1. (1) The child-caring agency shall have written policies on discipline and behavior management which shall be provided to each child, parent or guardian, child-placing agency staff, and the Department. The policies for discipline and behavior management shall emphasize positive, instead of punitive, methods and shall include the following:

   1. (a) Means for teaching children which emphasize praise and encouragement for exhibiting self-control and desirable behavior;
   2. (b) Methods for protecting children or others when a child is out of control and the child’s behavior is likely to endanger him or herself, other persons or property.
2. (2) If separation from others is used as a control measure, the facility shall have an unlocked, lighted, well-ventilated room of at least 50 square feet and within hearing distance of a staff member. The time limit for isolation shall not exceed 60 minutes.

3. (3) Facility staff shall not:

   1. (a) Use physical punishment, inflicted in any manner on the body.
   2. (b) Ridicule, intimidate or verbally abuse children.
   3. (c) Use chemical or mechanical restraints.
   4. (d) Employ cruel or humiliating treatment or other emotionally abusive behavior.
   5. (e) Assign excessive exercise or work duties which are inappropriate to the child’s age or development.
   6. (f) Deny food, clothing, shelter, medical care or prescribed therapeutic activities, or contacts with family, case manager or legal representatives as a form of punishment.
   7. (g) Threaten a child with removal from the facility.
   8. (h) Engage in discriminatory treatment or harassment on the basis of a child’s race, national origin, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, or disability, or any other characteristic.
   9. (i) Permit harassment or bullying of children by staff or other youth based on their race, national origin, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic.
   10. (j) Attempt to change or discourage a child’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Rulemaking Authority 409.175(5)(a) FS. Law Implemented 409.175(5)(a)1., 13. FS. History–New 7-1-87, Formerly 10M-9.030, Amended 10-20-16, Formerly 64C-14.021.