922 KAR 1:300. Standards for
child-caring facilities.
RELATES TO: KRS 2.015, 17.165,
17.500(8), 189.125(3),
198B.050-198B.090, 199.011(2), (3), (4), (6), (7), (10), (11), 199.640,
199.650, 199.660, 199.670, 211.350-211.380, 214.034(5), Chapter 271B Subtitle 8,
273.161(7), 600.020(23), 605.080(3),
605.090(1),
610.110(6), 615.010, 615.030, 615.040, 620.020, 620.030, 620.090(2),
620.140(1), 620.230(3), 20 U.S.C. 7183, 42 U.S.C. 677(a)(1)-(6)
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 194A.050(1), 199.640(5),
199.645, 605.150,
615.050
NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS 194A.050(1) requires
the Secretary for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to promulgate
administrative regulations necessary to operate programs and fulfill the
responsibilities vested in the cabinet. KRS 199.640(5) requires the secretary for the
cabinet to promulgate administrative regulations establishing basic standards
of care and service for child-caring facilities and child-placing agencies. KRS 605.150 authorizes the
cabinet to promulgate administrative regulations to implement the provisions of
KRS Chapter 605. This
administrative regulation establishes basic standards of care and service for
child-caring facilities,
Section 1. Definitions. (1)
"Aftercare" means a service provided to a child after discharge from
a child-caring facility.
(2) "Board of directors" is
defined at KRS 273.161(7).
(3) "Cabinet" means the Cabinet
for Health and Family Services.
(4) "Case" means an individual
child or family being provided services by a social worker or counselor.
(5) "Chemical restraint" means
a drug used as a restraint that is a medication used to control behavior or to
restrict the patient's freedom of movement and is not a standard treatment for
the patient's medical or psychiatric condition.
(6) "Child" is defined at KRS
199.011(4) and 600.020(8) and may include:
(a) A person age eighteen (18) or older
whose commitment to the cabinet has been extended or reinstated by a court in
accordance with KRS 610.110(6) or 620.140(1)(d); or
(b) A child who meets the exceptions to the age of
majority in accordance with KRS 2.015.
(7) "Child-caring facility" is
defined at KRS 199.011(6).
(8) "Child-placing agency" is
defined at KRS 199.011(7).
(9) "Child-caring program"
means the method of delivering a child-caring service.
(10) "College or university"
means:
(a) An institution accredited by one (1)
of the eleven (11) regional accrediting organizations recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education;
(b) For a Kentucky institution, one that
is licensed by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education or the Kentucky
Board for Proprietary Education; and
(c) For an out-of-state institution, one
that is licensed in its home state if licensure is required in that state.
(11) "Community resource" means
a service or activity available in the community that supplements those
provided by the child-caring facility or child-placing agency in the care and
treatment of a child.
(12) "Corporal physical
discipline" means reasonable physical discipline in accordance with KRS
199.640(6).
(13) "Crisis intervention unit"
means a unit that serves a child in need of short-term intensive treatment, to
avoid risk of placement to a higher level of care.
(14) "Direct child-care staff"
means an employee or volunteer providing face-to-face care and supervision of a
child.
(15) "Discharge" means a
planned release of a child from a program.
(16) "Emergency discharge"
means the release of a child from a program as a result of a circumstance that
presents a risk to the health or safety of a child.
(17) "Emergency shelter child-caring
facility" means a child-caring facility that meets the requirements of 922
KAR 1:380.
(18) "Executive director" means
the person employed by the board of directors to be responsible for the
administration and management of a child-caring facility.
(19) "Group home" is defined at
KRS 199.011(10).
(20) "Independent living services" means services provided to an
eligible child, as described in Section 8 of this administrative regulation, to
assist the child in the transition from dependency of childhood to living
independently.
(21) "Individual treatment
plan" or "ITP" means a plan of action developed and implemented
to address the needs of a child.
(22) "Indoor living area" means
an area in the child-caring facility that is separate from a hallway, bedroom,
kitchen, stairway, vestibule, bathroom, closet, unfinished basement, or attic.
(23) "Institution" is defined
at KRS 199.011(11).
(24) "Living unit" means a
building or part thereof in which a child resides, not exceeding sixteen (16)
beds.
(25) "Permanence" is defined at
KRS 620.020(8).
(26) "Physical management" means a
technique used by a specially-trained staff member for the purpose of
restricting a child's freedom of movement in order to maintain a safe environment
for the child and others.
(27) "Residential child-caring facility"
means a child-caring facility that meets the standards established in 922 KAR
1:390.
(28) "Residential treatment program"
means a residential child-caring facility that meets the treatment program
requirements of 922 KAR 1:390, Section 4.
(29) "Sex crime" is defined at KRS
17.500(8).
(30) "Social services" means a planned
program of assistance to help an individual move toward a mutual adjustment of
the individual and his social environment.
(31) "Time-out" means a
treatment intervention utilized by child-caring staff to separate a child from
others in a nonsecure area for a time limited period, in order to permit the child
to regain control over his behavior.
(32) "Treatment" means
individualized management and care of a child, utilizing professionally
credentialed and certified staff and a component of the treatment environment
to assist the child in resolving his emotional conflict or behavioral disorder.
(33) "Treatment team" means a
representative group of people who provide services to the child and the
child's family.
(34) "Unplanned discharge"
means the release of a child from the child-caring facility that is not in
accordance with the ITP.
(35) "Youth wilderness camp"
means a specific program of a child-caring facility that is designed to provide
an outdoor experience consistent with a child’s ITP.
Section 2. Operations and Services. (1)
This administrative regulation establishes standards for the following
child-caring facilities:
(a) An emergency shelter child-caring
facility, also governed by 922 KAR 1:380;
(b) An emergency shelter child-caring
facility with treatment, also governed by 922 KAR 1:380, Section 3;
(c) A residential child-caring facility,
also governed by 922 KAR 1:390, including:
1. A group home; and
2. An institution.
(d) A residential treatment program, also
governed by 922 KAR 1:390, Section 4, including:
1. A crisis intervention unit, also
governed by 922 KAR 1:390, Section 5;
2. A group home, also governed by 922 KAR
1:390, Section 6;
3. An institution; and
(e) A youth wilderness camp program, also
governed by 922 KAR 1:460.
