1. (a) An intensive residential treatment facility is one that is a 24-hour residential facility that provides a structured living environment within a system of care approach for children or adolescents whose needs require more intensive treatment and supervision than would be available in a residential treatment staff secure facility.
2. (b) It shall not be the primary residence of an individual who is not a client of the facility.
3. (c) The population served shall be children or adolescents who have a primary diagnosis of mental illness, severe emotional and behavioral disorders or substance-related disorders; and may also have co-occurring disorders including developmental disabilities. These children or adolescents shall not meet criteria for acute inpatient psychiatric services.

4. (d) The children or adolescents served shall require the following:

   1. (1) removal from home to an intensive integrated treatment setting; and
   2. (2) treatment in a locked setting.

5. (e) Services shall be designed to:

   1. (1) assist in the development of symptom and behavior management skills;
   2. (2) include intensive, frequent and pre-planned crisis management;
   3. (3) provide containment and safety from potentially harmful or destructive behaviors;
   4. (4) promote involvement in regular productive activity, such as school or work; and
   5. (5) support the child or adolescent in gaining the skills needed for reintegration into community living.
6. (f) The intensive residential treatment facility shall coordinate with other individuals and agencies within the child or adolescent's system of care.

History Note: Authority G.S. 122C‑26; 143B‑147;
Eff. April 1, 2006;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. July 20, 2019.