When must you report a disaster or emergency that requires a foster home to close?

• A. To Licensing and to Parents As soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours after the incident.
• B. To Law Enforcement immediately.
• C. To Licensing only after the foster home closes.
• D. To Parents only after 48 hours.

Answer: (A)

When a disaster or emergency disrupts foster care and requires a home to close, reporting is about immediate safety oversight and clear communication with those responsible for the child. The requirement is to inform the licensing authority and the child’s birth parents or legal guardian as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours after the incident. This quick notice lets licensing assess the situation, advise on next steps, and arrange any needed interim arrangements to keep the child safe, while also keeping families informed about the child’s status.

While certain events may warrant contacting law enforcement right away, the standard expectation for this scenario is the 24-hour reporting window to both Licensing and Parents. Delaying notification until after closure or extending beyond 24 hours would create a gap in safety oversight and regulatory compliance.