(2) Except for a child-caring facility
maintaining a license prior to October 16, 2000, a child-caring facility shall
not be located or operated on the grounds of a psychiatric hospital.
Section 3. Administration and Operation.
(1) The licensing procedure for a child-caring facility shall:
(a) Be administered as established in 922
KAR 1:305; and
(b) Based upon the services provided,
meet the requirements of this administrative regulation and 922 KAR 1:380, 922
KAR 1:390, or 922 KAR 1:460.
(2) Board of directors.
(a) The child-caring facility shall have a
board of directors in accordance with KRS Chapter 271B, Subtitle 8.
(b) The board of directors shall:
1. Consist of at least seven (7) members;
2. Meet at least quarterly;
3. Cause minutes of each meeting to be
taken and kept in written form;
4. Have the authority and responsibility
to ensure continuing compliance with this administrative regulation and other
relevant federal, state, and local law;
5. Have procedures in place to insure
that its staff receives ongoing training as defined in subsection (6)(o) of
this section;
6. Obtain a criminal records check of
prior convictions of the executive director prior to employment; and
7. Approve a mission statement delineating:
a. The purpose;
b. Objective; and
c. Scope of service to be provided.
(3) Executive director.
(a) Duties of the executive director
shall be determined by the board of directors.
(b) The executive director shall be
responsible for the child-caring facility and its affiliates in accordance with
the child-caring facility's written policy.
(c) If the executive director is not on
the premises, a designated staff person shall be responsible for the day-to-day
operation of the child-caring program.
(d) The executive director shall oversee
and report to the board on a quarterly basis, providing an evaluation of
program services addressing measurable goals, staff training, and incident
reports.
(e) The criteria and process of the
quarterly evaluation shall be approved by the board.
(4) Staff qualifications.
(a) A person employed as an executive
director after the effective date of this administrative regulation shall
possess the following qualifications:
1. A master's degree in business
administration or a human services field from a college or university,
supplemented by two (2) years of work experience in or management of a human services
program related to working with families and children; or
2. A bachelor's degree in a human
services field from a college or university, supplemented by four (4) years
work experience in management of a human services program related to working
with families and children.
(b) A treatment director or person
employed by the child-caring facility in a position responsible for
supervising, evaluating, or monitoring social work and related activities shall:
1. Hold at least a master’s degree in a
human service discipline; and
2. Within two (2) years of October 17,
2007, have at least five (5) years experience in mental health treatment of
children with emotional or behavioral disabilities and their families and be responsible
for the:
a. Supervision;
b. Evaluation; and
c. Monitoring of the:
(i) Treatment program;
(ii) Social work; and
(iii) Other treatment staff.
(c) A residential child-caring facility
providing a treatment service for more than thirty (30) children shall employ a
separate treatment director other than the executive director.
(d) A residential child-caring facility
providing a treatment service for thirty (30) or fewer children may utilize the
executive director in a dual role as treatment director, if at least fifty (50)
percent of his duties are spent supervising the treatment program. If an
employee serves as both executive director and treatment director, the higher
staff qualification requirements shall apply.
(e) An employee responsible for social
work, counseling, or planning and coordinating these services for a child shall
have at least a bachelor's degree in a human services field from a college or
university.
(f) A person employed in a position
responsible for supervising, evaluating, or monitoring the daily work of direct
child-care staff shall possess at least:
1. Two (2) years of education from a
college or university and two (2) years of work experience in a child-caring
facility; or
2. A high school diploma, or an
equivalence certificate, and at least five (5) years work experience in a
child-caring facility.
(g) A person employed in a position
responsible for the daily direct care or supervision of a child shall possess
at least a high school diploma or equivalency certificate.
(h) If an employee is responsible for
varied job responsibilities and falls within more than one (1) of the
categories specified, the employee shall meet the more rigorous qualifications.
(i) A child-caring facility contracting
for the services of a social worker or treatment director not on the staff of
the child-caring facility shall document that the social worker or treatment
director meets the qualifications established in paragraphs (b) and (e) of this
subsection. An agreement for provision of service shall be on file at the
child-caring facility, and shall specify the qualifications of the social
worker or social services professional.
(5) Staffing requirements.
(a) The child-caring facility shall have:
1. A written policy describing a
child-to-direct-child-care-staff ratio that is consistent with the
staff-to-child ratios required in paragraph (b) of this subsection; and
2. An explanation of the assignment of
staff in order to:
a. Ensure the health and safety of a
child; and
b. Implement the child-caring program.
(b) Staff-to-child ratios for each type
of facility shall be as follows:
1. An emergency shelter child-caring
facility: one (1) staff member to ten (10) children at all times.
2. An emergency shelter child-caring
facility with treatment: one (1) staff member to six (6) children at all times.
3. A residential child-caring facility:
a. One (1) staff member to ten (10)
children age six (6) and over; and
b. One (1) staff member to five (5)
children under age six (6).
4. A residential child-caring facility
with treatment:
a. One (1) staff member to six (6)
children; and
b. One (1) staff member to twelve (12)
children during sleeping hours.
5. A crisis intervention unit:
a. One (1) staff member to four (4)
children; and
b. One (1) staff member to six (6)
children during sleeping hours.
6. A group home:
a. One (1) staff member to four (4)
children; and
b. One (1) staff member to accompany a
child while away from the home.
7. An institution: one (1) staff member
to ten (10) children.
8. A youth wilderness camp program to
include:
a. A base camp:
(i) One (1) staff member to four (4)
children age eleven (11) and (12) years old; and
(ii) One (1) staff member to six (6)
children age thirteen (13) and above; and
b. A field program, for which two (2)
staff members shall be on location at all times:
(i) One (1) staff to three (3) children
age eleven (11) and (12) years old;
(ii) One (1) staff to four (4) children
age thirteen (13) and above;
(iii) Group size, including staff, shall
not exceed more than twelve (12) at one (1) time;
(iv) In a mixed gender group, one (1)
woman and one (1) man, with one (1) staff member remaining awake during
sleeping hours;
(v) A staff-to-child ratio shall be based
on the age of the youngest child; and
(vi) A volunteer shall not be included in
the staff-to-child ratio.
