(a) Certified foster parents participating under this chapter shall ensure the well-being of emotionally disturbed children or children with a serious behavioral problem under their care. This care includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:

(1) Participation in initial and ongoing in-service training and demonstration pursuant to Section 18358.1 and demonstration of an understanding of and ability to meet the needs of emotionally disturbed children or children with a serious behavioral problem.

(2) Participation in the implementation of the individual case plan and in the development and implementation of the needs and services plan for the child.

(3) Ensuring that the child’s medical and dental needs are met.

(b) To the extent possible, certified foster parents selected under this chapter shall have a background in special education, psychological counseling, nursing, or child development.

(c) (1) All certified foster parents selected to participate in this program shall rent, lease, or own their own homes which shall be certified by the foster family agency.

(2) The home of certified foster parents shall be within reasonably close proximity to the participating foster family agency or a satellite location of the agency, and to the extent possible, close to the child’s family and community.

(d) (1) All certified foster parents shall report any special incident pursuant to Section 80061 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. Additionally, any use of physical contact to manage the behavior of a child shall be reported as a special incident.

(2) Certified foster parents shall report incidents to the participating foster family agency, which shall report the incidents to the Community Care Licensing Division of the department pursuant to Section 18358.15.

(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 486, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2009.)