DMR.7.5.010 Investigation of Applicants.
(a) Receipt of Application. Once a completed application is received, Indian Child Welfare shall investigate to determine if the applicant(s) meet all the requirements for a license.
(b) Medical Examination. For initial licensing the applicant is required to provide a physical and a tuberculosis test (forms provided) for examination by the Indian Child Welfare Department. The tuberculosis test is only required for the initial license. If a license lapses, then a new tuberculosis test is required. In the event of a positive tuberculosis test, a chest x-ray shall be required with clearance, to be considered.
(c) Home inspection. Once the applicants meet the requirements of the background check and investigation, the Indian Child Welfare Department shall visit the home within thirty (30) days to make sure it is safe for foster children. A SAFE home study shall be done. The ICW worker shall do a walkthrough of the home. A working smoke detector is required in each bedroom, at the top and bottom of a stairway, and on each floor of the home. Fire Extinguishers with a UL rating for A, B, and C burning materials shall be available in or near the kitchen and on each floor of the home, preferably by the sleeping areas. Additionally, a functioning CO2 Detector shall be on each level of the home.
(d) Current proof of animal vaccinations if there are pets in the home.
(e) Homeowners or rental insurance on residence is required.
(f) Car insurance for any vehicle that shall be used to transport foster children.
(g) Valid Driver's License.
(h) Criminal Background Check, including fingerprint-based checks of national crime information databases.
(i) Background check of foster care applicant and each "covered individual" who resides in the household or is employed at the institution in which foster care placement shall be made.
(j) Background check against any abuse registries maintained by the Tribe.
(k) Background check for child abuse and neglect registries maintained by the State in which the foster parent applicant resided in the past five (5) years to enable the Indian Child Welfare Department to check any child abuse and neglect registry maintained by that State for such information.
(l) Check any other additional requirement that the Tribe determines is necessary and permissible within the existing authority of the Indian tribe, such as the creation of voluntary agreements with State entities in order to facilitate the sharing of information related to the performance of criminal records checks.
(m) If the home is recommended for licensing, a SAFE home study and submitted to Tribal Governing Board along with the signed completed application form, Physician's Statement, and any supporting documentation. The Applicant shall then be evaluated by the Tribal Governing Board based upon the standards herein.
(n) Drug testing.
(o) To ensure the safety of the home for foster children, there shall be periodic intervals at which the home or institution shall be subject to recertification.