(a) All non-compliances relating to the recommendation are correctable.

(b) A written corrective action plan has been developed. The plan must comply with

all of the following requirements:

(i) Upon determining a rule noncompliance that is correctable by the foster parent,

the agency must develop a written corrective action plan with the foster parent on the

form prescribed by the department.

(ii) Be completed within 6 months of being signed.

(iii) Be signed and dated by the foster parent and the agency.

(4) Except for an original license, an agency shall recommend to the department the

issuance of a provisional license only when all of the following conditions exist:

(a) The foster parent has signed an acceptable corrective action plan.

(b) The foster parent has been informed, in writing, of the facts and the basis for the

provisional license.

(c) The foster parent has been notified of his or her right to appeal the provisional

license.

(5) An agency shall recommend to the department the denial of license issuance, the

revocation of a license, or the refusal to renew a license when all the following conditions

exist:

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(a) The applicant or the foster parent falsifies the application, or the applicant or the

foster parent willfully and substantially violates the act or 1 or more of the licensing rules

for foster homes.

(b) The agency has provided the applicant or the foster parent with all the

following:

(i) A copy of the special evaluation report outlining the facts and the basis for the

recommended action.

(ii) Written notice that the agency’s recommendation for disciplinary action has

been referred to the department for a final decision.

(iii) Written notice to the applicant or foster parent of their right to appeal the

department’s decision for licensing action.

(6) An agency shall provide the department with all documentation that details the

basis for the agency’s recommendation or any requested documentation for a department

licensing action.

(7) An agency shall participate in, and present facts at, a foster home licensing

administrative hearing to support an agency recommendation or a department licensing

action.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12326 Borrowed home.

Rule 326. (1) Before placing a child in a foster home certified by another agency,

the borrowing agency shall have a record containing all the following:

(a) Approval from the certifying agency authorizing the placement of a child in the

home.

(b) Verification that the foster parent is willing to accept the foster child.

(c) The initial evaluation and current reevaluation.

(d) A copy of all special evaluations completed during the last 2 years.

(e) Verification of all children currently placed in the home.

(f) Documentation that the foster parent has received orientation to the policies of

the borrowing agency.

(g) A copy of the foster parent /agency agreement signed by the foster parent and

the borrowing agency.

(h) The requirements in subdivisions (a) to (g) of this subrule do not apply to foster

homes licensed by a tribe. A completed “Verification of Tribal Foster Home Safety

Requirements” form is required when borrowing a foster home licensed by a tribe.

(2) Only in an after-hours emergency placement will a verbal agreement be

acceptable. During an after-hours emergency placement, the certifying agency must

provide a verbal summary of the information in subrule (1)(a) to (h) of this rule to the

borrowing agency. Written borrowed home protocol must be completed and documented

within 3 calendar days of an after-hours emergency placement.

(3) The borrowing agency is responsible for requesting the items identified in

subrule (1)(c), (d), and (e) of this rule annually for the duration of the child’s placement.

The certifying agency must provide the items in subrule (1)(c), (d), and (e) of this rule

annually for the duration of the child’s placement.

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(4) The certifying agency is responsible for certification functions, including special

evaluations, and must share all information regarding changes in the home with all

agencies that have children in placement in the home.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12327 Special evaluation.

Rule 327.

(1) Upon receipt of any information that relates to possible

noncompliance with any foster home rule, the agency must do all the following:

(a) Submit a special investigation record to the department’s licensing authority

within 5 working days in the manner prescribed by the department.

(b) Initiate a special evaluation of the foster home as soon as is indicated, based on

the information received, but not later than 7 calendar days after receipt of the

information.

(c) Conduct an evaluation, in cooperation with child protective services, when

applicable, including all necessary collateral contacts.

(d) Notify all social service workers who have children placed in the home that a

special evaluation has been initiated.

(2) An agency shall inform foster parents of all the following before they are

questioned or interviewed regarding a special evaluation:

(a) That a special evaluation has been initiated.

(b) A clear description of the allegations.

(c) That the foster parents may involve a person of their choice in any interviews

with them involving the special evaluation if the involvement does not impede the timely

completion of the evaluation.

(3) An agency shall complete a special evaluation within 45 calendar days after

receipt of the information. If additional time is required, then the agency shall inform the

foster parent, in writing, of the basis for the extension and the expected length of the

extension. The total time for the completion of the investigation may not exceed 90

calendar days without written approval from the chief administrator or his or her

designee.

(4) Before completion of the written report required by subrule (6) of this rule, an

agency shall provide the foster parent with a verbal summary of the preliminary findings

at the conclusion of the evaluation.

(5) Within 15 days of the conclusion of the evaluation, an agency shall complete a

written report that includes all the following information:

(a) The date the information was received.

(b) The allegations.

(c) Dates and places of contacts, names of persons interviewed, and names of the

interviewers. If children are interviewed, their last names may not be included in the

report.

(d) Findings of fact based upon the evaluation.

(e) Conclusions regarding licensing rules compliance or noncompliance based on

the findings of fact.

(f) Any change in the agency’s decision regarding the number, SOGIE, age, race,

religion, spirituality, ethnic background, and specific characteristics of children who may

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be placed that is based upon the documentation contained in the summary and

conclusions of the report.

(g) Recommendations regarding licensing action and any required corrective action.

(6) An agency shall do all the following:

(a) Provide the foster parent with a copy of the report required by subrule (5) of this

rule within 10 calendar days of its completion.

(b) Inform the foster parent, in writing, that the foster parent has a right to have his

or her written response included as an attachment to the report required by subrule (5) of

this rule.

(c) Provide a copy of the report to any social services worker that has children

placed in the home.

(7) If any violations are cited and there is a signed corrective action plan, all social

service workers who have children placed in the home must be notified there is a

corrective action plan and what is required of the foster parent in that plan.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12328 Foster home record.

Rule 328. (1) An agency shall maintain a foster home record in the manner

prescribed by the department for each foster care home. An agency shall maintain a foster

home record in the manner in which is prescribed by the department for each foster care

home.

