Family Services, Dept. of

Providers of Substitute Care Services, Certification of

Chapter 7: Standard Pertaining to Specific Facilities & Programs

Effective Date: 09/11/1998 to 05/15/2013

Rule Type: Superceded Rules & Regulations

Reference Number: 049.0029.7.09111998

CHAPTER 7

STANDARDS FOR CERTIFICATION

OF PROVIDERS OF SUBSTITUTE CARE SERVICES

FOR CHILDREN

STANDARDS PERTAINING TO SPECIFIC FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS

Section 1. Child Placing Agency.

A child placing agency contracts with private family homes to provide foster care services.

(a) Responsibilities of Child Placing Agency.

(i) Recruit foster families.

(ii) Develop comprehensive case management services that support the child, the parents, and the foster parents and facilitate access to the community resources necessary to carry out the case plan objectives.

(iii) Ensure orientation training (a minimum of sixteen (16) hours) to all staff, prospective foster parents, and volunteers, to include:

(A) The purpose, philosophy, organizational structure, and goals of the agency and its family foster care program, and the relationship of family foster care to other child welfare services;

(B) Information about the strengths and needs of children and their families who require family foster care services;

(C) Information about the critical nature and impact of separation and loss for all parties involved in foster care: children, families of origin and foster families;

(D) The family assessment and home study process, and criteria for being licensed, certified, or approved as a foster parent;

(E) The laws, regulations, policies, and values that direct the agency’s child welfare program in general, and specifically, family foster care program;

(F) The rights and responsibilities of foster parents and the agency;

(G) Policies on discipline, confidentiality, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS;

(H) Health and safety procedures, including first aid, CPR, HIV/AIDS precaution, policies on psychotropic medication, and emergency procedures;

(I) The knowledge and practice skills necessary to be a foster parent;

(J) Foster home licensing requirements;

(K) Information about the role of the social worker and the foster parents’ relationship with the social worker; and

(L) Information about the need of the foster parents to work with the parents of origin.

(iv) Provide in-service training for foster parents, scheduled for their convenience. Foster parents must complete a minimum of sixteen (16) hours annually, at no cost to the foster parents (i.e., helping children develop self-esteem; helping children learn appropriate behaviors; helping children with family reunification, adoption, and preparation for young adult life);

(v) Select the foster family most appropriate for the individual needs of the child requiring family foster care;

(vi) Maintain ongoing communication with the foster family by visiting the foster home at least monthly;

(vii) Develop a system of support services for the foster family that will adequately meet the needs of the child in family foster care;

(viii) Put in place a mechanism for the monitoring of service delivery, taking into account that the monitoring should be accomplished at regularly scheduled intervals, and should include a random selection of case files and include input from the child as well as the foster parents;

(ix) Conduct character reference checks on staff, foster parents, and volunteers;

(x) Conduct a child abuse and neglect record check on prospective staff, prospective foster parents, and prospective volunteers;

(xi) Operation of crisis homes, available for placements twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. Cannot refuse placements, except if:

(A) The homes have reached the maximum certifiable level of five (5) children (excluding their own children) with no more than two infants under two years of age placed in one foster home; or

(B) The placement does not fit into the agency’s admission policy; or

(C) A temporary or emergency staffing problem has arisen preventing the placement.

(xii) Operation of foster homes including, but not limited to, ensuring liability insurance coverage.

(xiii) Orientation training, three references checks, and a child abuse and neglect record check shall be completed on a new spouse when a single foster parent marries.

(b) Services to be provided:

(i) Room and board;

(ii) Parental supervision, to include:

(A) Socialization - plans free time and recreation with child;

(B) Daily living skills - discusses money management, personal hygiene, shopping, shelter costs and appropriate attire with child;

(C) Education - reviews educational progress on a regular basis and signs school progress reports;

(D) Home management skills - develops expectations and monitors the child in home skills such as making beds and changing linens, using vacuum cleaner, dusting, dish washing, organizing belongings, disposing of trash, cleaning tub, sink and toilet, operating appliances, cooking complete meals, handling emergencies and first aid;

(E) Job seeking and job placement skills - assist the child in how to locate employment, make application for employment, and develop job retention skills;

(F) Situational counseling - identify the child's strengths, develop patterns of acceptance and coping with weaknesses, counseling the child to recognize or modify behavior that is not conducive to or interferes with the development or obtaining of work, learning, socialization or self-care skills;

(G) Medical and dental care shall be available to all children as needed and documented in the case plan and a signed release for emergency medical treatment, from either the parent or the agency or individual who has legal custody, will be documented in the case plan.

(d) Educational qualifications:

(i) Prior to certification as a Child Placing Agency, the executive director shall provide the certifying authority with verification that he or she has a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in social work or related discipline, administration and supervision knowledge, and experience in family foster care services;

(ii) Supervisors of family foster care service providers shall possess a baccalaureate degree in social work or related discipline, competence in providing administrative, educational, and supportive supervision, and have experience in delivering family foster care;

(iii) ~~Social Family foster care social~~ workers shall possess a baccalaureate degree in social work or related discipline.

