While the requirements may vary by state, all Pressley Ridge foster parents must: Meet state, local and federal clearance standards Have reliable transportation Have a primary source of income Have an adequate bedroom for a child Philips Family - Pressley Ridge Become a hero, a teacher, a safe haven, friend and lasting support to a child. I also use them under bunk beds for storage of personal items. Financially, resource families will receive monthly stipends to cover the foster childs room and board. Cheyenne 2dr Extended Do you have a bedroom for foster child that will allow you to complete your home study successfully? MDIzYmE3MjM4ODQwZDhlMjE2NjRkOTdlYmQ5YjE5ZTc5ODcwYTZmOGNmNWI1 OTdkMzllYWE3OWJhZDZhYjMzNTk1YzY4M2M1NTQ3ZWJmNjQ1NWI2OTRjODI1 The views and opinions expressed through Adoption.com Articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Adoption.com. If you rely on the bus, be sure to familiarize yourself with the bus schedules not only for yourself, but also for older foster children too. To become a resource (foster) parent in Maryland you must be 21 years old. The home must be kept clean, in good repair, and free from hazardous conditions. _Single individuals can qualif_y, as can two unmarried adults who are living together, as long as . There are many ways to show your foster children you love them through gifts, services, appropriate physical affection, spending quality time with them, and with words of affirmation. The area of at least one bedroom must be 100 square feet and for each additional habitable room the minimum required . Using this space for storage of clothes and personal items eliminates the need for additional storage furniture that would take up floor space. Bunk beds should have railings on both sides of the upper bed to prevent falls. Foster care bedroom requirements maryland Written By dolven22097 Wednesday June 8 2022 Add Comment Edit. MjcyNGZjYzkxOGVkZDQ1NDBlNzFlNjQ1NWVhYWZhZmJlNjc5MGU2MTkyODBi ZGFiYjdkMjBlNWMwNmZiZDU1NDE4Yjk2MTQzNDc1N2ZmOGE5OTNiMTcyYTU1 Most importantly, decisions about the childs activities should be based on the childs developmental age and not necessarily their biological age. Kandice is an adopted twin, wife, and mother of two girls who loves spending time with her family and two rabbits. , who serves as an advocate for resource parents. I'm happy you stopped by for some resources and encouragement. View additional foster care and adoption information available from the Maryland Department of Human Services. YjU2YmI4NGE3NWRhNzZhM2Q3ZTQ1NGE3OThkNGUzYTZmMWUzYjAyNWUzN2U4 Traditional foster parents provide temporary care for children, while meeting emotional, physical, educational, medical and recreational needs. Must be willing to abide by a policy of no corporal punishment. If you have a partner or spouse, he or she also needs to participate in the fostering process. Except for infants, boys and girls may not sleep in the same room. NDMzNTkyZTk0N2M0OTU0ZTg4MzU4MDUyNDhlYmI4YWY3NTYyYTRmZDE3ZmRk The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) is the state agency that oversees the foster care program across the state. Adoption profiles of adoptive parents & families advertising to adopt. NTRhZTZhNDliYmNhZTYyZmMyYTJjOWY1M2U2YTNiMzkzY2RlYWM0ZTJhMzlm ZmE1YTllMzYzY2U4NzVjMTQzMjhmMTU4NjI5OGFlMzMwNzdmNzhiOTI5NDE0 Boys and girls may not sleep in the same room, so enough bedrooms must be provided. Hazardous materials, including medications, household chemicals, tools, and weapons and ammunition, must be stored in a place that is inaccessible to children. See full disclosure policy below. As a former foster child myself, I know firsthand the unconditional love and warmth of being part of a foster family, and Ill never forget the amazing life that my foster parents have given my twin sister and I. Foster parenting is a general term used to encompass families who provide a safe, nurturing and loving environment to children for a temporary period of time. The unconditional love you show will last your foster children a lifetime even when theyre out of your care. YiJ9 Montana, for example, requires foster parents to give opposite-sex children aged 5 and older their own sleeping quarters. 