Section 29-6339. ADMISSION AND PLACEMENT

 

6339.1The decision to admit an adolescent or young adult to an independent living program shall be made jointly between the contracting entity, the independent living program, and the adolescent or young adult.

 

6339.2To be admitted to an independent living program, an adolescent or young adult shall be:

 

(a)At least sixteen (16) years of age;

 

(b)Either:

 

(1)Employed at least part-time;

 

(2)Within 18 months of attaining a high school diploma;

 

(3)Attending a GED program;

 

(4)Actively engaged in a vocational program; or

 

(5)Attending college; and

 

(c)Have demonstrated sufficient maturity to enable the adolescent or young adult to live independently.

 

6339.3Except as provided by § 6339.4, a resident who is younger than 18 years of age may reside only in the main facility.

 

6339.4A resident who is younger than 18 years of age and who is enrolled in a residential high school or college may reside in a school dormitory.

 

6339.5Prior to admission, the contracting entity shall determine and document in writing that the services, activities, and programs provided by the independent living program adequately can meet the needs of the adolescent or young adult, and that the independent living program is the least restrictive, most home-like environment for the adolescent or young adult that is clinically appropriate. In making its determination, the contracting entity shall consider:

 

(a)Whether the adolescent or young adult's level of life skills, knowledge and training are appropriate for the independent living program;

 

(b)Whether the services and environment provided by the independent living program are appropriate for the adolescent or young adult's needs;

 

(c)Whether the location of the main facility and residences are convenient for the adolescent or young adult's education program and other services;

 

(d)The ages and level of development of residents currently in the independent living program relative to the adolescent or young adult's age and level of development;

 

(e)The mental, physical, or emotional condition of the residents currently in the independent living program relative to that of the adolescent or young adult; and

 

(f)The adolescent or young adult's health needs relative to the capabilities of the independent living program to meet such needs.

 

6339.6Prior to accepting an adolescent or young adult into an independent living program, the program shall provide the resident with:

 

(a)A tour of the main facility;

 

(b)If the adolescent or young adult would reside in the main facility, a tour of the particular residence in which he or she would reside, or, if the adolescent or young adult would not reside in the main facility, a tour of a residence similar in location and layout to the one in which he or she would reside;

 

(c)An introduction to and the opportunity to speak with staff and residents;

 

(d)An explanation of the independent living program's plans, policies and procedures listed in § 6307.2(1);

 

(e)An explanation of the services provided by the independent living program and the community resources available to residents; and

 

(f)An explanation of the independent living program's expectations of its residents, addressing goals, expected behavior, and residents' rights and responsibilities.

 

6339.7An independent living program shall provide staff with information to facilitate the resident's placement, including but not limited to the reason for placement, the resident's medical condition and any medications, allergies, behavioral issues, and necessary instructions related to the resident's individual needs.

 

6339.8To the greatest extent practicable, the resident's arrival at the independent living program shall be timed so as to cause the least distress to the resident and the least disruption to the staff and other residents.

 

6339.9An independent living program shall maintain an admissions log that includes the name and date of birth of each resident, the date of admission, and the date of discharge or transfer.

 

6339.10Within twenty-four (24) hours of a resident's admission, an independent living program shall identify all emergency medical and mental health needs, allergies, basic needs, and non-emergency medical and mental health conditions and physical infirmities, including all visible signs of illness or injury, and document this information in the resident's case record, along with documentation of a pre-admission medical screen.

 

source

Final Rulemaking published at 49 DCR 1591 (February 22, 2002).