SECTION 749.2449. Whom must I interview when conducting a foster home screening?

(a) Interviews for a foster home screening must be documented and must include at least:

(1) One individual interview with each prospective foster parent;

(2) One individual interview with each child three years old or older living in the home either full- or part-time;

(3) One individual interview with each other person living in the home either full- or part-time;

(4) One joint interview with the prospective foster parents;

(5) One family group interview with all family members living in the home;

(6) One interview, by telephone, in person, or by letter, with each minor child 12 years old or older or adult child of the prospective foster parents not living in the home;

(7) A minimum of one interview, by telephone, in person, or by letter with a family member not living in the home and not already interviewed; and

(8) A minimum of two interviews, by telephone, in person, or by letter with neighbors, school personnel if the prospective foster parents have school age children, clergy, or any other member of the prospective foster parents' community who are unrelated to the foster parents and can provide a description of the prospective foster parents' suitability to provide care for children.

(b) You must visit the home at least once when all members of the household are present.

(c) For subsection (a)(6) of this section, if you are unsuccessful in contacting an adult child, you may omit the interview with the adult child if you document your diligent efforts to locate the adult child in the home screening. Diligent efforts require at least three attempts to locate the adult child, multiple methods of contact (i.e. in person or virtual, by telephone, or by letter), as applicable, and discussions with the prospective foster parents and any other relevant persons about the location of the adult child.

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2449 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469; amended to be effective September 1, 2014, 39 TexReg 6229; transferred effective March 9, 2018, as published in the Texas Register February 16, 2018, 43 TexReg 909; amended to be effective June 27, 2021, 46 TexReg 3525