(e) Foster parents' requirements:

1. (i) Financial stability, as verified by personal references and/or credit review;
2. (ii) Physical and emotional capability to provide foster care, as verified by a physician;

(iii) Shown to understand the concept of foster family care, the role of the agency in foster care, working cooperatively with the placing agency and with the parents of origin, adoptive parents, and the child for the stability and permanence in the care of the child as verified through foster home study process and written report prepared by the agency; and

1. (v) A completed application to care for children.

Section 2. Family Foster Home Care.

A private home in which care is provided on a 24-hour basis for not more than five (5) children, excluding the foster parents' own children. No more than two infants under two years of age shall be placed in one foster home; if foster parents are married and neither adult works outside the home, each parent may provide for two infants.

(a) Acceptance of children for family foster home care:

(i) Children accepted for this service are under the age of eighteen (18) at the time of placement;

(ii) Children are unable to receive the parental care they need in their own homes;

(iii) Children have the potential to accept other family ties;

(iv) Children are able to participate in family and community life, including public school, without danger to themselves or others; and

(v) Children are effectively served in family foster care with the level of supportive services available in the community.

(b) Services to be provided by foster parents:

(i) Room and board;

(ii) Parental supervision, to include:

(A) Socialization - plans free time and recreation with child;

(B) Daily living skills - discusses money management, personal hygiene, shopping, shelter costs and appropriate attire with child;

(C) Education - reviews educational progress on a regular basis and signs school progress reports;

(D) Home management skills - develops expectations and monitors the child in home skills such as making beds and changing linens, using vacuum cleaner, dusting, dish washing, organizing belongings, disposing of trash, cleaning tub, sink and toilet, operating appliances, cooking complete meals, handling emergencies and first aid;

(E) Job seeking and job placement skills - assist the child in how to locate employment, make application for employment, and develop job retention skills;

(F) Situational counseling - identify the child's strengths, develop patterns of acceptance and coping with weaknesses, counseling the child to recognize or modify behavior that is not conducive to or interferes with the development or obtaining of work, learning, socialization or self-care skills; and

(G) Medical and dental care shall be available to all children as needed and documented in the case plan and a signed release for emergency medical treatment, from either the parent or the agency or individual who has legal custody, will be documented in the case plan.

(c) Foster parent orientation and training:

(i) Prior to certification, all prospective foster parents must complete a foster parent orientation program of at least sixteen (16) hours, including but not limited to the following topics:

(A) The purpose, philosophy, organizational structure, and goals of the agency and its Family Foster Care program, and the relationship of family foster care to other child welfare services;

(B) Information about the strengths and needs of children and their families who require family foster care services;

(C) Information about the critical nature and impact of separation and loss for all parties involved in foster care: children, families of origin and foster families;

(D) The family assessment and home study process, and criteria for being licensed, certified, or approved as a foster parent;

(E) The laws, regulations, policies, and values that direct the agency's child welfare program in general, and specifically, family foster care program;

(F) The rights and responsibilities of foster parents and the agency;

(G) Policies on discipline, confidentiality, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS;

(H) Health and safety procedures, including first aid, CPR, HIV/AIDS precaution, policies on psychotropic medication, and emergency procedures;

(I) The knowledge and practice skills necessary to be a foster parent;

(J) Foster home licensing requirements;

(K) Information about the role of the social worker and the foster parents’ relationship with the social worker;

(L) Information about the need of the foster parents to work with the parents of origin; and

(M) Information about educational and other community resources.

(1) Foster parent in-service training shall be scheduled for the convenience of the foster parents, sixteen (16) hours annually, and at no cost to the foster parents (i.e., helping children develop self-esteem; helping children learn appropriate behaviors; helping children with family reunification, adoption, and preparation for young adult life);

(2) The date and subject of the in-service training shall be documented by the agency and made available to the certifying authority.

(d) Foster parents’ responsibilities:

(i) Financial stability, as verified by personal references and/or credit review;

(ii) Physical and emotional capability to provide foster care, as verified by a physician;

(iii) Shown to understand the concept of foster family care, the role of the agency in foster care, working cooperatively with the placing agency and with the parents of origin, adoptive parent, and the child for the stability and permanence in the care of the child as verified through foster home study process and written report prepared by the agency; and

(iv) A completed application to care for children.

(e) Family Foster Care Home Study Process:

(i) Five (5) or more contacts with the applicants. These contacts shall consist of, but not be limited to the following:

(A) Information giving to acquaint the family with the agency and its philosophies and practices; and

(B) Interview each parent separately to learn about his/her motivation to become foster parents, commitment to involvement in the program and activities and ambitions;

(ii) Two (2) interviews should be conducted at the home with all family members present so that an assessment can be made of family functioning and how foster children will be included and integrated into the home; and

(iii) During the visits, the worker should see the house and where a foster child would sleep and keep his/her belongings and observe the home concerning safety for children.