1. You can find a monthly home safety checklist here. By using this site you agree to the terms of service and privacy notice. Some safety issues to address are: Only nineteen states have regulations that specify a maximum number of children allowed in each bedroom. (b) Each licensee shall ensure that each bedroom used for sleeping by a child in foster care meets the following requirements: (1) Each bedroom shall have at least 70 square feet. o the placement of more than three persons occupying any bedroom where foster children sleep if children are siblings or half-siblings. Every county in Maryland, including Baltimore City, operates a foster care program. You responsibilities to the child include: You responsibilities to the childs birth family include: You responsibilities to the local department of social services include: Learn more about the training requirements for foster parents. NmE3ZDEwNGY2ZjU1NTVjYmZiMTQzNzgwYjBiYjBhZjhkMWRjYjEwODFiODA4 Though Maryland counts only roughly 250 children currently eligible for adoption, there are over 100,000 children in the U.S. in need of forever homes. Havachon/poochon puppies. 8:30 am - 8:00 pm, Mon - Fri. A service of the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To provide adult foster care, providers must have a background study. Foster care is defined as the temporary arrangement through which a child is removed from their family or guardians home and then placed in another home with unrelated foster parent(s) or relatives. For privacy, the room should have a door and actual walls. Missouri residential care facility regulations All residential aged care facilities. Most last between 12 hours for precertification training, and the hours also vary depending on which agency you go through. The requirements to become foster care licensed vary from state to state. Siblings can usually share a room in foster care until a set age. If possible, the child will be matched with a resource family of the same background, and preference is given to resource families of the same race and ethnic background of the foster child. NzBmNTJhYTYxMDVhZjg1NzZjZGJiY2FlMTc5OTYyNzM3NGMxMzQ4MDk4ZWFm Choose a family you love to adopt your baby. YzAzODU4NDFhYmQxZGM2YjA2MGIxODBiNjBiYmUzYjhmNGFlNTUyMjIzM2Ew If the younger child is unrelated, the youth must be at least 10 years of age . 6. M2MxOWJiNTg2YjllY2UxZmVkMTgzM2VlZjk2ZDI3ZGUwYWNiZWI4YzUxZjRh NmMyYjkyZTVjOTQ2MTBhYzU2NGUxNWI3MjliYjkwMDNlMjEwZDZjOTMwNjMx Do you want to be a foster parent, but you are afraid you do not have room for a foster child? Foster Care is a temporary Service that provides short-term care and supportive services to children who are unable to live at home because of child abuse or neglect. Maryland Department of Human . The caseworker will observe the resource familys home, see where the child will sleep, and discuss any questions or concerns the resource family may have. For any children currently in the home, school records will need to be provided. Foster children live in family foster homes and group care settings. Dog adoption and cat adoption saves lives petstruefriendsgmail. NzVmNDZhNjdlZWQ0YjQwOTE4ZGIyMjRiOTQ3MTBmMWJkMTNiYmMzZDIwN2Qy Each county and Baltimore City runs these departments but report to the DHS. Users of Adoption.com agree to the Terms of Service, Privacy Notice and Community Rules. Residential care homes are also known as adult foster homes adult family homes care homes personal care homes and more. Infants under 18 months should sleep in cribs with no blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, etc. Factsheets for Families from the Child Welfare Information Gateway, How the foster care system works in Maryland, Requirements for resource parents, families, and homes. The best way to decide which agency is best for you and your family is by contacting some of them directly and attending their information sessions or orientations. PURPOSE The Maryland Tuition Waiver for Foster Care Rec ipients is available to foster care youth who are enrolled as a candidate for an associate, bachelor's degree or vocational certificate at a Maryland Public institution of higher education. Children. Can I foster if I have previously had financial problems? MWZjMmQ0YmI3MjYwYzg1MzYxZTA5NzA1OGIxYjc2MWI4MTAzMjk2OThhMjg0 7. Foster children need to get to and from school, appointments, and visitations, so having a reliable vehicle is a good thing to have. ZDAxZDg0NjNiNGNiNjY0M2VlYjJiMGQ2NjEwZTcwMzk1ODQ1ZDc1MzcxYWZi Participate in the childs mental, physical and dental health and provide documentation about each health care visit; Provide parental supervision and guidance appropriate to the child; Provide daily essentials that are required for the childs health, comfort, and grooming; Help the child cope with the anxiety of being away from the childs birth family; Respect the child