(2) The record must contain all the following information:

(a) All documents pertaining to certification of the home.

(b) Any special evaluation reports.

(c) Placement agreements between a foster parent and the agency.

(d) A placement list of all children placed in the foster home, including all the

following information about each child:

(i) Name, age, sex, and race of the child.

(ii) Date of placement.

(iii) Date of, and reasons for, a child’s removal from the foster home.

(e) Any written response from a foster parent, as provided by R 400.12327(6)(b).

(3) An agency shall make copies of a record available to the applicant or licensee

upon request, except for the following items:

(a) Pending evaluation reports and documents.

(b) Records of privileged communication.

(c) Criminal records, police reports, child protective services information, and

social security numbers from any source.

(4) An agency shall maintain records for not less than 7 years after closure.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

PART 4. FOSTER CARE SERVICES

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R 400.12401 Department authorization.

Rule 401. The department shall authorize an agency to receive children for

placement in licensed foster homes.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12402 Program statement.

Rule 402. An agency shall have and follow a current written program statement that

includes all the following information:

(a) Types of foster care provided.

(b) The racial, ethnic, and cultural identity, heritage, spirituality, and background of

the children served.

(c) Types of services provided to foster children and their families.

(d) Geographical area covered.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12403 Policy and procedures.

Rule 403. (1) An agency shall provide a copy of the policies and procedures to the

foster parents of a home where the agency places a child.

(2) An agency may not be more restrictive than the department policies or the

administrative rules governing licensing and services.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12404 Placement.

Rule 404. (1) An agency shall only place a child with an adult who is a relative of

the child, a legal custodian, or in a licensed foster home, except as permitted in R

400.12503(2)(b) and R 400.12709.

(2) Initial consideration must be given to placement with a relative or placing

siblings together, or both.

(3) An agency’s placement of a child in a foster home must be consistent with the

placement specifications for the home.

(4) An agency shall consider all the following factors in selecting an appropriate

placement for a child:

(a) Proximity to the child’s parents, family, or community.

(b) The physical, emotional, and educational needs of the child.

(c) The permanency goal of the child.

(d) Expressed preferences of the child, and the child’s parent or parents.

(e) The child and child’s family’s religious or spiritual, or both, preference.

(f)The foster parents’ ability and willingness to accept and support the child’s

SOGIE.

(g) The child’s racial, ethnic, cultural identity, heritage, and spiritual background.

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(h) The continuity of relationships, including relationships with parents, siblings,

relatives, foster parents, previous foster parents, and other persons significant to thechild.

(i) The availability of placement resources for the purpose of making a timely

placement.

(5) Before the placement of a child, the agency shall document preparation of all

relevant parties, including the child or infant, which must include an explanation of all

the following:

(a) The circumstances necessitating placement.

(b) The child’s individual needs.

(c) Any special challenges presented.

(6) An agency must document, in the child’s record, within 7 calendar days after

placement, the information specified in R 400.12417(1) and all the following

information:

(a) All the following child characteristics:

(i) Gender identity.

(ii) Race.

(iii) Height and weight.

(iv) Eye color and hair color.

(v) Identifying marks.

(vi) Religious or spiritual preference.

(vii) School status, including grade, last school attended, and educational program.

(b) Name, known addresses and marital status of the child’s parents or legal

guardian, if any.

(c) Names, ages, and known addresses of any siblings.

(d) Known names, addresses, and dates of any previous out-of-home placements.

(e) The date that the agency received the child for placement.

(f) The child’s legal status and the agency’s legal right to provide care.

(g) Documentation of the child’s placement preparation.

(h) A photograph of the child at the time of placement.

(i) Documentation that tribal ancestry was assessed.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12405 Change of placement.

Rule 405. (1) An agency shall make every reasonable effort to maintain a stable

placement for each child placed in foster care. The efforts must be documented in the

child’s record.

(2) An agency shall first consider returning the child to aparent.

(3) The agency shall document all the following in the child’s record before a

change of placement occurs:

(a) Reason for the change in placement.

(b) If the child is not returned to the parent, then the reason why return is not

possible.

(c) If the child is not reunited with siblings or placed with a relative, then the reason

why those placements are not possible.

(d) Consideration of the factors identified in R 400.12404(4).

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(e) Replacement preparation of all relevant parties, including the child or infant,

which includes an explanation as to why the change is necessary.

(f) Notification to the parents, referral source, lawyer guardian ad litem, and courts

when applicable, of the change in placement.

(g) Information about the child was shared with the new placement, consistent with

the requirements of R 400.12417.

(h) The child’s new location and address.

(i) That the current foster parent was notified in writing of the following

information:

(i) Not less than 14 calendar days in advance, of the change, except when prior

notification would jeopardize the child’s care or safety. If prior notice is not provided,

then the agency shall notify the foster parent, at the time of the change, why prior notice

was not given.

(ii) Of the current foster parent’s rights concerning the change in placement.

(j) Supervisory approval before the change.

(4) If an emergency change in placement is necessary, then all the documentation

required in subrules (2) and (3) of this rule must be in the child’s record within 14

calendar days after the change in placement.

(5) If an agency is no longer providing services to the child in a foster home, then

both the following must be documented before a change in placement:

(a) A summary of the services provided during care up to the time of the change in

placement and the needs that remain to be met.

(b) Provision for any continuing services.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12406 Rescinded.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS.

R 400.12407 Rescinded.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS.

R 400.12408 Rescinded.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS.

R 400.12409 Education.

Rule 409. An agency must ensure that, within 5 school days of placement, an

agency shall provide for the enrollment of each child of school age, as defined by state

law, into a school program.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

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R 400.12410 Rescinded.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS.

R 400.12411 Clothing.

Rule 411. An agency must ensure that a foster child has the minimum required

clothing specified by the department’s policy and leaves the foster home with not less

than the minimum required clothing.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12412 Rescinded.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS.

R 400.12413 Medical and dental care policy.

Rule 413. (1) An agency’s medical and dental care policy must include all the

following:

(a) The provision of routine medical care.

(b) The provision of emergency medical, surgical, and dental care.

