(a) Within 180 days after the February 18, 2017, the Mayor, pursuant to § 4-1303.85, shall amend existing rules governing foster parents to:
(1) Incorporate existing rights and responsibilities for foster parents provided by local law, federal law, local regulations, agency administrative issuances, and other policy documents; and
(2) Establish a Statements of Rights and Responsibilities for Foster Parents.
(b) The Agency shall guarantee that each foster parent shall receive the following:
(1) A printed copy of the Statements of Rights and Responsibilities for Foster Parents in readily understandable language and in accordance with § 2-1933;
(2) An explanation of a foster parent's right to be informed of decisions made by the Agency that impact the foster parent, while ensuring the best interests and confidentiality of youth and families;
(3) An explanation of a foster parent's right to report violations of the foster parent's rights to the Agency without fear of retaliation;
(4) An explanation of the process for reporting violations of a foster parent's rights to the Agency;
(5) An explanation of the process for reporting complaints related to the Agency's provision of services and supports; and
(6) An explanation of the process by which reports of violations of a foster parent's rights and complaints related to the Agency's provision of services and supports are resolved, within reasonable efforts.
(Sept. 23, 1977, D.C. Law 2-22, title III-D, § 382; as added Feb. 18, 2017, D.C. Law 21-217, § 2(a), 63 DCR 16009.)