(c) There shall be at least one (1) staff
member present in each child-caring facility building if a child is present.
(d) At least one (1) staff member
certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation shall be on the
premises, if a child is present.
(e) The child-caring facility shall have
a written work schedule and a policy that provides for utilization of relief
staff.
(f) The child-caring facility shall
employ an individual who is responsible for the overall planning and
coordinating of social services for a family and child.
(g) Social services staff shall not carry
a caseload of more than fifteen (15) children and their families.
(6) Personnel policy.
(a) A child-caring facility shall have
and comply with a written personnel policy and procedure.
(b) An employee of the child-caring
facility shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
(c) The
employment of an individual shall be governed by KRS 17.165, with regard to a
criminal record check.
(d) A new criminal record
check shall be completed at least every two (2) years on each employee or
volunteer.
(e) An employee under indictment or
legally charged with a violent or sex crime as defined in KRS 17.165 shall be
immediately removed from contact with a child within the child-caring facility
until the employee is cleared of the charge.
(f) Each
employee or volunteer shall submit to a check of the central registry described
by 922 KAR 1:470. An individual listed on the central registry shall not be a
volunteer at or be employed by a child-caring facility.
(g) Each licensee shall
report to the cabinet and each child-caring facility employee or volunteer
shall report to the licensee or facility’s director, an incident that occurs
subsequent to the most recent central registry check, if the employee or
volunteer:
1. Is the subject of a
cabinet child abuse or neglect investigation;
2. Has been found by the
cabinet or a court to have abused or neglected a child; or
3. Has been indicted for or
charged with a violent or sex crime as defined in KRS 17.165.
(h) An individual shall not
be left alone in the presence of a child if a central registry check has not
been completed.
(i) Determination by the cabinet of risk
of potential harm by an employee to a child in a child-caring facility shall
result in:
1. Investigation of the employee for
evidence of child abuse or neglect; and
2. The removal of the employee from
direct contact with a child:
a. For the duration of the investigation;
and
b. Pending completion of the
administrative appeal process in accordance with 922 KAR 1:320.
(j) A current personnel record shall be
maintained for each employee, that includes the following:
1. Name, address, Social Security number,
date of employment, and date of birth;
2. Evidence of a current registration,
certification, licensure, and college credentials, if required by the position;
3. Record of ongoing participation in an
agency staff development program as specified in paragraphs (n) and (o) of this
subsection;
4. Record of performance evaluation;
5. Criminal records check as established
in paragraph (c) of this subsection;
6. Documentation of a central registry
check completed every two (2) years in accordance with 922 KAR 1:470;
7. Personnel action; and
8. Application for employment, resume, or
contract.
(k) A child-caring facility shall retain
an employee personnel record for at least five (5) years after termination of
employment.
(l) An employee shall document compliance
with a requirement for meeting state or national professional standards, as set
forth in the job description.
(m) The child-caring facility shall have
a record of participation and successful completion of an ongoing staff and volunteer
development program.
(n) The staff development program shall
be under the supervision of a designated staff member; and
(o) Full-time direct child care staff
shall have at least forty (40) hours, and part-time direct child care staff
shall have at least twenty-four (24) hours, of training specific to the tasks to
be performed and of annual training in the following:
1. Emergency and safety procedure;
2. Principle and practice of child
residential care;
3. Behavior management, including
de-escalation training;
4. Physical management for a child-caring
facility using the technique;
5. First aid; and
6. Personnel orientation.
(p) A volunteer who functions as a
professional or direct staff member without compensation shall meet the same
general requirements and qualifications.
(q) A child-caring facility using
physical management shall:
1. Develop and maintain clearly-written
policy and procedure governing the use of physical management of a child,
including a requirement for a de-escalation plan, in accordance with 922 KAR
1:390, Section 4;
2. Require a staff member who conducts physical
management, to complete at least sixteen (16) hours of annual training in
approved methods of de-escalation and physical management from a
nationally-recognized accreditation organization approved by the cabinet, as
part of the annual training established in paragraph (o) of this subsection, to
include:
a. Assessing physical and mental status,
including signs of physical distress;
b. Assessing nutritional and hydration
needs;
c. Assessing readiness to discontinue use
of the intervention; and
d. Recognizing when medical or other
emergency personnel are needed.
(r) The program director shall review and
analyze instances of physical management in order to:
1. Assure compliance with Section 5(2)(f)
through (h) of this administrative regulation and the child-caring facility
policy;
2. Provide documentation of a plan of
action to prevent injury to a child or staff as a result of the use of physical
management; and
3. Review each incident no later than one
(1) working day after its use.
(s) A child-caring facility shall develop
and maintain clearly written policies and procedures governing professional
boundaries for an employee or volunteer working with children.
(t) A child-caring facility shall develop
and maintain clearly written policies and procedures governing smoking
prohibitions, in accordance with 20 U.S.C. 7183 and 922 KAR 2:110, Section 3(9).
(7) Interstate placement.
(a) Before accepting a child from another
state or placing a child in another state, the child-caring facility shall be
in compliance with:
1. Applicable provisions of the
Interstate Compact on Placement of Children, KRS 615.030, and 615.040; and
2. The Interstate Compact on Juveniles,
KRS 615.010.
(b) If a child committed to the cabinet
makes a brief visit out of state, not accompanied by child-caring facility
personnel, the child-caring facility shall obtain prior consent from the
cabinet staff member responsible for the case.
(c) If an emergency placement of a child
into a licensed child-caring facility is made, the placement source shall be
responsible for compliance with KRS 615.030 to 615.040. If the receiving
child-caring facility is aware of noncompliance by the placement source, the
child-care facility shall notify the cabinet's interstate compact coordinator.
(8) Record retention.