(c) A physical examination for each child as follows, unless a greater frequency is

medically indicated:

(i) A comprehensive medical examination, including a behavioral/mental health

and trauma screening, within 30 calendar days from the date the child entered into an

out-of-home placement, regardless of the date of the last physical examination.

(ii) A physical examination every 14 months.

(d) Current immunizations for each child as required by section 5111 of the public

health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.5111. All the following apply:

(i) A statement from a parent or licensed medical authority, which indicates that

immunizations are current or contraindicated, is sufficient documentation of

immunizations.

(ii) A copy of a waiver addressed to the department that is signed by the parent

stating immunizations are not being administered due to religious, medical, or other

reasons is sufficient documentation of immunizations, unless the child is a temporary

court ward, a motion is heard, and order is entered by the circuit court for the child’s

case. A waiver must be accompanied by a certification by the local health department that

the parent or parents received education on the risks of not receiving the vaccines being

waived and the benefits of vaccination to the individual and the community as required

by section 5111 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.5111, and R

325.176(12).

(iii) If documentation of immunization or a copy of the waiver is unavailable, then

immunizations must begin within 30 calendar days of placement.

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(e) A dental examination must be completed within 3 months before entry into

foster care or an initial dental examination must be completed not more than 90 calendar

days after entry into a foster care out-of-home placement. A child entering foster care

under 1 year of age must have an initial dental exam within 3 months of his or her first

birthday.

(f) A dental re-examination must be obtained at least every 9 months unless a

greater frequency is indicated.

(2) An agency shall maintain a file documentation from the medical or dental

provider of all medical and dental care received by a foster child.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12414 Rescinded.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS.

R 400.12415 Unusual incident reporting policy.

Rule 415. An agency must adhere to the following incident reporting protocols:

(a) Immediately notify the child’s parents; the department licensing authority; the

lawyer guardian ad litem and court, as applicable; the department; and the foster child’s

parents, if any of the following occurs:

(i) The death of a foster child.

(ii) The foster child is absent without legal permission.

(iii) Attempted removal or removal of the foster child from the foster home by any

person who is not authorized by the agency.

(iv) Any medical and mental illness or condition that results in treatment at a

hospital emergency room or inpatient hospitalization of a foster child.

(b) Notification of the child’s parents, the responsible agency, and guardian ad litem

as applicable within 24 hours of knowledge of the following:

(i) Any injury of a foster child that requires medical treatment.

(ii) A foster child’s involvement with law enforcement authorities.

(iii) Pregnancy of a foster child.

(iv) Incidences of a foster child being abused, including child-on-child abuse.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12416 Rescinded.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS.

R 400.12417 Foster parent information.

Rule 417. (1) An agency shall provide a foster parent with all the following

information before the placement or replacement of a child:

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(a) Child’s name.

(b) Child’s date of birth.

(c) Available known information about the child’s health.

(d) Any known history of abuse or neglect of the child.

(e) All known emotional and psychological factors relating to the care of the child.

(f) All known behaviors of the child.

(g) Circumstances necessitating placement or replacement of the child.

(h) Any other known information to enable the foster parent to provide a stable,

safe, and healthy environment for the foster child and the foster family, including

information about siblings who do not reside in the foster home as provided in federal

law.

(i) Name of assigned social service worker.

(j) Authorization to provide routine and emergency medical care.

(2) For an emergency placement, if any of the information specified in subrule (1)(a)

to (h) of this rule is not available at the time of placement, then the agency shall provide

information to the foster parent within 7 calendar days of the placement.

(3) After the child is placed, and on an ongoing basis, the agency shall notify the

foster parent of any known information regarding the child, or the child’s siblings who do

not reside in the foster home as provided in federal law, or both, that will enable the

foster parent to provide a stable, safe, and healthy environment for the foster child and

the foster family.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12418 Development of service plans.

Rule 418. (1) An agency shall develop service plans with the child, the child’s

parents or legal guardian, the referring agency, and other parties involved in providing

needed services, or medical care, unless the agency documents why any of the entities

have not been involved.

(2) An agency shall complete written service plans for each child and parent or

parents, as follows:

(a) Within 30 calendar days from removal from the home.

(b) Within 120 calendar days after the initial removal and at least once every 90

calendar days thereafter.

(3) When case responsibility changes from 1 child placing agency to another child

placing agency, a modified service plan must be completed within 30 calendar days of

the change in agency responsibility if no other plan is done within 30 days. The plan must

address why the agency responsibility changed and whether there are any modifications

to existing service plans.

(4) An agency shall place service plans in the case record.

(5) An agency shall involve the child’s parent or parents and the foster parents in the

development of service plans to enable the parent or parents and foster parents to

understand the plan for the child and the parents’ and the foster parent’s role in assisting

the agency in carrying out the plan. An agency shall give a copy to and review the parent-

agency treatment plan with the parent or parents and foster parents. The agency must

inform the parent or parents and foster parent that the information in the parent-agency

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treatment plan and any other information about the child and the child’s family is

confidential.

(6) Service plans must be signed by the social services worker and the social

services supervisor.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12419 Initial service plans.

Rule 419. (1) The initial service plan, as required in R 400.12418(2)(a), must

include all the following information:

(a) Dates, types, and places of agency contacts and persons contacted.

(b) Circumstances necessitating placement.

(c) Assessment of the placement selection criteria as required under R

400.12404(4).

(d) A social history pertinent to the circumstances necessitating placement that

assesses the child and persons in the child’s family to determine the services best suited

to meet the child’s needs.

(e) A plan that has as its goal reunification of the child with his or her family or

another goal of permanent placement. The plan shall include all the following

information:

(i) The permanency goal for the child.

(ii) The conditions necessary to achieve the permanency goal identified in

paragraph

(i) of this subdivision.

(iii) Action steps and time frames to achieve the necessary conditions identified in

paragraph (ii) of this subdivision.

(iv) The persons responsible for implementing the action steps identified in

paragraph (iii) of this subdivision.

(v) Projected length of placement in foster care.

