(a) After receiving a referral from an individual's case manager for SFS or CFS, a support family agency or continued family agency must:
  (1) meet with the individual and LAR;
  (2) identify the SFS or CFS individual needs;
  (3) obtain any evaluations, written records, or other necessary information about the individual;
  (4) determine the criteria for a support family that will meet the specific needs of the individual;
  (5) locate a support family; and
  (6) keep the case manager informed of placement progress.
(b) Before placement, a support family agency or continued family agency must:
  (1) ensure that a support family is verified by a child-placing agency licensed by HHSC;
  (2) provide orientation, to the support family on the SFS or CFS the support family agency or continued family agency identified the individual will need;
  (3) introduce the individual and LAR to the support family in person; and
  (4) obtain the LAR's agreement to the placement.
(c) A support family agency or a continued family agency must facilitate the completion of written agreements and authorizations between the individual's LAR, the support family, and the support family agency or continued family agency. The written documents must include:
  (1) designation of who will participate in decisions about services, including any necessary delegation of authority for decisions by the LAR;
  (2) a description of how visits between the individual and the LAR will be arranged;
  (3) designation of who has the authority to make health care decisions for the individual, such as consenting to medical treatment, including any necessary delegation of this authority by the person with the legal responsibility to make health care decisions;
  (4) preferences agreed upon for:
    (A) religious issues;
    (B) cultural practices;
    (C) problem resolution processes; and
    (D) the type and amount of involvement by the LAR;
  (5) plans for routine and emergency communication and information exchange, including both oral and written communication; and
  (6) documentation of the financial responsibilities of all parties.

Source Note: The provisions of this §259.207 adopted to be effective January 30, 2023, 48 TexReg 362