and the childs family; Be sensitive to and respect the childs individual needs, tastes, and values; Support the childs religious beliefs and cultural customs; Establish clear expectations for, and limits on, behavior and provide appropriate discipline when necessary; Provide or arrange for transportation to appointments and activities; Participate in the childs educational process; Provide at least 10 working days notice if you request removal of a child except in circumstances that are critical to the health and safety of the child or resource family; Report any suspected incidence of a childs physical or sexual abuse or neglect to DSS as soon as you know of the incident; Notify DSS of any criminal charges, investigations, or findings related to any crime committed by a household member; Provide an environment free from exposure to secondhand smoke; and. Currently, there are nearly 5,400 children in Virginia's foster care system. OWE5MzRlZjRjODdkMTM5MTM0MjBmOWY0ZDRkNzNlMTYwZDQ0YzlkNTEwOGVj Each child must be provided with his or her own bed. ZDFmZjM4YTAzNDcxNGNmZmQ3ZGJmMjM2ZTViZDIzNGU0ZWI0ZDZkMDU2Y2E3 MDQwMjllYmFhOTFiNmUxZmFlMTM5ZTZkZjgwIiwic2lnbmF0dXJlIjoiNmUy Children are typically served by foster care until they are 18 years old, but up to age 21, they may be served if they have special needs or if they are in an educational or vocational training program. Use an office or bonus room space as a family closet for all the clothes and use the closet for extra bedroom space. Size 18"W x 18"D x 29"H Description The 18-inch square night table is scaled for smaller bedrooms and features a storage drawer . Regulations,07.02.25.07 (resource parent rights);07.02.25.23 (insurance coverage), This site offers legal information, not legal advice. They must have their own bed with a mattress, pillows, pillowcases, sheets, and blankets (all of these items must be in excellent condition). Yes. FOSTER HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST . Report Child Abuse or Neglect By NH law any person who suspects that a child under age 18 has been abused or neglected must report that suspicion immediately to DCYF: (603) 271-6562 All rights reserved. Do you realize how much they truly need to thrive? There should be a smoke detector near if not in the bedroom itself. Children are removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment by their parents or guardians. (3) All weapons and firearms are kept locked. Every effort will be made to keep the child at their school of origin. Dedicated to the design and delivery of programs that foster opportunities for mental and emotional. You are free to copy the information for your own use or for other non-commercial purposes with the following language Source: Maryland's Peoples Law Library www.peoples-law.org. Foster care is defined as the temporary arrangement through which a child is removed from their family or guardians home and then placed in another home with unrelated foster parent(s) or relatives. In many cases, the childs state may reimburse families or pay directly to the agency for some or all the fees associated with the placement and finalization of adoption. You dont have to be married or even in a relationship to be a foster parent. If fostering a newborn or infant, youll need a crib, bassinet, or Pack n Play. If you wish to attend an orientation meeting, you must contact the agencies that you are interested in working with and get the orientation schedules directly from them. Foster care requirements are more than just a general foster care checklist; theyre a very important key to unlocking huge doors of opportunities to change a foster childs life for the better. YWJkNmQ5ZTdmMjdkMzIyMjk4MGQ5OTgxMzM1ZDZiNTAyODA0NzMzYzNlNTky Family reunification is always the first and primary goal but when family reunification is not possible, then the childs permanency plan will be changed to adoption and the parental rights will be terminated. Team Player: Foster parents need to cooperate with a multitude of people like social workers, teachers, family members, and all of the other people involved in the foster childs life. Upon resource parent approval, families are eligible to have a child placed in their home. To determine placement, the agency will first try to place the child with a family member, then a previous (resource family) placement, and finally with a new resource family. As a resource parent, you owe responsibilities to the child in your care, the childs birth family, and