Iowa Code Title VI. Human Services [Chs. 216-255A] § 237.5A. Foster parent training

1. As a condition for initial licensure, each individual licensee shall complete thirty hours of foster parent training offered or approved by the department. However, if the licensee has completed relevant training or has a combination of completed relevant training and experience, and the department deems such training or combination to be an acceptable equivalent to all or a portion of the initial licensure training requirement, or based upon the circumstances of the child and the licensee the department finds there is other good cause, the department may waive all or a portion of the training requirement. Prior to renewal of licensure, each individual licensee shall also annually complete six hours of foster parent training. The training shall include but is not limited to physical care, education, learning disabilities, referral to and receipt of necessary professional services, behavioral assessment and modification, self-assessment, self-living skills, and biological parent contact. An individual licensee may complete the training as part of an approved training program offered by a public or private agency with expertise in the provision of child foster care or in related subject areas. The department shall adopt rules to implement and enforce this training requirement.

2. A licensee who is unable to complete six hours of foster parent training annually prior to licensure renewal because the licensee is engaged in active duty in the military service shall be considered to be in compliance with the training requirement for licensure renewal.

3. The department or the department's agent shall notify an individual licensee within a reasonable amount of time of any training the department believes would benefit the licensee in the provision of child foster care.