(f) Specific goals, as appropriate, to meet the child’s needs in the following areas:

(i) Education.

(ii) Health.

(iii) Vocational training.

(iv) Psychological, psychiatric, and mental health services.

(g) Plans for contact between the child, siblings, the child’s family, and any other

person.

(h) The child behavior support plan to be used by the foster parent.

(2) If parental rights have not been terminated, the service plan must include all the

following:

(a) An assessment of the parents’ needs as they relate to the care of the child.

(b) The parents’ role while the child is in placement, including parenting time.

(c) The requirements to be met for the return of the child.

(d) The time frames for meeting the stated requirements.

(e) Documentation of how the parents were informed of their rights and

responsibilities in the care of their child.

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History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12420 Updated service plans.

Rule 420. An updated service plan, as required in R 400.12418(2)(b), must include

all the following information:

(a) Dates, types, and places of agency contacts and persons contacted.

(b) Confirmation that the child’s current foster home continues to appropriately

meet the placement needs of the child.

(c) A summary of information pertinent to the updated services plan received since

the last service plan from the child, the child’s parents or legal guardian, foster parents,

referring agency, and others, unless the agency documents why any of these entities

cannot be involved.

(d) Assessment of progress in achieving the permanency goal for the child.

(e) A plan that includes any changes made since the previous plan and that has the

content specified in R 400.12419.

(f) Plans for visits between the child, siblings, the child’s family, and any other

person.

(g) A child behavior support plan that includes any changes made since the previous

plan and is to be used by the foster parents.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12421 Visitation and family time; in person contact.

Rule 421. (1) An agency shall develop a plan of visitation and family time for each

child in foster care consistent with the child’s service plans, as required by R 400.12419

and R 400.12420 to ensure the safety and well-being of the child.

(2) An agency social service worker shall visit the foster child, and the foster

parent, if applicable, in the child’s placement at least once every month.

(3) An agency shall facilitate in-person contact between parents and children except

where parental rights have been terminated or when there is a court determination that

visits are detrimental to the child.

(4) An agency shall facilitate in-person contact between siblings who are not placed

together except when there is a court determination that contact is detrimental to either

child.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12422 Foster care case record.

Rule 422. (1) An agency shall maintain a case record for each child in its foster care

program.

(2) An agency shall protect each record against destruction and damage and store

and maintain each child’s record in a manner to ensure confidentiality and to prevent

unauthorized access.

(3) The record must contain all the following information:

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(a) Initial service plan.

(b) Any required updated service plans.

(c) Medical, mental health, and dental records.

(d) Placement documentation as required by R 400.12404.

(e) Change of placement documentation as required by R 400.12405.

(f) Plan of visitation and parenting time as required by R 400.12421.

(g) A photograph taken at least annually.

(4) An agency shall maintain the records under the retention schedule for not less

than 7 years after the agency’s termination of services to the child.

(5) If an agency ceases operating as a child placing agency, the records must be

returned to the child’s referring agency.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

PART 5. INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES

R 400.12501 Department authorization.

Rule 501. The department shall authorize an agency to supervise independent

living placements.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12502 Program statement.

Rule 502. (1) An agency shall have and follow a current written program statement

that includes all the following information:

(a) Types of living arrangements approved.

(b) Eligibility requirements for a youth, including age and level of physical,

emotional, and intellectual functioning and youth not appropriate for the program.

(c) Services provided.

(d) Means of financial support for the youth.

(e) Supervision.

(f) Educational and vocational or work requirements.

(g) Medical, mental health, and dental care.

(h) Basis for termination.

(2) An agency shall give a copy of the program statement to a youth before

placement in independent living.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12503 Policy and procedures.

Rule 503. (1) An agency shall have and follow written policies and procedures for

the independent living services provided.

(2) The policies and procedures must cover at least all the following areas:

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(a) Eligibility requirements for youth to participate in the program.

(b) Types of living arrangements provided or approved.

(c) Agreement between youth and agency.

(d) Service plans.

(e) Supervision provided by the agency.

(f) Amount of financial support and how it is disbursed. An agency may not

withhold financial support intended for the youth while the youth is actively involved in

the program.

(g) Education, vocational training, and employment.

(h) Human trafficking awareness and prevention for youth.

(i) Medical, dental, and mental health care.

(j) Independent living record.

(k) Termination.

(3) An agency shall provide a youth in independent living with a copy of the

agency’s policies and procedures required by this rule.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12504 Eligibility requirements.

Rule 504. (1) An agency shall document the rationale for selection of independent

living as the most appropriate placement for the youth.

(2) All the following must be in the case record before a youth is placed in

independent living:

(a) How the youth meets the eligibility requirements for the specific program the

youth is being placed into.

(b) The basis for concluding that a youth exhibits self-care potential.

(c) That the youth’s social service worker has personally observed and determined

that the living situation is safe, and that the youth has a bed and has access to cooking and

bathing facilities.

(d) The availability of specific and relevant resources that provide for suitable

social, physical, educational, vocational, and emotional needs of a youth.

(e) An evaluation of a youth's need for supervision and a plan for providing the

level of supervision determined necessary.

(f) Proof that financial support to meet the youth’s housing, clothing, food, and

miscellaneous expenses is available.

(3) An independent living home, staffed and operated by the child placing agency,

must be clean, safe, and appropriate to the needs of the youth it serves.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12505 Supervision.

Rule 505. (1) An agency shall provide supervision for a youth in independent living

consistent with the youth's need for supervision, as required by R 400.12504(2)(e).

(2) An agency shall provide the following minimum supervision:

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(a) Face-to-face contact between the social service worker and the youth in

independent living at least once each month at a youth's place of residence.

(b) At monthly intervals, ensure that the youth is complying with the terms of the

agreement required by R 400.12510, continues to reside in a safe and acceptable

environment, and is managing expenditures.

(c) Provide the youth with a telephone number to contact the agency on a 24-hour,

7-days-a-week basis.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12506 Education; vocational training; employment.

Rule 506. An agency shall ensure that it works with a youth involved in

independent living in the following areas as outlined in the youth’s service plan:

(a) Employment.