(f) Writing family foster care home study:

(i) Dates of interviews and participants;

(ii) Application to care for children;

(iii) Medical - completed within the past 12-month period;

(iv) Home study:

(A) Include reasons for application, acceptance of the role of the agency in placement, parents of children in placement (i.e., abusive/neglectful or incapacitated parents) and a statement to verify agency policies and procedures regarding foster care have been discussed with the family;

(B) Primary male caretaker; background information to include educational achievement, work experience, current employment and involvement in family activities and child rearing. If married previously, extent involved with children or financial responsibility for children from previous marriages. Recreation or social activities which might be expected to impact positively or negatively on involvement in foster care program;

(C) Primary female caretaker; same as primary male caretaker;

(D) Any adult residing within the home; same as primary male/female caretaker.

(E) Home and family; description of family’s lifestyle and its compatibility with providing foster care. Children’s interests and attitudes toward foster children. The family’s financial stability and ability to provide for additional members;

(F) References; number of references which have been received and their contents in general about the family. Must have a minimum of three (3) references prior to submitting study; and

(G) Recommendation; agency recommendation which takes into consideration the expressed preferences of the family as recorded on the application to care for children, but reflects the worker’s opinion of the family as a resource for foster children.

(g) Approval/Disapproval:

(i) Significant positive or negative data obtained from any source during the study, shall be thoroughly explored and then recorded in the study;

(ii) Approval/Disapproval of family foster homes is the responsibility of the agency. Applications shall be processed and approved or denied within 120 days of application. Notification to the potential foster parents, of the decision reached, shall be done by the worker preparing the report. Homes shall be reviewed on an annual basis.

Section 3. Specialized Foster Care.

Family foster care for children with special physical, emotional, psychological or social disabilities that provides care on a 24 hour basis for not more than five children excluding their own, with no more than two infants under the age of two years placed in the same home.

(a) Acceptance of children for specialized foster care services:

(i) Children accepted for this service are under the age of eighteen (18) at the time of placement and are determined by a social worker or other professional qualified to evaluate, assess and diagnose the specific handicapping condition for which specialized foster care is being considered;

(ii) Children are unable to receive the care needed in their own home or in family foster care;

(iii) Children who require a specially designed program of services which provide a consistent treatment program in accordance with their needs but with less structure than that of a residential treatment setting; and

(iv) Children who are able to function in and benefit from the educational programs provided within the local school district.

(b) Responsibilities of Child Placing Agency:

(i) All the responsibilities as listed in Child Placing Agency/Family Foster Care; and

(ii) The placing agency shall be in regular telephone contact with the foster parents and make monthly in-person visits that include contact with the child, in order to assure that the treatment plan is in effect and all aspects of community services that have been identified as resources for the child are being utilized.

(c) Services to be provided by the foster parents:

(i) Room and board;

(ii) Parental supervision in accordance with a case plan developed by the placing agency, to include:

(A) Socialization - plans free time and recreation with child;

(B) Daily living skills - discusses money management, personal hygiene, shopping, shelter costs and appropriate attire with child;

(C) Education - reviews educational progress on a regular basis and signs school progress reports;

(D) Home management skills - develops expectations and monitors the child in home skills such as making beds and changing linens, using vacuum cleaner, dusting, dish washing, organizing belongings, disposing of trash, cleaning tub, sink and toilet, operating appliances, cooking complete meals, handling emergencies and first aid;

(E) Job seeking and job placement skills - assist the child in how to locate employment, make application for employment, and develop job retention skills;

(F) Situational counseling - identify the child's strengths, develop patterns of acceptance and coping with weaknesses, counseling the child to recognize or modify behavior that is not conducive to or interferes with the development or obtaining of work, learning, socialization or self-care skills; and

(G) Medical and dental care shall be available to all children as needed and documented in the case plan and a signed release for emergency medical treatment, from either the parent or the agency or individual who has legal custody, will be documented in the case plan.

(d) Foster parents orientation and training:

(i) Prior to certification, all prospective foster parents must complete a foster parent orientation program of at least sixteen (16) hours, including but not limited to the following topics:

(A) The purpose, philosophy, organizational structure, and goals of the agency and its family foster care program, and the relationship of family foster care to other child welfare services;

(B) Information about the strengths and needs of children and their families who require family foster care services;

(C) Information about the critical nature and impact of separation and loss for all parties involved in foster care: children, families of origin and foster families;

(D) The family assessment and home study process, and criteria for being licensed, certified, or approved as a foster parent;

(E) The laws, regulations, policies, and values that direct the agency's child welfare program in general, and specifically, family foster care program;

(F) The rights and responsibilities of foster parents and the agency;

(G) Policies on discipline, confidentiality, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS;

(H) Health and safety procedures, including first aid, CPR, HIV/AIDS precaution, policies on psychotropic medication, and emergency procedures;

(I) The knowledge and practice skills necessary to be a foster parent;

(J) Foster home licensing requirements;

(K) Information about the role of the social worker and the foster parents' relationship with the social worker;

(L) Information about the need of the foster parents to work with the parents of origin; and

(M) Information about educational and other community resources.

(1) Foster parent in-service training shall be scheduled for the convenience of the foster parents, sixteen (16) hours annually, and at no cost to the foster parents (i.e., helping children develop self-esteem; helping children learn appropriate behaviors; helping children with family reunification, adoption, and preparation for young adult life);

(2) The date and subject of the in-service training shall be documented by the agency and made available to the certifying authority.

