922 KAR 1:300. Standards for child-caring facilities.

CABINET FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN

Department for Community Based Services

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 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

(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;

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 7;

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 a human services field from a college or university, supplemented by two (2) years of work experience in business administration 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.

(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.

(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(10).

(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

(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

(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.

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.

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.

(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.

(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;