One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is about bedroom space. Regulations about bedrooms apply to ALL children and adults living in the home, not just foster children. This is one of the most misunderstood points for foster parents.
Below are Angels bedroom policies, which are in accordance with state licensing policy:
1) There must be a minimum of two bedrooms in the home.
2) No more than two children shall share a bedroom.
3) Children of the opposite sex shall not share a bedroom unless each child is under five years of age.
4) Except for children under the age of two, no children may share a bedroom with an adult.
5) No room commonly used for other purposes shall be used as a bedroom.
- Such rooms shall include but not be limited to halls, stairways, unfinished attics or basements, garages, storage areas, and shed or similar detached buildings.
6) No bedroom shall be used as a public or general passageway to another room.
7) Each bedroom shall have at least one operable window or door that ensures safe, direct, emergency exit to the outside.
- Age appropriate safety precautions must be taken for doors that provide direct access to the outdoors to prevent accidental escape.
8) Each child shall be provided with an individual, age appropriate bed, which is equipped with a clean, comfortable mattress, clean linens, blankets, and pillows, as needed, all in good repair.
9) Bunk beds of more than two tiers shall not be used. Bunk beds shall have railings on both sides of the upper tier to prevent falling.
- Children under six years of age, or who is unable to climb into and out of the upper tier unassisted shall not be permitted to use the upper tier.
10) Each infant shall be provided with a safe and sturdy bassinet or crib, appropriate to the age and size of the child. The following shall apply to cribs:
- Tiered or stacked cribs shall not be permitted.
- Co- Sleeping cribs shall not be permitted.
- Crib slats shall not pose the danger of an infant being trapped.
- An infant who can climb out of a crib shall be provided with an age-appropriate bed.
11) Each bedroom shall have a portable or permanent closets and drawer space to accommodate the child's clothing and personal belongings.
12) If the bedroom window provides direct access to a pool or body of water, it shall be secured so it cannot open more than 4 inches.
--Stacy Peterson
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