(e) Educational qualifications:

(i) Academic or specialized training;

(ii) Abilities and skills to work within the community's service and educational systems to develop and implement the treatment plan.

(f) Specialized foster parents' requirements:

(i) Financial stability, as verified by personal references and/or credit review;

(ii) Physical and emotional capability to provide foster care, as verified by a physician;

(iii) Shown to understand the concept of foster family care, the role of the agency in foster care, working cooperatively with the placing agency and with the parents of origin, adoptive parents, and the child for the stability and permanence in the care of the child as verified through foster home study process and written report prepared by the agency; and

(iv) A completed application to care for children.

Section 4. Therapeutic Foster Care.

A family based intensive treatment as an alternative to residential, hospital, or institutional care that would otherwise be necessary for a severely emotionally disturbed child or adolescent.

(a) The Child Placing Agency for Therapeutic Foster Care are located in the County Mental Health Centers.

(b) The Child Placing Agency is responsible for the following: (i) Recruitment of foster parents; (ii) Training of foster parents; (iii) On-going consultation to the Therapeutic Foster parents; (iv) All needed case management services; (v) Counseling services for the child, his/her family, and the foster parents, when appropriate. (vi) Developing a treatment plan, to include: (A) Objectives with a stated time-frame relating to the child's problems and unmet needs and plans for meeting the objectives; (B) Identification of the individuals or agencies responsible for carrying out each part of the treatment plan; and (C) Method of evaluating progress. (vii) Other outpatient services necessary to implement the child's treatment plan; (viii) At least weekly outpatient treatment services consistent with an intensive approach to severe emotional disturbances; and (ix) Operation of the Therapeutic Foster Homes, including but not limited to ensuring liability insurance coverage. (c) Therapeutic Foster Homes operated by a Child Placing Agency are available for placements twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven days a week. Exceptions are as follows: (i) The foster home has reached the maximum certifiable level of five (5) children, including their own children; (ii) The foster home currently has two (2) foster children in their care; (iii) The placement is not appropriate under the agency's admission policy; (iv) A temporary or emergency staffing problem has arisen preventing the placement. (d) Therapeutic Foster Homes shall have no more than two (2) severally emotionally disturbed children in each home. (e) Services to be provided by the Therapeutic foster parents:

(i) Room and Board;

(ii) Parental supervision, to include:

(A) Socialization - plans free time and recreation with the child;

(B) Daily living skills - discusses money management, personal hygiene, shopping, shelter costs and appropriate attire with child;

(C) Education - reviews educational progress on a regular basis and signs school progress reports;

(D) Home management skills - develops expectations and monitors the child in home skills such as making beds and changing linens, using vacuum cleaner, dusting, dish washing, organizing belongings, disposing of trash, cleaning tub, sink, and toilet, operating appliances, cooking complete meals, handling emergencies and first aid;

(E) Employment skills - job seeking and job placement skills, assist the child in how to locate employment, make application for employment and develop job retention skills;

(F) Situational counseling - identify the child’s strengths, develop patterns of acceptance and coping with weaknesses, counseling the child to recognize or modify behavior that is not conducive to or interferes with the development or obtaining of work, learning, socialization or self-care skills;

(G) Health services - medical and/or dental care shall be available to all children as needed and documented in the case plan/treatment plan; and

(H) Progress identification - a weekly progress note documenting date, length of time of, type of, and persons involved in each day’s contacts; summary of the child’s condition and progress in relation to meeting treatment goals/objectives to include any issues or problems relating to therapeutic foster parents and continued placement.

(iii) Be aware and have input into treatment plans for the children they are working with directly; and

(iv) Be recipients of information as to any special needs or problems of the children they are working with directly.

(f) Educational qualifications:

(i) Prior to certification as a Therapeutic Foster Care Program - Child Placing Agency, the executive director shall provide the certifying authority with verification that he or she is a master’s level mental health professional;

(ii) Professional staff qualifications:

1. (A) Bachelor's degree with two years of clinical experience; or
2. (B) Bachelor's degree and one year of experience working with seriously mentally ill adults or with emotionally disturbed children and adolescents; or
3. (C) Bachelor's degree in social work or psychology that included a field-based practicum with emotionally disturbed children and adolescents or with seriously mentally ill adults; and
4. (D) Knowledge of the community and ability to work with other agencies.(g) Therapeutic foster parents orientation and training requirements:- (i) Prior to certification, all prospective therapeutic foster parents must complete a minimum of twenty (20) hours specialized orientation training to assist parents in working with severely emotionally disturbed children/adolescents; the contents of this training shall include but not be limited to:
5. (A) The overall philosophy and goals of the agency;
6. (B) All components of the agency's program;
7. (C) Emergency and crisis procedures;
8. (D) Acceptable behavior and crisis management strategies;
9. (E) The role of the social worker and the therapeutic foster parents' relationship to the social worker;
10. (F) Parenting skills for the special needs of foster children;tab- (G) The need to work with natural parents;
11. (H) Appropriate discipline methods and alternatives to corporal punishment; and
12. (I) The importance of utilizing medical, dental, educational and other community resources.
13. (ii) All therapeutic foster parents must receive an additional eighteen (18) hours of training each year; and
14. (iii) All of the foregoing training shall be provided by the placing agency at no cost to the foster parents.(h) Therapeutic Foster Parent requirements:- (i) Financial stability, as verified by personal references and/or credit review;

(ii) Physical and emotional capability to provide foster care, as verified by a physician;

(iii) Shown to understand the concept of therapeutic foster family care, the role of the agency in therapeutic foster care, natural parents, adoptive parents and the child for stability and permanence in the care of the child, as verified through therapeutic foster home study process and written report prepared by the agency; and

(iv) A completed application to care for children.