(b) Job training.

(c) Education.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12507 Medical, dental, and mental health care.

Rule 507. (1) An agency shall ensure that a youth in independent living receives

any needed medical, dental, and mental health care as required in R 400.12413. Medical,

dental, and mental health care provided must be documented in the youth’s record.

(2) For a youth who become 18 years of age while in the program or who enters

independent living after the age of 18, the agency shall provide information on how to

access needed medical, dental, and mental health services and actively, and on an

ongoing basis, encourage participation in needed medical, dental, and mental health

services.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12508 Rescinded.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS.

R 400.12509 Independent living record.

Rule 509. (1) An agency shall maintain a case record for each youth placed in

independent living.

(2) An agency shall protect each record against destruction and damage and store

and maintain each child’s record in a manner to ensure confidentiality and to prevent

unauthorized access.

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(3) The case record must contain all the following information and documentation,

which must be recorded within 30 calendar days after placement in independent living

and updated at least once every 90 calendar days:

(a) All the following personal information pertaining to the youth:

(i) Name.

(ii) Social security number.

(iii) Address and telephone number.

(iv) Date of birth.

(v) Gender.

(vi) Race.

(vii) Height.

(viii) Weight.

(ix) Hair color.

(x) Eye color.

(xi) Identifying marks.

(xii) A photograph updated on an annual basis.

(b) Documentation of the agency's legal right to place a youth.

(c) The names, addresses, dates of birth, and social security numbers of the youth's

parents, if any.

(d) The names, dates of birth, and addresses of the youth's siblings, if applicable.

(e) The names and addresses of any offspring.

(f) The names and addresses of any other significant persons.

(g) Current documentation of financial support sufficient to meet the youth's

housing, clothing, food, and miscellaneous expenses.

(h) The date, location, documented purpose, and a summary of the findings of each

contact between the youth and the social service worker.

(i) Current adjustment.

(j) The youth's relationship with family members and agency efforts to resolve

family conflicts.

(k) Medical and dental records.

(l) Birth certificate.

(m) Placement documentation as required by R 400.12404.

(n) Change of placement documentation as required by R 400.12405.

(o) Service plans as required in R 400.12419 and R 400.12420. If the youth has

biological children, the service plan must address the living arrangement for the child or

children, visitation/parenting time with the youth’s biological children or a clear

explanation why this is not possible or appropriate.

(4) An agency shall maintain the record for not less than 7 years after the agency’s

termination of services to the youth.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12510 Independent living agreement.

Rule 510. (1) There must be a mutual agreement between the youth and the agency

specifying all the following:

(a) The responsibilities of the agency and the youth.

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(b) A plan for education or work.

(c) An agreement for the youth to meet with the worker at least 1 time per calendar

month.

(d) The location where the youth is living.

(2) The agreement must be signed and dated by the youth and the social service

worker. The agreement must be reviewed with the youth at least once every 90 calendar

days and a copy provided to the youth.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12511 Termination.

Rule 511. (1) When an agency terminates its independent living services for a

youth, the agency shall document all the following information in the case record within

30 calendar days of termination of its services:

(a) The reason for the termination.

(b) The youth's new location.

(c) A summary of the services provided during care and the needs that remain to be

met.

(d) Provision for any follow-up services.

(2) An agency shall ensure and document that each youth who ends independent

living is provided with all the following:

(a) Basic information about health, housing, counseling and mental health services,

and emergency resources.

(b) A birth certificate.

(c) A social security card.

(d) The youth's funds and personal property.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

PART 6. ADOPTION EVALUATION SERVICES

R 400.12601 Department authorization.

Rule 601. The department shall authorize an agency to evaluate applicants for

adoption.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12602 Program statement.

Rule 602. (1) An agency shall have and follow a current written program statement.

(2) The statement must include all the following information:

(a) Services and functions provided directly or indirectly.

(b) Geographical area covered.

(c) Eligibility requirements for adoptive parents.

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(d) A clear delineation of fees, charges, or other consideration or thing of value for

adoption services that includes specific charges for expenses and services, within and

outside the agency, and differentiates between the charges that are refundable and the

charges that are not refundable.

(e) Training requirements.

(3) An agency shall document that the statement was provided to all persons making

inquiry about the agency’s services.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12603 Policy and procedures.

Rule 603. (1) An agency shall have and follow written policies and procedures for

the adoption services provided.

(2) The policies and procedures must cover at least all the following areas:

(a) Orientation.

(b) Training requirements.

(c) Adoptive evaluation; evaluation record.

(d) Agency recommendation.

(e) Grievance policy as required by R 400.12210.

(3) An agency shall document that the policies and procedures were provided to all

persons making inquiry about the agency’s services.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12604 Orientation.

Rule 604. (1) An agency shall provide an orientation for prospective applicants for

adoption before an adoptive application is provided.

(2) The orientation must include a review of all the following:

(a) Program statement, policies, and procedures.

(b) Needs and characteristics of children legally eligible for adoption.

(c) Services and resources available.

(d) Fees and charges.

(e) Legal process.

(f) Training requirements.

(g) Post adoption service availability.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12605 Adoptive family evaluation.

Rule 605. (1) An agency social service worker shall complete a written adoptive

evaluation within 90 days of the family signing an adoption application and prior to

approving a family for adoption.

(2) The report must include the dates and places of contacts and persons interviewed

or observed.

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(3) The report must assess all the following:

(a) A minimum of 1 visit at the residence of the applicants for adoption to conduct

observations of, and interviews with, each member of the household to determine all the

following:

(i) Marital and family status and history, including current and previous level of

family functioning and relationships and any incidents of domestic violence.

(ii) Educational history and any special skills and interests.

(iii) Employment history, current financial status, including property and income,

money management skills, and outstanding financial obligations.

(iv) Physical, mental, and emotional health of each member of the household.

(v) Any history of substance use disorder of each member of the household.

(vi) Parenting skills and attitudes toward children.

(vii) Methods of calming children and responding to challenging behaviors.

(viii) Adjustment and special needs of the applicant’s own children, including

children not living in the home.

