Section 441.202.5. Preplacement.

         202.5(1) Except for placements made in less than 24 hours, a child placed in a facility shall have a preplacement visit involving:

            a.               The child,

            b.               The foster parents or agency staff, if the child is placed in a public or private agency,

            c.               The department service worker, and

            d.               The child’s parents, unless their presence would be disruptive to the child’s placement.

         202.5(2) Before placement, the worker shall provide the facility with general information regarding the child, including a description of the child’s medical needs, behavioral patterns including safety-related information, educational plans, and permanency goal. Safety-related information shall be withheld only if:

            a.               Withholding the information is ordered by the court; or

            b.               The department or the agency developing the service plan determines that providing the information would be detrimental to the child or to the family with whom the child is living.

         202.5(3) The child shall have a physical examination by a physician before the initial placement in foster care or within 14 calendar days of placement. The physician shall complete a preliminary screening for dental and mental health and refer the child to a dentist or mental health professional if appropriate. To address any immediate medical needs, the child shall be seen immediately at an emergency room, an urgent care center, or other community health resource.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 234.6(6)“b.”

[ARC 7606B, IAB 3/11/09, effective 5/1/09; ARC 8010B, IAB 7/29/09, effective 10/1/09]