Section 441.200.11. Reasons for denial.

An individual or family shall be denied approval of an adoptive home study for one or more of the following reasons:

         200.11(1) Founded child abuse report. A founded child abuse report shall mean denial of approval unless an evaluation determines than it does not merit denial.

         200.11(2) Criminal conviction. A criminal conviction shall mean denial of approval unless an evaluation determines that it does not merit denial.

         200.11(3) Documented concerns. Concerns may be documented in one or more of the following areas:

            a.               Motivation to adopt.

            b.               Child-rearing ability and practices.

            c.               Emotional stability.

            d.               Physical or mental health.

            e.               Interpersonal relationships.

            f.                Finances.

            g.               Marital relationship.

            h.               Other areas that may impact the applicant’s ability to meet the needs of a child both at present and in the future.

         200.11(4) Substance abuse. Verified substance use or abuse that prevents the family from adequately caring for the child shall mean denial of approval.

         200.11(5) Lack of cooperation. If the individual or family fails to cooperate in providing the information needed to complete the preplacement assessment or home study, the application shall be denied.

[ARC 1754C, IAB 12/10/14, effective 2/1/15]