(i) Child eligibility requirements:

(i) Severe maladaptive or disruptive behavior as expressed in aggressive behavior toward others, aggression toward self through self-inflicting injuries, aggression toward animals or destruction of property. Other aggressive of self-destructive behaviors may include oppositional behavior, incorrigibility, running away behaviors, suicidal gestures, or having suicidal ideation;

(ii) Severe psychiatric symptoms that affect the ability to perform activities of daily living. The child may be extremely impulsive and demonstrate limited ability to delay gratification. Social and emotional immaturity impair their decision-making and place them at risk in the community. They may evidence psychiatric dysfunction (hallucinations or delusions or bizarre behaviors) that require the constant attention of a caretaker;

(iii) Severe emotional problems associated with medical conditions. Close monitoring and therapy are required due to the child/adolescent not adapting to recommended medical treatment;

(iv) Severe emotional problems associated with sexual and/or physical abuse which lead the child to avoid adult relationships and be detached from others. The child may be preoccupied with sexual content, act out as a perpetrator or victim; and

(v) Severe emotional problems associated with substance abuse. Excessive use of drugs and/or alcohol creating the need for a structured environment, close monitoring, frequent counseling, medical visits, and a well coordinated network of support.

Section 5. Crisis Centers.

(a) Crisis Centers are a group home setting with short-term services available twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven days a week, for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days.

(i) Services may or may not be provided pursuant to court order.

(ii) Providers agree not to have rigid admissions criteria when delivering shelter care services.

(b) The Crisis Center shall provide services for no more than ten (10) children, including the staff’s own children.

(i) If the Crisis Center has sufficient bed space and available staff to meet the staff/child ratio they may exceed the number of children on an emergency basis.

(ii) An emergency shall not exceed a seventy-two (72) hour period.

(iii) The Crisis Center shall not exceed by more than two (2) its licensed capacity.

(c) Age range for children in a Crisis Center are ages ten (10) through seventeen (17).

(i) Children may be accepted who are younger under an emergency basis not exceeding a seventy-two (72) hour period.

(ii) The age limits apply to children unrelated to the operators of the Crisis Center.

(d) Services to be provided are as follows:

(i) Crisis services, available twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, for thirty (30) days or less;

(ii) Medical and dental care shall be available to all children as needed and documented in the child’s file at the Crisis Center; and

(iii) A living arrangement made available as an alternative to secure detention for the non-violent juvenile.

(e) The Crisis Center shall through written policy define admission as follows:

(i) For children in need of protection;

(ii) For non-violent children as an alternative to secure detention;

(iii) For children requiring a diagnostic assessment;

(iv) For children awaiting a more permanent placement; or

(v) For non-violent children awaiting trial.

(f) Children accepted for crisis care service at the time of placement are determined to be:

(i) Between the ages of ten (10) and seventeen (17);

(ii) Unable to receive the parental care they need in their own homes and unable to maintain themselves in an independent living situation;

(iii) Able to participate in family and community life including school without danger to themselves or others;

(iv) In need of the assistance of the placing agency and the Crisis Center to stabilize their lives.

(g) Placement:

(i) Parents or guardians may voluntarily place children.

(A) Voluntary placements by parents or guardians shall not require a court order;

(B) Parental or guardian placement shall include written consent for the placement; and

(C) Written consent for emergency psychological and medical care signed by the parent or guardian.

(ii) Agency or medical placement shall include a court order, in accordance with W.S. 14-6-206.

(A) Emergency psychological and medical care shall be given consideration in the placement.

(iii) Self-referral placements shall be reported promptly to the local Department of Family Services office on the next working day.

(h) Within seventy two (72) hours, the following shall be identified:

(i) Child's identity;

(ii) Name and address of the child's parents or legally responsible party;

(iii) Medication the child is taking;

(iv) Special medical needs;

(v) Agency and education resources; and

(vi) Initial planning begun toward moving the child to a more permanent setting.

(i) A record shall be maintained for each child admitted. The admission record is to include but not be limited to the following:

(i) The child's name;

(ii) Date of birth;

(iii) Place of birth;

(iv) Social Security number;

(v) Sex;

(vi) Religion (if known);

(vii) Race;

(viii) Date and time of placement;

(ix) Child’s immediate needs;

(x) Name of referral source, placing agency or individual;

(xi) Reason for emergency placement;

(xii) Description of the child’s condition as observed by the intake worker. This shall include notation of the child’s response to the placement;

(xiii) Names and addresses of parents, brothers and sisters;

(xiv) Names of others who have a significant relationship with the child;

(xv) Child’s special needs which shall include but not be limited to:

(A) Medical;

(B) Emotional;

(C) Educational;

(xvi) Parental signed release for emergency medical treatment. If a parental release is unavailable, obtain a release by the agency or individual who has legal custody;

(xvii) Discharge plan and anticipated discharge date shall be documented.

