Section 29-6256. ADMISSION AND PLACEMENT

 

6256.1The contracting entity shall place no child under the age of six (6) in a facility unless:

 

(a)The child has documented exceptional needs which cannot be met in another type of care; and

 

(b)The facility has a program to treat the child's specific needs.

 

6256.2The contracting entity shall place no child under the age of twelve (12) in a facility for longer than thirty (30) calendar days unless:

 

(a)The child has documented special treatment needs which cannot be met in a foster home; and

 

(b)The facility has a program to treat the child's specific needs.

 

6256.3CFSA shall not place residents in a facility with a capacity of more than eight (8) residents without the express written approval of the CFSA Director. The CFSA Director shall only grant such approval if CFSA provides written evidence that the resident's needs can be met only in that specific facility, and the approval shall include a specific description of the services available in that facility to address the resident's needs.

 

6256.4The contracting entity shall place no child in a runaway shelter or emergency care facility for longer than ninety (90) calendar days or thirty (30) calendar days if placed by CFSA.

 

6256.5The contracting entity timely shall provide youth residential facilities with all available information and resources necessary to provide appropriate services to residents, including but not limited to the name of the resident's treating physician and authorization to obtain medical information, and shall cooperate with facilities in serving children.

 

6256.6Prior to admission, the contracting entity shall make reasonable efforts to determine and document in writing that the facility can provide services, activities, and programs which meet the needs of the child, and that the facility is the least restrictive, most normative environment for the child that is clinically appropriate. In determining whether the facility adequately can meet the needs of the child, the following factors shall be considered:

 

(a)The availability of educational services suitable to the child's needs;

 

(b)The age group of residents currently in the facility relative to the child's age and level of development;

 

(c)The mental, physical, or emotional condition of the residents currently in the facility relative to that of the child;

 

(d)The child's health needs relative to the capabilities of the facility to meet such needs;

 

(e)The availability of trained professional staff necessary to provide the child with maintenance, care, or treatment required by his or her physical, mental, or emotional condition; and

 

(f)The proximity to the resident's family and community.

 

6256.7Where practicable, the facility shall provide the child's parent(s) or guardian(s), the contracting entity, and, as appropriate to age and level of development, the child, a reasonable opportunity to participate in the admission process and decisions, and provide due consideration to their concerns regarding the placement.

 

6256.8The facility shall not exceed its licensed capacity.

 

6256.9The facility shall establish procedures to prepare for the child's arrival, including but not limited to pre-placement visits when possible, designation and preparation of sleeping quarters and space for the child's personal belongings, and assignment of staff to help orient the child and to assist the child with adjustment to the facility.

 

6256.10The facility shall provide staff with information to facilitate the child's placement, including but not limited to the reason for placement, the child's medical condition and mental health, any medications, allergies, behavioral issues, and any other necessary information or instructions related to the individual needs of the child.

 

6256.11To the greatest extent practicable, the child's arrival at the facility shall be timed so as to cause the least distress to the child and the least disruption to the staff and residents.

 

6256.12The facility shall maintain an admissions log that shall include the name and date of birth of each resident, the date of admission, and the date of discharge or transfer.

 

source

Final Rulemaking published at 48 DCR 8675, 8722 (September 21, 2001).