(ix) Strengths and weaknesses of each member of the household.

(x) Experiences with own parents and any history of out-of-home care.

(xi) Reasons for adopting.

(xii) Previous licenses or experience in providing child foster care, child day care,

or adult foster care.

(xiii) Willingness to accept and support an adoptive child with the child’s

individual characteristics, needs, and background.

(xiv) Willingness to parent cross-racially or cross-culturally and to create an

atmosphere that fosters the racial identity and culture of an adopted child.

(xv) Willingness and ability to understand an adopted child’s attachment to the

birth family and other significant relationships.

(xvi) An understanding of and willingness to participate in concurrent planning.

(xvii) Willingness and ability to give an adopted child guidance, love, and affection

and accept the child as a member of the household.

(xviii) Existence of social support system and alternate care providers.

(b) Previous adoption evaluations or placements.

(c) Previous criminal convictions and confirmed child abuse or neglect or concerns

brought to the agency or department’s attention for any member of the household.

(d) Three current references from persons not related to the applicants. There must

be an evaluation of any negative references.

(e) A medical statement for each member of the household that indicates that the

member has no known condition which would affect the care of an adoptive child. The

statement must be signed by a physician within the 12-month period before the

adoptive evaluation.

(f) Safety and maintenance of the applicant’s house and property, including, but not

limited to, the following:

(i) Sufficient beds and sleeping space.

(ii) Pets.

(iii) Weapons.

(iv) Fire and water hazards.

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(g) Assessment of the neighborhood, schools, community, and available resources

for the purpose of adoption.

(h) The plan for guardianship of the child or children in the event of the parent or

parents’ death or permanent disability preventing continuation of parental responsibility.

(i) The family’s plan to discuss adoption with any child adopted.

(j) Training needs of the family.

(k) The age, number, gender, race, ethnic background, and characteristics of

children preferred by the applicants.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2007 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12606 Training requirements.

Rule 606. An agency shall document that an applicant for adoption has, at a

minimum, training in all the following areas:

(a) Separation.

(b) Attachment and bonding.

(c) Child development, including safe sleep practices for children under 1 year of

age.

(d) Behavioral, developmental, and emotional needs of adoptive children.

(e) Impact of adoption on the family.

(f) Post adoption service availability.

(g) Trauma.

(h) SOGIE.

(i) Human trafficking.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12607 Agency recommendation.

Rule 607. (1) An agency shall recommend the appropriate action consistent with the

facts contained in the adoptive evaluation. An agency shall make a written

recommendation based on the findings of the adoptive family evaluation.

(2) The recommendation must include all the following:

(a) Be in writing.

(b) Contain approval or denial of the applicants for adoption by a social service

supervisor.

(c) If approved, the number, SOGIE, age, race, ethnic background, religion or

spirituality, and characteristics of adoptive children who may be placed in the adoptive

applicants’ home. A child's racial, ethnic, and cultural identity, heritage, and background

may only be considered if an assessment of the individual child indicates that such

consideration is in the best interests of the child.

(3) If an agency concludes that an individual is not approved, then the basis for the

decision must be specified in the recommendation.

(4) An agency shall provide the applicants for adoption with a signed and dated copy

of the evaluation and recommendation upon its completion.

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History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12608 Adoptive family evaluation record.

Rule 608. (1) An agency shall retain a case record for each applicant for adoption.

(2) The record must contain all the following:

(a) Orientation documentation as required by R 400.12604.

(b) Adoptive evaluation as required by R 400.12605.

(c) Record of training provided.

(d) Documentation agency policies were provided to applicants.

(e) All documents pertaining to adoption evaluation required by R 400.12605.

(f) Agency recommendation as required by R 400.12606.

(3) An agency shall retain each adoptive family evaluation record for not less than 3

years after the agency’s termination of services to the applicant.

(4) If a branch or associate office of a child-placing agency ceases to operate, then

the branch’s or office’s adoption records must be forwarded to the central office of the

branch or associate office.

(5) If a child-placing agency ceases operation, the agency’s adoptive family

evaluation records must be shredded or returned to the applicant if services to the

applicant were terminated 3 or more years before the closure. Records must be forwarded

to the department’s central office adoptions for all other records.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

PART 7. ADOPTION PLACEMENT SERVICES

R 400.12701 Department authorization.

Rule 701. The department shall authorize an agency to accept and place children for

purposes of adoption.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12702 Program statement.

Rule 702. (1) An agency shall have and follow a current written program statement.

(2) The statement must include all the following information:

(a) Types of adoptions provided by the agency, including whether the agency

accepts children released under the section 20 of chapter XII of the probate code of 1939,

1939 PA 288, MCL 712.20.

(b) Procedures for selecting adoptive parents for a child, including the role of the

child's parent or guardian in the selection process.

(c) The extent to which the agency permits or encourages exchange of identifying

information or contact between biological and adoptive parents.

(d) A clear delineation of fees, charges, or other consideration or thing of value for

adoption services. The delineation must include specific charges for expenses and

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services, within and outside the agency, and differentiate between the charges that are

refundable and the charges that are not refundable.

(e) Services and functions provided directly or indirectly, including all the

following:

(i) Counseling services and any other available services to a person who is

releasing a child for adoption.

(ii) Counseling services and any other available services to a child being released

for adoption based on the needs of the child.

(iii) Therapeutic services or post-finalization services provided to adoptive parents

or to the adoptee.

(f) Geographical area covered.

(3) An agency shall document that the statement has been provided to all persons

making inquiry to release a child for adoption and to prospective adoptive parents.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12703 Policy and procedures.

Rule 703. An agency shall have and follow written policies and procedures for the

adoption services provided under R 400.12704 to R 400.12713.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12703 Policy and procedures.

Rule 703. An agency shall have and follow written policies and procedures for the

adoption services provided under R 400.12704 to R 400.12713.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12705 Release.

Rule 705. (1) An agency social service worker shall document that information has

been provided for birth parents before the birth parents release their rights to a child

unless the child is relinquished under chapter XII of the probate code of 1939, 1939 PA

288, MCL 712.1 to 712.20.