(j) The Crisis Center shall provide an orientation to the child of the facility’s rules and procedures.

(i) The orientation shall be performed immediately upon entry.

(A) If this can not be completed immediately it shall be completed within twenty-four (24) hours of admission.

(B) In the case of midnight-to-dawn admissions, an early morning orientation, after breakfast, may be more beneficial.

(ii) Orientation to the Crisis Center rules and regulations shall be completed again seven (7) days after admission.

(iii) The orientation procedure shall be documented and a copy of the facility's rules signed by the child shall be placed in the child's file.

(k) The Crisis Center's policies and procedures shall document which staff reviews admission information and makes admissions.

(l) The Crisis Center shall have documentation that the program components include the following:

(i) Indoor and outdoor recreation areas;

(ii) Transportation; and

(iii) Parental involvement.

(m) Staff/Child ratio:

(i) The direct care supervisory staff/child ratio of one (1) staff for every six (6) children.

(ii) Nighttime direct care supervisory staff/child ratio of one (1) staff for every ten (10) children (10:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M.).

(A) There shall be at least one awake staff member during the nighttime hours;

(B) The facility may have an approved operative alarm system to provide supplemental security. The purpose of the alarm system will be to monitor the movement of children within the facility. This alarm system will either be self-monitoring or will be monitored and checked daily by staff to prevent tampering; and

(C) One or more staff members shall be present to provide direct care to any child in crisis or in need of supervision during the nighttime hours.

(iii) Additional staff shall be readily available to support direct care to any child in crisis or in need of supervision during the day and nighttime hours.

(n) The Crisis Center shall retain staff qualified to carry out its program of services;

(i) Prior to certification, the program executive director shall provide verification that he or she has a baccalaureate degree in social work or related human service field and two (2) years experience in the human service field.

(A) The executive director ~~should~~ should have direct experience in crisis care.

(B) The executive director ~~should~~ should have specialized training and/or education in supervision, management, and administration.

(ii) Child and youth care workers shall have a high school degree and two (2) years experience or other training in crisis prevention and intervention, behavior management, basic counseling, recreation, and supervision.

(iii) Specialists working in the Crisis Center program, such as nurses, doctors, lawyers, psychologists, and psychiatrists, shall be on staff or available by contract to the program whenever a child demonstrates a need for their service.

(A) Specialists shall be properly trained and credentialed for their professions and if necessary licensed in the State of Wyoming.

(B) Specialists shall have an understanding of emergency services, the children, the conditions that can result in a placement, other placement options, and the larger child-serving system.

(o) Responsibilities of staff will be directed through policies and procedures. They shall include but not be limited to the following:

(i) Executive Director and supervisors;

(A) Shall see that the program has proper support;

(B) That competent staff members are hired, supervised, and retained in sufficient numbers;

(C) That the facility, equipment, and materials are available in support of the program;

(D) That staff members and services are properly coordinated; and

(E) That the program functions effectively within the larger child-serving system.

(ii) Child and Youth Care Workers:

(A) Shall be responsible for general child supervision, crisis management, daily living support, recreational activities, behavioral intervention, child advocacy, and participation in the case planning and assessment process.

(B) Must be responsive to the rapidly changing needs of children;

(C) Shall be skillful to make assessments and engage the child and family quickly;

(D) Shall be skillful in relating to a variety of people and situations; (E) Capable of working with other staff members as part of a team; (F) Provide a positive role model for residents and parents. (G) Shall represent positive cultural, religious, and moral values.

(p) The executive director shall provide verification that all staff have completed within sixty (60) days an orientation program.

(q) The Crisis Center shall be directed and managed in accordance with formally established policies and procedures.

(i) All aspects of Crisis Center's administration are the responsibility of the executive director.

(ii) The executive director's responsibilities include the development, coordination and administration of the program of services.

Section 6. Shelter/Group Homes.

(a) A Group Home is a group setting for children with emotional, social, physical, and /or behavioral needs, who do not require a more restrictive facility for their own protection or that of others.

(i) The Group Home shall provide for a planned period of substitute care services; (ii) A planned program of group living; (iii) Community experiences; (iv) Specialized services.

(b) The Group Home shall provide services for no more than ten (10) children, including the staff's own children.

(c) Age range for children in a Group Home are ages ten (10) through seventeen (17).

(d) Services to be provided are as follows:

(i) Room and Board;

(ii) Supervision by twenty-four hour (24) on duty, awake staff shall be provided whenever the group home provides services to children who are a danger to themselves or others, including but not limited to suicidal;

(iii) Group homes that do not have twenty-four hour (24) hour-awake staff and who do not provide services to children who are a danger to themselves or others, shall have an approved operative alarm system. This system will either be self-monitoring or will be monitored daily by staff to prevent tampering. The purpose of the alarm system will be to monitor the movement of the children within the group home.

(iv) Written agreement with agencies or private providers for care available twenty (24) hours a day for the following services:

(A) Emergency psychological;

(B) Medical; and

(C) Dental.