(a) The child-caring facility shall
retain all records, books, and reports related to financial conditions and
status for auditing purposes for a minimum of five (5) years.
(b) Make available all books, records,
and financial information for review, inspection, auditing, and photocopying by
the cabinet or cabinet designee, authorized federal and state agency reviewers
and auditors.
(9) A residential child-caring facility
shall become accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation organization
within two (2) years of initial licensure.
Section 4. Physical Plant. (1) A
child-caring facility shall comply with applicable state and local law relating
to:
(a) Construction;
(b) Sanitation; and
(c) Building maintenance.
(2) The child-caring facility shall
conform to the Kentucky Standards of Safety in accordance with 815 KAR 10:060.
(3) A climate control system shall be
provided as follows:
(a) A minimum temperature of sixty-five
(65) degrees Fahrenheit maintained in occupied areas in cold weather
conditions;
(b) In warm weather conditions and
periods of extreme heat, an occupied area shall be properly ventilated;
(c) If not air-conditioned and the
temperature in an occupied area exceeds eighty-five (85) degrees Fahrenheit,
the child-caring facility director shall assure that the following occurs:
1. A fan is utilized to circulate air;
2. The child-caring facility is properly
ventilated to outside air;
3. Ice water is readily available and
served to residents; and
4. Staff frequently monitor residents for
a sign or symptom of a heat-related illness.
(4) The water supply shall be from an
approved source and easily available from the following:
(a) Drinking fountain;
(b) Refrigerator; or
(c) Cold water tap.
(5) The plumbing and waste disposal
systems shall comply with applicable provisions of the Uniform State Building
Code, KRS 198B.050, and with laws regarding on-site sewage disposal, KRS
211.350 to 211.380, if applicable.
(6) Housekeeping and maintenance service.
(a) The building and its content shall be
maintained in a clean and safe condition and in good repair.
(b) A maintenance plan shall be
implemented.
(c) The child-caring facility shall
ensure that the grounds and outdoor equipment are well kept and the exterior of
the building is in good repair.
(d) The interior of the building and its
contents shall be in good repair.
(e) Garbage and trash shall be:
1. Stored in an area separate from those
used for the preparation and storage of food;
2. Removed from the premises regularly;
and
3. Placed in a container that is cleaned
regularly.
(f) Insecticides, pesticides, and
chemical poisons shall be plainly labeled and stored in a secure, locked area.
Access shall be given to:
1. The facility's maintenance personnel;
and
2. A pest control company with which the
facility has a contract.
(7) Bedroom.
(a) A bedroom shall be:
1. Of adequate size to permit at least
three (3) linear feet between each bed or set of bunk beds; and
2. Constructed to allow no more than four
(4) residents per room.
(b) A bedroom for a child above age three
(3) shall be equipped with an individual bed for each child that shall be:
1. Long and wide enough to accommodate
the child's size;
2. Developmentally appropriate for the
child; and
3. Equipped with a support mechanism and
a clean mattress.
(c) A bed occupied by a child shall be
placed so that the child shall not experience discomfort because of:
1. Proximity to a radiator or heat
outlet; or
2. Exposure to drafts.
(d) Except for a sibling indicated in an
ITP, there shall be separate sleeping quarters for boys and girls over the age
of five (5).
(e) Storage space shall be provided for
each child to accommodate his or her personal belongings in a:
1. Closet and drawers; or
2. Closet for the child’s exclusive use
and shelves within the closet.
(f) A child shall not be housed in a
room, detached building, or enclosure that has not previously been inspected
and approved for resident use.
(g) A child shall be provided with clean
bed linens, laundered at least once a week, and a waterproof mattress covering.
(8) Indoor living area. An indoor living
area shall have:
(a) At least thirty-five (35) square feet
per child; and
(b) Comfortable furnishings adequate for
the number of children served.
(9) Bathroom.
(a) For every six (6) children residing
in the living unit, a living unit shall have a minimum of:
1. One (1) wash basin with hot and cold
water;
2. One (1) flush toilet; and
3. One (1) bath or shower with hot and
cold water.
(b) A child shall be provided with access
to:
1. Toilet paper;
2. Towels;
3. Soap; and
4. A wastebasket.
(c) Each bathtub and shower shall have an
enclosure or screen for individual privacy. If more than one (1) toilet is
located in the same bathroom, each toilet shall:
1. Be partitioned; and
2. Include a door capable of remaining
closed.
(d) A bathroom shall contain at least one
(1) nondistorting mirror secured to the wall at a convenient height.
Section 5. Health, Safety, and
Nutritional Requirements. (1) Health.
(a) A child-caring facility shall have
written policy and procedure for health and medical care, to include provisions
for:
1. The care and disposition of an ill
child; and
2. Emergency care.
(b) The service of a physician shall be
made available to a child. If the service of a licensed physician is not
available in the community, the child-caring facility shall request the
assistance of the:
1. County health department; or
2. The Department for Public Health,
Division of Adult and Child Health Improvement.
(c) Staff shall follow licensed physician
orders for:
1. Medicine;
2. Prescription; and
3. Medical care.
(d) Except for a weekend or holiday,
within forty-eight (48) hours of admission to a child-caring facility, a child
shall have:
1. An initial health screening for
illness, injury, and communicable disease or other immediate needs, by a nurse
or trained child-care staff;
2. After the initial health screening, a
physical examination by a licensed physician or a qualified person under the
supervision of a licensed physician, within two (2) weeks of admission, unless
it has been documented that the child has received an examination during the
past twelve (12) months; and
3. The examining professional shall
report, in writing, observations and findings including:
a. Developmental history of the child,
illnesses, operations, and immunizations if available to the physician;
b. A limitation the child may have that
may prevent participation in an activity scheduled by the child-caring
facility;
c. Visual and auditory examination
results;
d. Recommendation and order for future
care, treatment, and examinations;
e. TB skin test results, unless contraindicated
by a qualified person under the supervision of a licensed physician; and
f. Other tests for communicable disease
as indicated by the medical and social history of the child.