(2) The information must include a review of all the following:

(a) Program statement, policies, and procedures.

(b) Legal process for adoption.

(c) Services and resources available.

(d) Meaning and consequences of a release.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12706 Recruitment.

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Rule 706. (1) An agency shall have an ongoing recruitment program to ensure an

adequate number of suitable adoptive parents for the timely placement of all children

serviced by the agency who are available for adoption.

(2) An agency shall recruit adoptive parents for children served by the agency

considering all the following criteria:

(a) Ages and developmental needs of children.

(b) Racial, ethnic, cultural identity, spirituality, and SOGIE of children.

(c) Sibling relationships of children.

(d) Special needs of children.

(3) There must be a child-specific recruitment plan for any child the agency is

responsible for who is available for adoption and who does not have an identified family.

The child-specific plan must be based on the child evaluation, as required by R

400.12708, reviewed every 90 days, and updated annually, as needed.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12707 Rescinded.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12708 Child evaluation.

Rule 708. (1) A social service worker shall complete a written assessment of each

child available for adoption. The assessment must include all available information about

the child and meet all requirements of section 27 of chapter X of the probate code of

1939, 1939 PA 288, MCL 710.27.

(2) An agency must have on file a written adoptive family evaluation and agency

recommendation as required under R 400.12605 and R 400.12607 before approving the

adoptive parents for each adoptive placement and before referring a child to, or placing a

child in, the home for purposes of adoption.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12709 Placement selection.

Rule 709. (1) An agency shall document how all the following factors were

assessed in selecting appropriate adoptive parents:

(a) The physical, emotional, medical, and educational needs of the child.

(b) The child’s needs for continued contact with their parents, siblings, relatives,

foster parents, and other persons significant to the child.

(c) The racial, ethnic, and cultural identity, heritage, spirituality, SOGIE, and

background. The child’s racial, ethnic, and cultural identity, heritage, spirituality, SOGIE,

and background may only be considered if an assessment of the individual child indicates

that such consideration is in the best interests of the child.

(2) An agency shall place a child with agency-approved adoptive parents consistent

with the needs of the child identified in subrule (1) of this rule, the child evaluation

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required by R 400.12708, orientation as required by R 400.12604, and the agency’s

adoptive parent recommendation as required by R 400.12607.

(3) An agency shall require a social service supervisor or chief administrator if the

placement is recommended by a social service supervisor, to approve or deny the

recommendation for placement by the social service worker. The approval must be

documented in the record.

(4) An agency may approve overnight pre-placement visits to a family being

considered for adoption of a child. Pre-placement overnight visits may only occur under

the following conditions:

(a) If the placement selected is a licensed foster home, the certifying agency gives

approval prior to any visits starting.

(b) There is an approved child evaluation.

(c) There is an approved family evaluation.

(d) The child evaluation has been shared with the prospective adoptive family prior

to any pre-placement visits occurring.

(e) Planning for pre-placement visits is focused on the best interests of the child.

(f) There is a written plan for transitioning the child from the foster home to the

adoptive home.

(g) Unless there are exceptional circumstances, that the transition period will not

exceed 3 calendar months. A transitional period of more than 3 calendar months must be

approved in writing by the MCI superintendent or the court with jurisdiction over the

child.

(5) A public or private agency may place a child in an unlicensed home for the

purposes of adoption if all the following conditions have been met:

(a) The adoptive parents have received orientation in accordance with the

requirements of R 400.12604.

(b) The evaluation of the prospective adoptive parents has been completed in

accordance with the requirements of R 400.12605 and the placement is consistent with

the recommendation completed in accordance with R 400.12607.

(c) Supervisory approval of the placement has been documented in accordance with

the requirements of subrule (3) of this rule.

(d) The adoptive petition has been filed with the court or consent to adopt has been

granted by the authorized agency representative.

(6) The provisions of this rule do not prohibit a temporary placement made under

section 23d of chapter X of the probate code of 1939, 1939 PA 288, MCL 710.23d.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12710 Adoptive parent information.

Rule 710. (1) An agency must provide adoptive parents with all the following

information before the placement of a child:

(a) Child’s name.

(b) Date, time, and place of birth including hospital, city, state, and country.

(c) Medical, social, and educational history of the child.

(d) Child’s racial, ethnic, SOGIE, and religious or spiritual background.

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(e) Description of the child’s family of origin, including age and gender of family

members, relationship to the child, and medical, social, and educational history of each

member of the family.

(f) Circumstances necessitating placement of the child.

(g) Child’s preparation for placement and attitude toward the adoption.

(h) Placement history.

(i) Any other known information to enable the adoptive parent to provide a stable,

safe, and healthy environment for the child.

(2) An agency shall provide adoptive parents with any additional information that

becomes available to the agency after the placement of the adoptive child.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12711 Placement.

Rule 711. An agency shall document how the following factors were assessed in

selecting appropriate adoptive parents for a child:

(a) The physical, emotional, medical, and educational needs of the child.

(b) The child’s needs for continued contact with the birth parent, siblings, relatives,

foster parents, and other persons significant to the child.

(c) The racial, ethnic, cultural, spiritual, identity, heritage, and background. The

child’s racial, ethnic, and cultural, spiritual, identity, heritage, and background may only

be considered if an assessment of the individual child indicates that such consideration is

in the best interests of the child.

(d) The child’s SOGIE, if an assessment of the individual child indicates that such

consideration is in the best interests of the child.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12712 Supervision.

Rule 712. (1) An agency shall provide post-placement supervisory visits for the

adoptive family at the adoptive parent’s home as needed to ensure the safety and well-

being of the child, but not less than once every month, after the placement of a child and

until the final order of adoption, or as required by the sending state where the adoption

originated.

(2) An agency shall assess and record the child’s and adoptive family’s adjustment

and, where needed, include plans to assist the child or adoptive family.

(3) An agency shall keep the adoptive parents informed of the results of the agency’s

continuing assessment of the placement at the conclusion of each visit.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12713 Adoption placement record.