DSS. MmEyMmY4YWE1NmU5NTEzMWM2Y2NmNDlkNjk2N2UyNTk5YTYwNWFiM2ZjYzEz When preparing to meet a foster child, it is important to have some items on hand to ease their transition. Infants must sleep in cribs that meet all relevant safety standards. The MarylandThurgood Marshall State Law Library, a court-related agency of the Maryland Judiciary, sponsors this site. Toll free (Maryland only) 1-800-638-7781 Maryland Relay for the Deaf at 711 in State or 1-800-735-2258 out of state. Generally speaking state laws require that people who want to become foster parents. Thirty-seven states require a sufficient number of bedrooms so that children of the opposite sex do not share a room. 9 Surprising Facts About Adopting a Baby from Foster Care. The Maryland Department of Human Services(DHS) is the state agency that oversees the foster care program across the state. Getting Started View Waiting Families The Adoption Process Benefits of Adoption Your Next Steps Get Started Help With Finding a Family Living and Medical Expenses Father of the Baby Baby Already Born FAQ Does Adoption Cost? Support for resource parents and foster children is the keystone of Marylands Department of Social Services. foster care bedroom requirements maryland 4009401 foster care bedroom requirements are as follows. Youve made your first step toward adopting or fostering children in Maryland. Some families have birth children, and some don't. Maryland families don't have to be wealthy to be approved to adopt or provide foster care for a child. Foster Parent Requirements You Must: Be at least (21) years of age Pass a medical appraisal by a licensed physician Pass screening requirements related to child abuse and criminal history clearances Who are the children that need Foster Care? (2) Each bedroom shall have at least 45 square feet for each individual sharing the room. If this is true, there are many ways to support foster parents and foster children. There are 8 steps to becoming a foster parent. Its very important to know how to handle the challenging behaviors and actions of foster children, so learn how to be resilient when things go wrong. Failure of any one of these background checks will disqualify you from becoming a foster parent. Are you mature enough to foster a child? OTE3YmFiNDZiYjI1YmZkMmU4YzZlZjgwYWRkOGRmZmUyNmJkZWQyOGVmZGVk Gender Sharing Yjg3MGNhNWQ0ODNkZDY4YjhmMDU0ODk4MzkyNTExODMyMWQ2YzYwNzJkZTZh The bedroom and living spaces must have access to bathroom facilities. NzFlYTMxZWEwNmZmNzg2M2M0NTA4NzQ0OTc4MzUxZDRjZjA1N2RkYTVhZDg5 When adopting a child with special needs, Maryland families are eligible for a Federal Tax Credit once their adoption has been finalized. You must decide whether you prefer to work with a public or private agency. Each agency can tell you whether they work with adoption from foster care. Children are placed either through a court order (involuntarily) or because their parents are requesting them to be placed temporarily outside the home (voluntarily). Please visit the Dept. The. Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children. YzkxYTRkNWFjYTljYjM1Nzg1ZTliNDIyOGYxNmU0ODY0NjFiMWY2YmQ1YjZk In some states, training can last up to eight weeks. (4) The premises are free of illegal drugs and paraphernalia. When you become a foster parent, youre helping to pave the way for a brighter future for those children. Not every family will foster to adopt and some families may choose to foster to adopt as their path to providing a child in need with a forever home. Also, please note that if you are considering a domestic adoption, you dont have to be a US citizen but you must be a legal resident in the country. Get information for Ocean City Maryland vacation rentals at the official Ocean. They should be honest, brave, loyal, fair, patient, kind, and responsible. There are a lot of single people who make excellent foster parents and always make sure the child or children they foster have all the love and care that they desperately crave. Foster Care is a temporary Service that provides short-term care and supportive services to . However, while we have flexibility for sibling groups we do not . MjVlMTg2YmExNjkwNDQ0NmQ2YmZhNTg0NDVlMmNiYTA0ZjM4OGY4ZTM5OGI5 Regulations,07.02.25.04 (resource families and homes);07.02.25.05 (resource parents). NzljYjVhYWRjNWVmZDg0YmZlZDA0YTAxOWIzOTE3M2Y1Njc0OTVmNzYxNGM5 Triple bunk beds can be used to maximize space for three children. All children need to feel loved, and foster children who often come from troubling homes need it abundantly. ft. of floor room. There are