(e) An annual physical examination shall
be scheduled and documented as established in paragraph (d)3 of this
subsection.
(f) Upon admission, the child-caring
facility shall consult with a physician if there is evidence that the child may
require medical attention.
(g) The child-caring facility shall
develop a procedure for a child requiring a specific provision for an
infectious medical condition.
(h) A separate health record shall be
maintained for each child, kept on the premises, and be made available to a:
1. Physician;
2. Nurse; or
3. Designated staff member.
(i) The health record shall contain the
following:
1. Copy of each physical examination,
including any recommendations for treatment;
2. Previous and continuing health and
medical history, if available;
3. Record or report of each test,
immunization, periodic reexamination, and physician order and instruction;
4. Report and date of each dental
examination and treatment;
5. Authorization for regular and
emergency medical, dental, and surgical care, signed at admission by the legal
custodian;
6. Documentation of medication
administered to the child; and
7. Documentation of a special provision
made for the child in accordance with a physician's order.
(j) A child's medical need shall be
provided for as recommended by a licensed physician.
(k) The facility shall keep an
immunization certificate on file for each child, in accordance with KRS
214.034(5).
(l) If a child dies while in the care of
a child-caring facility or in a home operated or supervised by the child-caring
facility:
1. The child-caring facility shall
immediately notify the:
a. County coroner;
b. Child's parent;
c. Guardian or custodian; and
d. Cabinet staff;
2. A verbal report of the death shall be
made immediately to the Commissioner of the Department for Community-Based Services;
3. A written comprehensive report from
the executive director outlining the incident shall be forwarded to the Office
of the Commissioner, Department for Community-Based Services, on the next working
day following the verbal report; and
4. If a child's death occurred as a
result of alleged abuse or neglect, the executive director of the child-caring
facility shall make verbal and written reports as required by KRS 620.030(1)
and (2).
(m) Upon discharge, medical information
shall follow the child if a release form has been obtained.
(n) Unless a dental examination has been
performed in the six (6) months preceding admission, the child-caring facility,
within one (1) week after a child's admission, shall schedule an appointment
for a dental examination. The facility shall ensure the treatment of emergency
dental needs by a licensed dentist as they arise.
(o) A child age two (2) years and above
shall be examined at least annually by a licensed dentist.
(p) The child-caring facility shall:
1. Document the information required by
this subsection; and
2. Assure the confidentiality of the
information.
(q) The child-caring facility shall
maintain a continuous program of personal hygiene.
(2) Safety.
(a) A child shall be instructed in fire
prevention, safety, and fire emergency procedures.
1. The child-caring facility shall
maintain and post a current, written emergency fire evacuation plan and diagram
to include:
a. An evacuation route and procedure; and
b. The location of fire extinguishers.
2. Emergency drills shall be preformed
quarterly and documented for each of the following emergency events;
a. Fire;
b. Tornado or severe thunderstorm
warning; and
c. Flash flood, if applicable.
3. An emergency plan shall designate a
suitable shelter in the event of an emergency.
(b) A child-caring facility with a
swimming pool shall be staffed with a certified lifeguard in accordance with
902 KAR 10:120, Section 13.
(c) Donated home processed foods shall be
prohibited.
(d) Transportation.
1. If transportation is provided
directly, contracted for, or arranged, a child-caring facility shall require:
a. Compliance with state laws pertaining
to vehicles, drivers, and insurance;
b. A seat for each child and that the
child remain seated while the vehicle is in motion;
c. A seat belt be used to secure the
child;
d. A vehicle used to transport a child
off campus to provide a seat for each passenger as manufactured standard
equipment;
e. That a child never be left unattended
in a vehicle; and
f. Compliance with KRS 605.080(3)
pertaining to court-ordered transportation.
2. The maximum number of children a
driver shall supervise alone is four (4).
3. A child under forty (40) inches tall
or forty (40) pounds in weight shall not be transported unless restrained in a
safety seat approved in accordance with KRS 189.125(3).
4. A vehicle shall not pick up and
deliver a child under the age of six (6) to a location that requires the child
to cross a street or highway unless the child is accompanied by an adult.
5. If transportation is provided by a
means other than licensed public transportation:
a. The vehicle shall be maintained in a
safe mechanical and operable condition;
b. A thorough inspection of the vehicle
shall be made and documented by a qualified mechanic at least annually; and
c. If the driver is not in his seat, the
motor shall be turned off, keys removed, and brake set.
(e) A child with a history of aggressive
behavior or sexual acting-out shall be assessed by the treatment team to ensure
the safety of the child and other children in the facility, including sleeping
arrangements, with the appropriate safety measures included in the child’s ITP.
(f) If a child-caring facility accepts
for placement a child who has been committed to the Department of Juvenile
Justice for the commission of a sex crime, the child-caring facility shall have
written policies and procedures for the segregation of the child from a child
committed to the cabinet in accordance with KRS 605.090(1), 620.090(2), and
620.230(3).
1. Segregation shall include sight and
sound separation of a child committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice
from a child committed to the cabinet for the following functions within the
facility or activities supervised by the facility:
a. Sleeping;
b. Personal hygiene; and
c. Toiletry.
2. During other functions within the
facility or activities supervised by the facility, segregation shall include
separation of a child committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice from a child
committed to the cabinet to prohibit any physical contact and verbal communication
between the children.
(g) Physical management shall be used in
an emergency or a crisis situation only:
1. After attempts to de-escalate the
situation have been made;
2. By trained staff; and
3. To prevent:
a. A child from injury to self or others;
or
b. Serious property damage or disruption
of the child-caring facility's program.
(h) Physical management shall not be used
as:
1. Punishment;
2. Discipline; or
3. For the convenience of staff.
(i) Physical management shall be
discontinued if a child displays adverse side effects including:
1. Illness;
2. Severe emotional or physical stress;
or
3. Physical damage.
(3) Nutritional requirements.
(a) A child shall be served meals that:
1. Meet the nutritional guidelines of the
U.S. Department of Agriculture that include foods from the five (5) basic food
groups; and
2. Satisfy the quantity required to meet
the needs of each child as to age, activity, and prescribed diet or ITP.