(v) Counseling Services:

(A) Shall be made available to all children in accordance with the individual treatment plan.

(B) These services may be arranged, provided or purchased by the provider.

(e) Admission policy:

(i) There shall be written policy defining the children that will be admitted to the Group Home.

(ii) There shall be written policy defining the children or behaviors that are not appropriate for admission into the Group Home.

(iii) The Group Home’s policies and procedure shall document which staff reviews admission information and makes admission.

(f) Placement:

(i) Parents or guardians may voluntarily place children.

(A) Voluntary placements by parents or guardians shall not require a court order;

(B) Parental or guardian placement shall include written consent for the placement; and

(C) Written consent for emergency psychological and medical care and dental care signed by the parent or guardian.

(ii) Agency placement shall include the following:

(A) Written parental agreement for the placement; or (B) A court order directing placement; and (C) Written consent for emergency psychological and medical care.

(iii) Self-referral placements shall be:

(A) Reported to law enforcement and parents immediately; and (B) Arrangements to place the child shall be made within twenty-four (24) hours.

(iv) Law enforcement placement shall include the following:

(A) A court order; or (B) Written parental consent for the placement; (C) Statement of reason for the placement in accordance with W.S. 14-6-205 and

14-6-206; and

(D) Emergency psychological and medical care shall be authorized in the placement consent.

(g) A record shall be maintained for each child admitted. The admission record is to include but not be limited to the following:

(i) The child's name; (ii) Date of birth; (iii) Place of birth; (iv) Social Security number; (v) Gender; (vi) Religion (if known); (vii) Race; (viii) Date and time of placement; (ix) Child's immediate needs; (x) Name of referral source, placing agency or individual;

(xi) Reason for placement;

(xii) Description of the child’s condition as observed by the intake worker. This shall include notation of the child’s response to the placement;

(xiii) Names and addresses of parents, brothers and sisters;

(xiv) Name and address of legally responsible party;

(xv) Names of others who have a significant relationship with the child;

(xvi) Child’s special needs which shall include but not be limited to the following:

(A) Medical;

(B) Medication the child is taking;

(C) Any allergy the child may have including to medication and food;

(D) Emotional;

(C) Educational.

(xvii) Parental signed release for emergency psychological and medical treatment.

(A) If parental release is unavailable, obtain a release signed by the agency or individual who has legal custody.

(B) If not possible, document why not.

(xviii) Discharge plan and anticipated discharge date shall be documented.

(h) The Group Home shall provide an orientation to the child of the facility’s rules and procedures.

(i) The orientation shall be provided within forty-eight (48) hours of admission.

(ii) Orientation to the Group Home rules and regulations shall be completed again seven (7) days after admission.

(iii) The orientation procedure shall be documented and a copy of the Group Home’s rules signed by the child shall be placed in the child’s file.

(i) The Group Home shall have documentation that the program components include the following:

(i) Indoor and outdoor recreation;

(ii) Transportation; and

(iii) Parental involvement.

(j) Documentation of the Group Home’s weekly schedule shall be posted.

(k) Staff/Child ratio:

(i) The direct care supervisory staff/child ratio of one (1) staff for every six (6) children.

(ii) Nighttime direct care supervisory staff/child ratio of one (1) staff for every ten (10) children (10:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M.).

(A) There shall be at least one awake staff member during the nighttime hours when there are children present who are a danger to themselves or others;

(B) Group homes that do not provide services to children who are a danger to themselves or others, shall have an approved operative alarm system. This system will either be self-monitoring or will be monitored daily by staff to prevent tampering. The purpose of the alarm system will be to monitor the movement of the children within the group home; and

(C) One or more staff members shall be present to provide direct care to any child in crisis or in need of supervision during the nighttime hours.

(iii) Additional staff shall be readily available to support direct care to any child in crisis or in need of supervision during the day and nighttime hours.

(l) The Group Home shall retain staff qualified to carry out its program of services;

(i) Prior to certification, the program director shall provide verification that he or she has a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in social work or related human services field and two (2) years experience in the human service field.

(A) The director ~~should~~ ~~should~~ have direct experience in working with children and families.

(B) The director ~~should~~ ~~should~~ have, in addition to the required professional qualifications, a demonstrated capacity for administration, supervision, management, and leadership.

(C) In addition to having group care practice and management skills, the director ~~should~~ ~~should~~ be skilled in working with the community.

(ii) Child and youth care workers shall have a high school degree or equivalent and two (2) years experience or other training in crisis prevention and intervention, child development, behavior management, basic counseling, recreation, and supervision.

(iii) Specialists working the Group Home program, such as nurses, doctors, lawyers, psychologists and psychiatrists, shall be on staff or available by contract to the program whenever a child demonstrates a need for their service.

(A) Specialists shall be properly trained and credentialed for their professions and if necessary licensed in the State of Wyoming.

(B) Specialists shall have an understanding of emergency services, the children, the conditions that can result in a placement, other placement options, and the larger child serving system.

(m) Responsibilities of staff will be directed through policies and procedures. They shall include but not be limited to the following:

(i) Executive Director.