Rule 713. (1) An agency shall permanently retain a case record for each adoptive

child after adoptive placement except as identified in subrule (5) of this rule.

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(2) The record must contain, at a minimum, all the following:

(a) Orientation documentation as required by R 400.12604.

(b) Evaluation documentation as required by R 400.12708.

(c) Placement documentation as required by R 400.12709.

(d) Supervision documentation as required by R 400.12712.

(3) If a branch or associate office of a child-placing agency ceases to operate, then

the agency shall forward the branch’s or office’s adoption records to the central office of

the branch or associate office.

(4) If a child-placing agency ceases to operate, then the agency shall forward its

records to the department.

(5) The department must permanently retain all adoption records for children

adopted in Michigan under section 27b of the probate code of 1939, 1939 PA 288, MCL

710.27b. The adoption agency must forward any adoption records for children adopted in

Michigan to the department 1 year after finalization of the adoption. The adoption agency

may not retain the original copies or any other copies of the adoption records.

History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

PART 8 INTER-COUNTRY ADOPTION

R 400.12801 Department authorization.

Rule 801. (1) The department shall authorize an agency to evaluate applicants for

inter-country adoption.

(2) The department shall authorize an agency to assist with the adoption or

placement of a child coming to the United States for the purpose of being adopted.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12802 Program statement.

Rule 802. (1) An agency shall have and follow a current written program statement

that includes all the following information:

(a) Placement programs, by country.

(b) Eligibility requirements for adoptive parents established by the agency and the

specific countries.

(c) Services available, either directly or indirectly, both before and after adoption.

(d) Procedures for completing adoptive evaluations.

(e) A clear delineation of fees, charges, or other consideration or thing of value for

adoption services. Differences in fees for different countries must be clearly stated.

(f) If the agency has written contracts or agreements with individuals in the foreign

country or entity, the responsibilities of the agency and the responsibilities of the

contractor must be clearly identified.

(2) The regulations issued by the United States federal government regarding the

procedures for United States citizens adopting from a particular country or entity and the

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regulations issued by that country or entity for adoptions by foreigners must be kept on

file at the agency.

(3) If an agreement exists between a foreign government or entity and an agency, an

English language translation of verified written agreements with the foreign government

must be on file at the agency and available for review. The agreement must conform to

the laws and regulations of the United States, this state, and the foreign country.

(4) An agency shall provide the statement to all persons making inquiry about the

agency’s services at the time of inquiry.

(5) Where a child requires readoption in the state of residence where they will be

living, the agency shall coordinate with the family’s home study agency to ensure all

legal requirements of the family’s home state are followed.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12803 Policies and procedures.

Rule 803. The agency shall have and follow written policies and procedures for

inter-country adoption services, including the requirements in R 400.12604, R

400.12605, and R 400.12808.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12804 Adoptive family evaluation.

Rule 804. (1) If an agency assists a family with an evaluation prepared specifically

for the adoption of a child coming to the United States for the purpose of being adopted,

then the agency shall complete adoptive evaluations as required in R 400.12605.

(2) Adoptive family evaluations accepted from other states or agencies in this state

must be completed by an agency or social worker licensed to complete adoption home

studies in the state where the evaluation was completed.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12805 Fees.

Rule 805. An agency shall have a specific fee policy that covers the following:

(a) That all fees are to be covered in a written agreement with applicants.

(b) What specific services are covered by the fees.

(c) Whether fees can change during an agreement.

(d) Fees associated with modifying the agreement.

(e) Specific fees for each country.

(f) Fees associated with changing countries.

(g) What fees can be transferred during the agreement.

(h) What fees are refundable and at what points in time.

(i) How fees are to be paid to individuals in other countries.

(j) Which fees are to be paid to individuals in other countries.

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History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12806 Placement.

Rule 806. (1) An agency shall require a social service supervisor or chief

administrator, if the placement is recommended by a social service supervisor, to approve

or deny the recommendation for placement. The decision must be documented in the

record.

(2) An adoptive family evaluation completed by a different agency or licensed social

worker, where legal, must be endorsed by the agency arranging the placement.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12807 Supervision.

Rule 807. (1) An agency shall provide post-placement supervision for the adoptive

family at the adoptive parent’s home as needed, but not less than once every month after

the

placement of a child and until the final order of adoption, or as required by the

country where the adoption originated.

(2) An agency shall assess and record the child’s and adoptive family’s adjustment

and, where needed, include plans to assist the child or adoptive family.

(3) An agency shall keep the adoptive parents informed of the results of the agency’s

continuing assessment of the placement at the conclusion of each visit.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

R 400.12808 Inter-country adoption record.

Rule 808. (1) An agency shall permanently retain a case record for each adoptive

child after adoptive placement.

(2) The child record must contain all the following:

(a) Orientation documentation as required by R 400.12604.

(b) Evaluation documentation as required by R 400.12708.

(c) Placement documentation as required by R 400.12709.

(d) Supervision documentation as required by R 400.12711.

(3) An agency shall retain a case record for each applicant family for adoption.

(4) The applicant family record must contain all the following:

(a) Orientation documentation as required by R 400.12604.

(b) Adoptive family evaluation as required by R 400.12605.

(c) Record of training provided.

(d) Documentation of agency policies that were provided to applicants.

(e) All documents pertaining to adoption evaluation required by R 400.12605.

(f) Agency recommendation as required by R 400.12606.

(5) An agency shall retain each applicant family record for not less than 3 years after

the agency’s termination of services to the applicant family.

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(6) If a branch or associate office of a child-placing agency ceases to operate, then

the agency shall forward the branch’s or office’s adoption records to the central office of

the branch or associate office.

(7) If a child-placing agency ceases to operate, the agency shall forward its child

records to the department.

(8) If a child-placing agency ceases operation, the agency’s adoptive applicant

family records must be shredded or returned to the applicant family if services to the

applicant family were terminated 3 or more years before the closure. Records must be

forwarded to the central adoption division for all other records.

History: 2014 AACS; 2023 MR 12, Eff. June 26, 2023.

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