Section 400.12327. Special evaluation.

(1) An agency shall do all of the following when anyone in the agency receives information that relates to possible noncompliance with any foster home rule:

(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 a thorough investigation 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 of 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 shall 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 of the following information:

(a)   The date the information was received.

(b)    Identification of the information source, unless anonymous or confidential, as specified in the child protection law, 1975 PA 238, MCL 722.621 to 722.638.

(c)   The allegations.

(d)   Dates and places of contacts, names of persons interviewed, and names of the interviewers. If children are interviewed, their last names shall not be included in the report.

(e)   Findings of fact, based upon the evaluation.

(f)  Conclusions regarding licensing rules compliance or noncompliance based on the findings of fact.

(g)    Any change in the agency’s decision regarding the number, gender, age, race, ethnic background, and specific characteristics of children who may be placed that is based upon the documentation contained in the summary and conclusions of the report.

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

(6)   An agency shall do all of 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 he or she 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 shall be notified there is a corrective action plan and what is required of the foster parent in that plan.

History: 2014 AACS.