(b) A child shall be encouraged to eat
the food served, but shall not be subjected to coercion.
(c) An order for a modified diet from a
licensed physician shall be followed by the child-caring facility.
(d) A menu shall be planned at least one
(1) week in advance, dated, posted, and kept on file for one (1) year.
(e) With the exception of a child
receiving a meal at school, three (3) meals a day shall be provided at regular
intervals and, except for weekends and holidays, no more than fourteen (14)
hours shall lapse between the evening meal and morning meal.
1. A nourishing snack shall be provided
and:
a. May be part of the daily food needs;
b. Shall not replace a regular meal; and
c. Shall be recorded on the menu.
2. A meal shall be scheduled at set times
each day so that at least one (1) hot meal a day is not hurried, allowing time
for conversation.
3. Food, or withholding of food, shall
not be used as a punishment.
4. Only pasteurized milk and milk
products, and U.S. government inspected meat shall be served to a child.
5. Food shall be prepared to preserve
nutritive value and heighten flavor and appearance.
6. The same food shall be served to
children under care and to staff members, unless a food is not suitable for a
person because of:
a. The person's age;
b. A dietary restriction; or
c. A religious preference.
(f) Table service shall be provided for a
child capable of eating at a table.
1. Tables and chairs shall be:
a. Of a height that corresponds to the
size of the child served; and
b. Constructed of material that can be
easily sanitized.
2. A child who has not had an opportunity
to learn how to handle food with the usual table service shall be managed in a
way that he shall not be embarrassed or subjected to ridicule.
(g) A written report of a food inspection
by municipal, county, or federal authorities shall:
1. Be kept on file at the child-caring
facility; and
2. Meet local, state, and federal
regulations.
(h) If a child-caring facility
subcontracts a food service, applicable federal and state administrative
regulations shall apply.
Section 6. General Requirements. (1) An
incident of suspected child abuse or neglect shall be reported as required by
KRS 620.030.
(2)(a) The facility shall, with regard to
suspected child abuse or neglect by an employee:
1. Document each incident;
2. Keep each incident document on file;
and
3. Make the files accessible to the
cabinet.
(b) A child shall not be exploited for
promotional purposes, or in a manner that shall cause the child or family to
suffer discomfort or embarrassment.
(c) Except as indicated in paragraph (d)
of this subsection, a child shall not be used personally for a fund-raising
purpose for the child-caring facility.
(d) If a picture, slide, recording, or
other private, personal effect of a child is used in fund-raising or
promotional effort of a child-caring facility, written permission shall be
obtained from:
1. A parent or guardian; or
2. An authorized:
a. Representative of the cabinet;
b. Representative of the Department of Juvenile
Justice; or
c. Legal representative.
(3) For an activity conducted away from a
child-caring facility, the facility shall:
(a) Safeguard the health and safety of
the children during the activity;
(b) Have a written policy and procedures
governing the activity;
(c) Maintain staff-to-child ratios in
accordance with Section 3 of this administrative regulation; and
(d) Provide transportation in a manner
that complies with Section 5(2)(d) of this administrative regulation.
(4) Clothing and personal possessions.
(a) Through agreement with the child's
legal custodian, the child-caring facility shall provide a child with clothing
and footwear that is clean, well-fitting, and seasonal.
(b) A child shall be provided individual
articles of personal hygiene.
(c) The child-caring facility shall allow
a child to have personal belongings and property consistent with this
administrative regulation and child-caring facility policy.
(5) A child's money.
(a) The child-caring facility shall have
written policy and procedure relating to money belonging to a child.
(b) A child shall have access to
information regarding the balance of the child's fund.
(c) Within thirty (30) days of discharge,
funds belonging to a child shall be transferred with or returned to the child.
(6) Visitation and communication shall
include:
(a) Written policy on visitation and
communication;
(b) An arrangement for visitation that is
not in conflict with the ITP;
(c) Documentation of each visit in the
case record; and
(d) Access to a telephone to make and
receive a telephone call consistent with the child's ITP, current court orders,
and the facility's child-caring policy.
(e) Allowing a child to contact cabinet
staff by telephone within twenty-four (24) hours of the request of the child.
(7) Religion, culture, and ethnic origin.
(a) Facility policy shall demonstrate
consideration for and sensitivity to:
1. The racial, cultural, ethnic, and
religious background of a child in care; and
2. Availability of activities appropriate
to the child's cultural or ethnic origin.
(b) With the exception of a religious
practice that is destructive or places a child in physical danger, an
opportunity shall be provided for a child to:
1. Practice the religious belief and
faith of the child's individual or family preference; and
2. Participate in a religious activity
without coercion.
(8) Education.
(a) If a child-caring facility operates
its own school program, it shall have written policy and procedure regarding
the development and implementation of the educational program. The policy and
procedure shall include:
1. School attendance;
2. Teaching staff;
3. School records;
4. Educational supplies and equipment;
5. Individual educational plans; and
6. Use of a community school.
(b) A child-caring facility shall ensure
that a child attends an accredited educational program the number of days
required by law.
(c) A child shall be enrolled in an
accredited educational program within one (1) week of admission.
(d) A school-age child ineligible or
unable to attend an accredited school shall have an educational program
specific to the individualized need of the child that may include a General
Education Diploma or vocational training.
(e) If a child-care facility operates an
educational program, maintenance of school records shall comply with state law
and administrative regulations of the educational body having jurisdiction.
(f) The child-caring facility shall
provide a quiet area and designated time for study.
(9) Work and chore assignment.
(a) An assigned chore or work assignment
shall not place the child in physical danger.
(b) A chore assignment shall be posted
within the child's living quarters.
(c) A child may be given a job in
compliance with child labor laws for which he receives payment that shall be
clearly differentiated from a chore expected of him to be completed in relation
to the routine of daily living.
