Foster Care Bedroom Requirements Maryland

General Requirements

Every foster care bedroom must meet the following general requirements:

Be a minimum of 70 square feet for one child and 80 square feet for two children.
Have a window that provides natural light and ventilation.
Have a door that can be locked from the inside for privacy and safety.
Have a bed that is appropriate for the child's age and size.
Have a dresser or other storage space for the child's belongings.
Have a night light for safety and comfort.
Be free of hazards, such as sharp objects, loose wires, or poisonous substances.

Age-Specific Requirements

Infants (0-12 months): The bedroom must have a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and snug-fitting sheets. There should be no pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals in the crib.
Toddlers (1-3 years): The bedroom must have a toddler bed with a firm mattress and fitted sheet. There should be no pillows or blankets on the bed unless the child is old enough to use them safely.
Preschoolers (3-5 years): The bedroom must have a twin bed with a firm mattress and fitted sheet. There may be one or two pillows on the bed, but no blankets unless the child is old enough to use them safely.
School-age children (6-12 years): The bedroom must have a twin or full-size bed with a firm mattress and fitted sheet. There may be two or three pillows on the bed, and one or two blankets. The child should have access to age-appropriate books and toys.
Teenagers (13-18 years): The bedroom must have a full- or queen-size bed with a firm mattress and fitted sheet. There may be several pillows on the bed, and one or two blankets. The teenager should have access to age-appropriate books, games, and electronic devices.

Special Needs Requirements

Physical disabilities: The bedroom may need to be wheelchair accessible or have other modifications to accommodate the child's physical needs.
Emotional disabilities: The bedroom may need to be designed to provide a calming and supportive environment for the child.
Developmental delays: The bedroom may need to be designed to provide a stimulating and supportive environment for the child.

It is important to note that these are just the minimum requirements for foster care bedrooms in Maryland. Foster parents may choose to provide additional amenities or decorations to make the bedroom more comfortable and inviting for the child.