Section 315.240  Cannot Be Provided for in a Home Environment

a)         Description

            The minor will be in substitute care because he or she cannot be cared for in a home environment due to extreme or complicated physical or mental disabilities that cannot be sufficiently controlled in a home environment, provided that goals of return home, adoption, and guardianship have been ruled out.

b)         Criteria for Selection

            Substitute care when a home environment is not appropriate may be selected as the permanency goal:

1)         for those children who have an extreme or complicated physical or mental disability as diagnosed by a physician and/or psychiatrist and no responsible adult who is able and willing to care for the child has been identified. A few children, due to their disability, need continued care  in an intermediate or skilled nursing facility, or in a child care institution, provided that goals for return home, adoption, guardianship, and independence have been ruled out; or

2)         when ordered by the court.

c)         Children with extreme or complicated physical or mental disabilities who require long-term care should not be confused with children who are in group homes or institutions in order to receive intensive, short-term treatment directed toward correcting problems that significantly interfere with life outside the institution.  Substitute care for children who cannot be provided for in a home environment is not an appropriate permanency goal for children who are receiving short-term, intensive services in a group home or institution.