(d) A work assignment outside of a daily
routine chore at the child-caring facility shall not be used as a form of
punishment. An additional chore assignment beyond what is regularly assigned to
a child may be:
1. Performed as restitution for
intentional property damage made by the child; or
2. Given to a child for violation of a
child-caring facility rule upon mutual agreement between the child and
supervisory child-caring staff without the child being coerced to enter into an
agreement.
(e) A child shall be given a rest period
of at least ten (10) minutes during each hour worked.
(f) Use of a child to perform a chore or
work assignment shall not negate the child-caring facility's ultimate
responsibility for the maintenance of the child-caring facility nor the
employment of staff sufficient to maintain the child-caring facility.
(10) Discipline.
(a) A child-caring facility shall have
written policy and procedure governing disciplinary action.
(b) Discipline shall be:
1. Utilized as an educational tool and be
related to the child's actions initiating the disciplinary process; and
2. Consistent with the child's ITP and in
response to the child's lack of control or misbehavior.
(c) A group of children shall not be
punished due to the misbehavior of one (1) or more individual group members.
(d) The following practices shall not be
allowed:
1. Cursing;
2. Screaming;
3. Name calling;
4. Threatening of physical harm;
5. Intimidation;
6. Humiliation;
7. Denial of food or sleep;
8. Corporal physical discipline, except
in accordance with KRS 199.640(6);
9. Hitting;
10. Unnecessarily rough handling;
11. Other physical punishment; or
12. Denial of visitation with family or
custody holder as punishment.
(e) With the exception of a parent
disciplining a child, a child shall not directly discipline another child.
(f) Handcuffs, weapons, mechanical
restraints, chemical restraints, or other restraint devices shall not be used.
(g) A child placed in a time-out area
shall be:
1. In sight or hearing of staff; and
2. Checked by staff at least every five
(5) minutes until it is determined the child is ready to continue normal
activity.
Section 7. Child-caring Program Services.
(1) Admissions and intake.
(a) The child-caring facility shall have
clearly defined written policy and procedure for an admission that identifies
the age, sex, and detailed description of the type of child served.
(b) Acceptance of a referral shall be
based on the assessment that the child's need is one that:
1. The service of the child-caring
facility is designed to address; and
2. Cannot be met in a less restrictive
setting.
(c) The child-caring facility shall not
accept into care a child for whom a service cannot be provided based on the
child-caring program's mission statement and its available resources.
(d) The child-caring facility shall have
a written placement agreement with the child's custodian.
(e) The child-caring facility shall
conduct a:
1. Preadmission interview with the child;
or
2. Screening of the child's available
information, if a preadmission interview is not possible due to an emergency
placement.
(f) The following information regarding
the child shall be obtained by the child-caring facility from the child's
custodian during intake, or it shall be documented that the information was
requested and not available:
1. Commitment order or signed voluntary
admission form;
2. Verification of birth;
3. Immunization record; and
4. Social history and needs assessment
that includes medical, educational, developmental, and family history.
(g) A written consent pertaining to the
child's care shall be obtained from the child's custodian for:
1. Photograph, video, and audio tape;
2. Emergency and routine medical care;
and
3. Release of case record information.
(h) Before admission, the child and
custodian shall be informed in writing of their rights and the child-caring
facility's responsibilities, including policy pertaining to services offered to
the child.
(i) A child shall be informed upon
admission of the right to file a grievance.
(j) Upon admission, the child shall be
oriented to life at the child-caring facility, including rules and consequences
for violation of the rules.
(2) Casework planning.
(a) The child-caring facility shall have
written policy and procedure for the ITP process including:
1. Assessment;
2. Assignment;
3. Designation of a case coordinator; and
4. Development, implementation, and
evaluation of the ITP and family involvement.
(b) An initial assessment shall be
completed by designated staff within twenty-four (24) hours of admission to
include:
1. Identifying information;
2. Presenting problem;
3. History (developmental, social,
emotional health, education); and
4. Current level of functioning including
strengths and weakness.
(c) An initial ITP shall be developed by
designated staff and implemented within twenty-four (24) hours of admission.
(3) Comprehensive assessment and
treatment plan.
(a) A comprehensive emotional and
behavioral assessment of a child shall be completed by the treatment team and
entered in the case record within twenty-one (21) days of admission, including
the following:
1. A history of previous emotional,
behavioral, and substance abuse problems and treatment;
2. The child's current emotional,
behavioral, and developmental functioning, including strengths and weakness;
3. A psychiatric or psychological
evaluation if recommended by the treatment team;
4. Other functional evaluation of
language, self-care, social effectiveness, and visual-motor functioning, if
recommended by the treatment team;
5. Social assessment that includes:
a. Environment and home;
b. Religion;
c. Ethnic group;
d. Developmental history;
e. Family dynamics and composition; and
f. Education; and
6. Recommendation for provision of treatment.
(b) A coordinated treatment team approach
shall be utilized in the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive
ITP.
(c) A comprehensive ITP shall be
developed and implemented, in accordance with KRS 199.640(5)(a)4, to improve
child functioning based upon the individual need of the child, and the child's
family if appropriate, and shall include at least the following components:
1. Goals and objectives for permanence;
2. Time frame projected for completion of
each goal and objective;
3. Method for accomplishing each goal and
objective, including utilization of community providers;
4. Person responsible for completion of
each goal and objective; and
5. Projected discharge date and placement
plan.
(d) The comprehensive ITP shall be
developed within twenty-one (21) days of admission.
1. A treatment team review of the child's
and family's progress toward meeting each treatment goal shall occur at least
monthly.
2. Every effort shall be made to involve
the child and his family in the monthly treatment team review.
3. Treatment team evaluation of the
comprehensive ITP shall occur at least quarterly.
4. An additional assessment shall be
completed upon the recommendation of the treatment team.
5. Evaluation and assessment information
shall be documented and maintained in the child's record.
(e) The child shall be offered the
opportunity to sign an ITP and ITP review, signifying understanding of the ITP.
1. If the child refuses to sign or is
developmentally unable to understand the circumstance, this shall be documented
in the record.
2. The child and his family or custodian
shall receive a copy of the ITP.
