a program of

Youth & Family Consultants
Risk Management Requirements
Full-Time Treatment Foster Parent (TFP) Home

New Certification

Fire Safety Guidelines:

  1. TFP residence has one OSHA approved fire extinguisher - Minimum Class 2-A-10BC - kept in an easily accessible location. There will be at least one fire extinguisher per floor.

  2. No kerosene heaters shall be used in the TFP home.

  3. There shall be no known fire hazards in the TFP home, such as defective electrical appliances, cores or wiring, or any dangerous or defective heating equipment or flammable materials stored in such a manner as to create a risk of fire.

  4. Each TFP residence shall have a written emergency plan of action filed with YFC. The plan shall be given to the youth at intake and posted on the youth's bedroom door. When the youth first enters the TFP home or is in back-up, the TFP shall review the fire escape plan with a "walk-through" of the escape route. Fire drill procedures shall be reviewed with all members of the TFP family, including program youth, at least once a month by the TFP. The signed copies of the fire escape drill documentation forms should be given to the TFPC at the end of each month with other Monthly Documentation forms provided by the TFPC.

  5. TFP homes shall have two unrestricted exits. A sliding door or window used to evacuate program youth can be considered a usable exit. Barred windows used for fire exits must be fitted with quick release mechanisms.

  6. TFP homes shall have at least one functioning smoke detector on each floor, equipped with a device that warns of a low battery. Smoke detectors shall also be in every room in which program youth sleep. There should also be one in the kitchen and living room areas for safety purposes. Wall-mounted detectors shall be between 6" and 12" from a corner.

  7. Electric space heaters that plug into the wall must have tip-over protection devices.

Firearms & Other Weapons:

  1. Firearms and other weapons shall be kept in a locked storage area. Ammunition shall be kept in locked storage separate from firearms. Showpiece and antique firearms or weapons may be displayed only when there is no capacity of use. Explosive materials and projectiles such as darts and arrows shall be stored in a locked area inaccessible to program youth.

  2. Loaded firearms shall not be carried in any vehicle transporting program youth. Ammunition, if transported, shall be kept in a locked container while transporting program youth.

Medications & Poisons Guidelines:

  1. TFP's shall be current with 1st Aide & CPR training and documentation must be provided to the TFPC.

  2. All prescribed medications of program youth shall be kept in a locked secured storage cabinet or container. Medications prescribed to youth will be documented as to date & time of administration by the TFP. Nonprescription products containing aspirin should not be administered to program youth unless prescribed by a physician.

  3. All poisons and toxic materials, such as cleaning supplies, etc., shall have labels clearly identifying the contents, and precautions shall be taken to prevent program youth from inappropriate access.

  4. TFP residences will have the Emergency Phone List (provided by the YFC office) visible and posted. Numbers shall include the fire department, hospital, ambulance, police department and poison control. These numbers should be located close to the telephone and a printed copy can be obtained from YFC personnel.

  5. TFP residences shall maintain a Bloodborne Pathogens Cleanup Kit consisting of: disposable gloves, non-diluted bleach, spray bottle, plastic disposable bags with ties, and paper towels (see attached information sheet for more details).

Household Safety Guidelines:

  1. TFP homes shall have an unlimited supply of safe, clean drinking water. Private water sources and septic tank systems shall be safe and operable. TFP's shall have private water sources approved by officials with documentation.

  2. TFP homes shall have an adequate amount of hot water for bathing and washing. Hot water heaters shall be equipped with safety release valves and an overflow pipe that directs water to the floor or other locations.

  3. All TFP residences shall have a functioning telephone service.

  4. TFP's shall maintain and keep first aid supplies (band-aids, 1st aid cream, wipe-ups) readily available to youth.

  5. Stairways are equipped with handrails.

  6. Every bathroom and bedroom door lock shall be designed to permit opening the door from the outside. No bedroom door for youth in care shall have locks and there must be emergency access to other rooms which have locks.

  7. Carpeting and rugs within the home should be secured to prevent tripping & falling.

  8. Extension cords shall not be frayed or defective. It is recommended that homes use power strips rather than extension cords.

  9. Electrical appliances in operation will not be near water in order to prevent accidental electrocution (i.e., using a hairdryer near a sink filled with water).

  10. All alcoholic beverages with the exception of beer and wine shall be kept in a locked storage area. Refrigerated beer and wine shall be monitored closely by the TFP's.

  11. Household pets (cats & dogs) are to be kept current on rabies vaccinations. Copies of this documentation of vaccinations are required at the time of the risk management check.

  12. There will be no smoking by program youth.

  13. Furnishings in the home will be free of acutely sharp edges, which may cause injury.

  14. TFP's will carry homeowners'/renters' insurance of at least $300,000 liability and provide documentation at the time of the risk management check.

  15. All keys, tools & other potentially dangerous implements are stored in a manner that would immediately be apparent if lost or removed.

  16. Swimming pools, hot tubs and spas must be inaccessible to youth in care except when responsibly supervised by an adult. Any swimming pool, hot tub or spa must be secured by use of a locked fence or other locking device.

Vehicle Safety:

  1. Drivers transporting program youth shall be licensed and motor vehicles are to be insured to include at least $100,000 liability per vehicle at the time of the risk management check.

  2. TFP's shall provide YFC with documentation of a current Oregon Driver's License

  3. Drivers are to ensure all passengers use seat belts or child passenger seats.

  4. TFP's should provide or arrange safe transportation to school, recreation, medical or other appointments for program youth.

Miscellaneous:

  1. Allowance & Clothing Purchase Records and receipts for all youth in the home shall be maintained and provided to the TFPC at the time of the annual recertification home study. TFP's shall provide each youth $1.00 per day in allowance and average $25.00 per month for clothing and/or personal items.

  2. TFP's shall provide a signed physician's certificate showing ability to perform TFP duties. This certificate will be provided by the TFP Certifier for the TFP to obtain the physician's signature.

  3. TFP's shall properly install required room alarms on all doorways of program youths' bedrooms. They will maintain these alarms and check their batteries for working assurance on a daily basis. These alarms are provided to TFP's by the certifier.

  4. Program youth bedroom(s) are equipped with the following:
    (1) one bed per youth (mattress, box spring or bunkbed);
    (2) adequate dresser drawer space;
    (3) closet or device to hang garments; and (optional) - nightstand, desk, chair.
    (4) any bunkbed unit must contain a safety guard for the top bunk