lots of ceiling nets, corner shelves and other storage solutions that do not take up additional storage space. In fact those of my children who were adopted from the foster care system, were adopted as babies and slept in my room. Foster care agencies and social workers require that prospective foster parents should be people of good character and be outstanding citizens. Go ahead, it's safe to dream! There are no fees involved when adopting or fostering a child through your local department of social services. See a comprehensive list of post-adoption and guardianship support services and support groups available to families who live in Maryland. The 2022-2023 MLARP Foster Care Application is N ow Closed. Use these foster care bedroom requirements to make sure your home is equipped and approved. Some foster care bedroom requirements maryland. Can you make sure the foster children have a major priority in your life? Y2MxNjU1YmFmMTcyZGZlOWVmNmU0ZDJmZjZlNjgxNWZlZGMwYWIzNzljNGZj Generated by Wordfence at Sun, 5 Mar 2023 0:55:40 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString());. However, there are also other ways to make room in your home to be a foster parent, even if you have a small home? If you or someone you know is willing to share an adoption or foster care story, please email public.affairs@dss.virginia.gov . MDdjNmY3N2JhYjA2ZmZkYmRmZWVlOTE2MjFjMTdlNmQ3MDk5ZDMzM2ZkODkw Montgomery Foster Care - get access to a huge library of legal forms. Discussing Biological Families With Children, 5 Books About Adoption You Should Definitely Read, The Story of the Red Thread Adoptee Voices. NDNjMjUzYmU0YjU0MGJlMTkxZmZjZThkZDcyM2NmYTg1MDdlZjIzZWVmZmUw PREGNANT? The number of references varies by agency ranging from three references to nine. NDIzMjVkNzI4ZTMyM2VlNDYzMDBiYTI2ODZiZGE3OGJlNTZkYzE2ZjE5YzM2 There are so many troubled children who need people like you to love them, care for them, provide for them, and keep them safe. This post contains affiliate links. The choice to become a foster parent is a big decision but the impact you can have on a childs life is even greater. Every member of the household 18 years or older must be fingerprinted for a criminal background check. ft. of floor room. Read the law:Code of Md. Congratulations! There are always cases where safety demands that a particular child must room alone. MTI4MmU1ZWIwYTUyZjAwNGQ1OTcyYjBiNzQ2MDRkOGI3ODQ1YzVjMWUyNGZk *This post contains affiliate links. American Adoptions - Maryland Foster Care Adoption | Foster to Adopt in MD American Adoptions Get Started Pregnant? There is no state cap on fees in Maryland, so private agencies are free to set their fees upon their discretion. If birth family reunification is not achieved, foster parents are usually the first non-relatives considered to adopt a child. 2mi Oct 30 Puppies for rehoming (vpi > White Sulphur Springs) pic 171. Adoption.org is a service of the Gladney Center for Adoption, a licensed adoption agency. MGE1MDZlZWRmMjcyNmZkMmM0MDk0MGE5NDg4NTFhZTRiNTQ5ZDczMTAzZDVh 1330 7th Street Apartments - Subsidized Low-Rent Apartment for Family Location. Children are not allowed to share beds. Turn other rooms in your home like a bonus room or office into a larger bedrooms. In the foster home preferably in the child's bedroom for storing clothing and. Y2VkN2U2M2Y3MzJjNjg4ZjU5ZmZmYTFjMzc3ZjU4M2RhZmY2YzllNWEyYTRi The standard is designed to encourage sensible parenting to keep the foster child healthy and safe while encouraging the childs emotional and developmental growth. eyJtZXNzYWdlIjoiOTFkNjdlODNlYTIxYzdmMjZkMmI2N2QzMzdmNWE5NzU3 There are requirements for foster care bedrooms. NzFjYmZmZGMzNjUyNTI5NmM3Y2UwMzMwZjJiNTMzNTAyZTYyMGE2NDFkNTE4 Emotional support to help the child cope with not being with his/her family. The parent of a child to be placed in foster/ pre-adoptive care is not eligible to be a foster/pre-adoptive parent for that child. NDY3NDRhZjNjNThmODEyMmU4YmUwYTdhYWY3ZDY1OTQ1NTViN2UzYmJiYjAz Both a home safety and sanitation inspection by the health department and a fire inspection by the fire department must be completed for every resource family in foster care Maryland. There is no maximum age to be a resource parent, but prospective resource parents who are age 60 or older will need to be observed to ensure they have the strength and adequate resources to care for a child. Pre-service and In-service Training Requirements 3. DISTRIBUTION: File Applicant. Resource parents are responsible for providing children with a safe, nurturing environment. Must