Iowa § 234.40 - 234.40 Corporal punishment.
Full text of Iowa Iowa Code § 234.40 — 234.40 Corporal punishment., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 234.40. 234.40 Corporal punishment.
The department shall adopt rules prohibiting corporal punishment of foster children by foster parents licensed by the department. The rules shall allow foster parents to use reasonable physical force to restrain a foster child in order to prevent injury to the foster child, injury to others, the destruction of property, or extremely disruptive behavior. For the purposes of this section, “corporal punishment” means the intentional physical punishment of a foster child. A foster parent’s physical contact with the body of a foster child shall not be considered corporal punishment if the contact is reasonable and necessary under the circumstances and is not designed or intended to cause pain or if the foster parent uses reasonable force, as defined under section 704.1. [C79, 81, §234.40] 92 Acts, ch 1241, §71; 2023 Acts, ch 19, §685 Referred to in §232.71B Thu Dec 11 19:11:12 2025 Iowa Code 2026, Section 234.40 (25, 0)
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa § 234.40
What does Iowa Code § 234.40 cover?
Section 234.40 ("234.40 Corporal punishment.") is part of the Iowa Code, the codified statutory law of Iowa. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Iowa § 234.40?
A common citation format is "Iowa Code § 234.40" (Iowa). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Iowa law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Iowa official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Iowa attorney.
How does Iowa § 234.40 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Iowa can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Iowa.