(4) Treatment environment. The daily
child-caring program shall be planned in the following manner in order to
create an atmosphere conducive to treatment:
(a) The child-caring facility shall have
written policy and procedure describing its daily routine, rules, activity, and
child and staff interaction.
(b) The daily child-caring program shall
be:
1. Planned to provide a framework for
daily living; and
2. Reviewed and revised as the needs of
the individual child or living group change.
(c) The daily routine shall be written
and available to each child.
(d) Each rule shall be clearly stated in
language that a child can understand.
(e) Staff shall interact with a child in
a warm, supportive, constructive, and confidential manner and shall treat the
child with respect.
(f) Counseling and interviewing a child
and the child's family shall be conducted in a private area.
(g) A daily recreational activity shall
be available to promote mastery of:
1. Developmental tasks;
2. Development of relationships; and
3. Increase in self-esteem, in accordance
with the child's ITP.
(h) The child-caring facility shall
provide recreational equipment, maintained in usable and safe condition, to
implement the recreational program.
(5) The child-caring facility shall make
available a quality program for substance abuse prevention and treatment in
compliance with KRS 199.640(5)(a)7.
(6) Discharge and aftercare.
(a) The child-caring facility shall have
written policy and procedure that describe the condition under which a child
may be discharged, including criteria for an unplanned or emergency discharge
and a discharge inconsistent with the ITP.
(b) The approval of the program director
shall be required for an unplanned or emergency discharge.
(c) Discharge planning shall begin with
the development of the ITP and shall continue throughout subsequent ITP
reviews. The treatment team shall consider the following matters related to
discharge planning:
1. Identification of placement;
2. Community resources to provide support
for youth; and
3. Family services.
(d) When a child is leaving a facility as
a planned discharge, a predischarge conference shall be held to ensure that the
child and family are prepared for successful transition into placement. The parent,
guardian or custodian, the child, and the treatment team shall attend this
conference.
(e) The child shall have at least one (1)
preplacement visit prior to the planned discharge, or the facility shall
document unsuccessful efforts to arrange a visit.
(f) The child-caring facility shall
prepare a written discharge summary within fourteen (14) days following the
date of discharge. A copy shall be provided to the custody holder. The summary
shall include:
1. Information related to progress toward
completion of each ITP goal;
2. Each barrier to treatment;
3. Each treatment method used in working
with the child;
4. Date of discharge;
5. Reason for discharge; and
6. Name, telephone number, and address of
person or child-caring facility to whom the child was discharged.
(g) An aftercare service shall be
provided to a child where no other agency has responsibility for the child's
transition or adjustment to a new environment. Upon discharge, the following
needs of the child shall be assessed and a referral made for needed aftercare
service:
1. Educational;
2. Medical;
3. Vocational;
4. Psychological;
5. Legal; and
6. Social.
(7) Case record. The child-caring
facility shall:
(a) Maintain, in a confidential and
secure manner, a current case record on each child, including:
1. Identifying information on the child
to include:
a. Name, ethnic origin and gender;
b. Date of birth and Social Security
number;
c. Former residence;
d. Name, address, and occupation of each
parent, if available;
e. Date of admission; and
f. Type of commitment;
2. Commitment order or custodian's
consent form for admission;
3. Birth and immunization certificates;
4. Education;
5. Medical and dental records that may be
maintained separately from the case record;
6. Assessment data or social history;
7. ITP and each review;
8. Each incident report, with a paper or
electronic copy maintained in a centralized location within the licensed
facility;
9. Chronological recording;
10. Correspondence with court, family,
and custody holder;
11. Discharge summary; and
12. Written consent;
(b) Document, at least weekly, progress
made by the child and his family toward meeting the treatment goal;
(c) Record the aftercare service it
provides until the service is terminated;
(d) Have a written policy regarding
maintenance, security, and disposal of a case record maintained by, or in
possession of, the child-caring facility;
(e) Not disclose information concerning a
child or his family to a person not directly involved in the case, without the
written consent of the custodian of the child;
(f) Forward, within twenty-four (24)
hours, a request made by an individual or an agency to review the case record
of a committed child, to the:
1. Commissioner, Department for Community
Based Services, if the child is committed to the cabinet; or
2. Other legal custodian, if the child is
not committed to the cabinet;
(g) With the exception of a sealed
adoptive record, release identifying or personal information including a Social
Security card, birth certificate, or driver's license to the child at
discharge;
(h) After the discharge of a child:
1. Maintain the case record at the
child-caring facility for at least three (3) years; and
2. After three (3) years, the
child-caring facility may archive the case record and have it transferred to
one (1) of the cabinet's designated record centers; or
3. Maintain the case record permanently
at the child-caring facility;
(i) If the child-caring facility ceases
to operate, transfer the case record to the Cabinet for Health and Family
Services;
(8) The cabinet shall maintain a file on
each record transferred to one (1) of its record centers. The file shall
include the following information:
(a) The child's name, case number, date
of birth; and
(b) Date the case record was sent to the
cabinet.
(9) All records maintained by the
child-caring facility shall be made available to the cabinet or designee upon
request.
Section 8.Independent Living Services. A
child-caring facility shall:
(1) Provide independent living services:
(a) To a child:
1. In the custody of a state agency; and
2. Twelve (12) to twenty-one (21) years
of age;
(b) As prescribed in the child’s ITP; and
(c) In accordance with 42 U.S.C. 677(a);
and
(2) Teach independent living:
(a) To a child:
1. In the custody of a state agency; and
2. Sixteen (16) years of age and older;
and
(b) Developed in accordance with 922 KAR
1:310, Section 17(1)(e). (17 Ky.R. 2339;
eff. 3-12-91; 20 Ky.R. 2414; eff. 3-23-94; Recodified from 905 KAR 1:300,
10-30-98; 26 Ky.R. 2068; 27 Ky.R. 557; 994; eff. 10-16-2000; 28 Ky.R. 1708;
2221; 2601; eff. 6-14-2002; 33 Ky.R. 3543; 34 Ky.R. 307; 569; eff. 10-17-2007;
TAm. eff. 8-24-2010.)