have reliable transportation and current auto insurance/registration. Of these children, 217 have a plan of adoption, and 133 are legally free for adoption. The minimum age to become an adoptive or foster family is 21. Many states have a maximum number of children that are allowed to share a room. YmRkNTcwNWZjMTBmZWFlZWQ1ZTRmMTM3ZjRmYzE2Y2U0ODNhYTBjNjk1NzQy foster care bedroom requirements maryland Written By nortonjoy2143 Saturday, December 18, 2021 Add Comment Edit. A car seat for each foster child ages 7 and under, Their own hygiene items (toothbrushes and toothpaste, body wash, a bar of soap, towels and washcloths, combs and brushes, shampoo and conditioner, and lotions. I'm happy you stopped by for some resources and encouragement. ZTA1ZGI4M2E0ZjVhOWJkNjcyNzQ3YWRjOGQwMDcwNDYxZTBiOTlmMzBhNmYw First any foster care payments you receive from a child placement agency the state government or your local government are considered nontaxable income The money is for the support of the foster child and isn't just going into your pocket the way other income would. Small things like a new toothbrush, toiletries, pajamas, and a few new toys can help a new foster child feel welcome in the home. Applicants may live in own apartment or house. Once the home study is complete and the clearances are obtained, a family will be approved as a resource parent. Because of Marylands family-to-family focus, every effort is made to place foster children with resource families in their direct community. Resource Families which include foster parents foster-to-adopt families and caregivers are critical. 2002-2023 National Adoption Association. googletag.display("dfp-Content_A"); Each county and Baltimore City has its own local Department of Social Services (" DSS "). References are needed because the agency needs to know if youre the right person to foster a child. We are pleased that you have chosen to inquire about services. However, if a resource parent is 60 or older, the local department will observe and document whether their strength is adequate to meet the needs of children in care. Following pre-service training, prospective resource parents will work to complete a home study. See full disclosure policy above. Additionally, all families involved in foster care in Maryland will have access tothe foster parent ombudsman, who serves as an advocate for resource parents. NDI1M2Y4NDBjYzdkNzA0ZGJiMzBkZTk5NDNkMTBiZTQ3NDdlMDYzMTg3ZjNh eyJtZXNzYWdlIjoiNzI3ZDgxMjM0MTAzZTczNzY2NGY5ZWYzZjhlMTI4ZDMw Do you know how to advocate for them? In Maryland, there are more than 8500 children in foster care. For the adoption to then take place, the child will have had to be living in the home for a minimum of 12 months. OTZmYTZjNDdiYWRjYWYzZjRlOWE2NGViM2MxNDg5MmRjZWI0ZTRlNWZlYWRi Theyll ask questions about your background, family life, your overall health, and plans on parenting to have a written record for the agency. . Foster parents are essential partners in supporting that goal. M2VjZjk1MWE5NWIzZDYzODE2ZTFjM2JjNWUwODMwMzNmZjhlYjdmYTc3NGI0 ZTJmNjY3ODU2ODRmY2E0MTBkOTkxMDdlZTVhMzdjMmI3ZWIxM2UwMGIyNjgy This tax credit is intended to help families with the expenses associated with their adoption. YjFjOGMxOWM0YWM5MmQ0OTIzY2ExODE2OTgyNThkN2IwZDkyZDI1MGNjNGU1 Unless the image of foster care is, foster care bedroom requirements of positive at shelters. It is recommended that a foster child have their own room for reasons of privacy. Your home should be free of hazardous environments, should be clean, and have good repairs. Foster carers are allowed one bedroom which will not be regarded as under-occupied as per the under-occupancy rules (also known as the 'bedroom tax') if claiming housing benefit or Universal Credit housing element when living in social or privately rented accommodation. During the foster care home study, your home will be approved for a specific number of children. You must be at least 18 years old. NTQ3NTYyZTA4N2U3NjdmYTQwODQyYjY4NDA0ZTNkZTczMmM1YmNmNmRiMDhk ZjNiZTZjZDAzZDIyNDg3ZDQzYTAzN2EwZmNjYWRmZjUwNjc5YjdlYzU5OWEy If youre considering fostering a child, or children, here are the requirements to follow. Between training, prospective resource families will be expected to complete homework assignments to show they have retained the information. One of those requirements is that the child have an actual bed, a place to store clothes and a door to shut for privacy in changing. (2) Children are protected from hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids and poisonous materials.