(A) Is delegated by the board of directors to administer overall responsibility for all the children in care;

(B) All aspects of the Group Home’s administration;

(C) To develop, plan and coordinate and administer all phases of the program within the framework of the functions and policies established by the board;

(D) To evaluate continually the effectiveness of services for children and their families;

(E) To seek new approaches and knowledge;

(F) To delegate appropriate responsibilities to staff members;

(G) To provide professional help to the board in carrying out its responsibilities;

(H) Interpret to board members the needs of the children;

(I) To make recommendations to the board when a change of policy seems desirable;

(J) The executive director shall provide verification that all staff have completed within sixty (60) days an orientation training; and

(K) Verification that all staff have completed twenty (20) hours of in-service training annually. This training must be related to children’s services. First Aid and CPR is also required of all staff.

(ii) Executive Director and supervisors:

(A) Shall see that the program has proper support;

(B) That competent staff members are hired, supervised, evaluated on an annual basis, and retained in sufficient numbers;

(C) That the facility, equipment, and materials are available in support of the program;

(D) That staff members and services are properly coordinated;

(E) That the program functions effectively within the larger child-serving system; and

(F) Verification that training and education relate to job description for all staff.

(iii) Child and Youth Care Workers:

(A) Shall be responsible for general child supervision, crisis management, daily living support, recreational activities, behavioral intervention, child advocacy, and participation in the case planning and assessment process;

(B) Must be responsive to the rapidly changing needs of child and family quickly;

(C) Shall be skillful to make assessments and engage the child and family quickly;

(D) Shall be skillful in relating to a variety of people and situations;

(E) Capable of working with other staff members as part of a team;

(F) Provide a positive role model for children and parents, and

(G) Shall represent positive cultural, religious, and moral values.

(n) Children accepted for service in a Group Home must be under the age of eighteen (18) years at the time of placement and are determined to be:

(i) Unable to receive the parental care they need in their own homes and unable to maintain themselves in an independent living situation;

(ii) Length of stay of children in the home shall be governed by the court and/or treatment plan;

(iii) Able to participate in family and community life, including school, without danger to themselves of others; and

(iv) Effectively served in group home care with the level of supportive services available in the community in accordance with a case plan/treatment plan that shall state:

(A) Objectives with a stated time frame that relates to the child's problems and/or unmet needs; (B) Plans for meeting the objectives; (C) Identification of the individuals or agencies responsible for carrying out each part of the plan; (D) Method of evaluating progress.

Section 7. Residential Treatment Facility.

(a) Residential Treatment is a program of service for children who require a combination of therapeutic, educational, and treatment services in a residential group care setting. The Residential Treatment Program provides a therapeutic environment that is not limited to, but consists of the following:

(i) A series of planned intervention based upon an individualized assessment and treatment plan; (ii) Special therapeutic relationships with staff members who are trained in defined roles; (iii) Plans to bring about positive change in the child; (iv) The involvement of family and other supports; and (v) Direction toward the achievement of planned objectives.

(b) The Residential Treatment Facility shall do the following:

(i) Remedy, arrest, and/or prevent social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties of the child in conjunction with the family; (ii) Expand or develop the competencies of the child; (iii) Promote healthy development; and (iv) Prepare the child for family reunification or independent community life.

(c) Duration of placement.

(i) The child's duration of stay in the Residential Treatment Program shall not exceed the accomplishment of the treatment plan objectives; and

(ii) If changes occur in the child or family's needs, a reassessment of the planned length of stay shall be made and clearly reflected in modifications of the treatment plan.

(d) The Residential Treatment Facility shall provide services in a group setting for eleven (11), and no more than fifty (50) children who require a structured environment and treatment program.

(e) Age range for children in a Residential Treatment facility are ages six (6) years through seventeen (17) years.

(f) Services to be provided are as follows:

(i) Room and Board;

(ii) Supervision by twenty-four (24) hour on duty, awake staff;

(iii) The Residential Treatment Program shall have on its staff, or available to it on an as-needed or contractual basis, staff members who can collectively provide all of the required services;

(iv) Written agreement with agencies or private providers for care available twenty-four (24) hours a day for the following services:

(A) Emergency psychological;

(B) Medical; and

(C) Dental care.

(v) Counseling Services:

(A) Shall be made available to all children in accordance with the individual treatment plan;

(B) Counseling may include individual, small group and/or large group counseling; and

(C) These services may be arranged, provided or purchased by the provider.

(g) Admission policy:

(i) There shall be written policy defining the children that will be admitted to the Residential Treatment Facility.

(ii) There shall be written policy defining the children or behaviors that are not appropriate for admission into the Residential Treatment Facility.

(h) Placement:

(i) Parents or guardians may voluntarily place children.

(A) Voluntary placements by parents or guardians shall not require a court order;

(B) Parental or guardian placement shall include written consent for the placement;

(C) Written consent for emergency psychological and medical care and dental care signed by the parent or guardian; and

(D) Written consent for educational records shall be signed by the parent or guardian.

(ii) Agency or school district placement shall include the following:

(A) Written parental agreement for the placement; or

(B) A court order directing placement;

(C) Written consent for emergency psychological and medical care and dental care; and

(D) Written consent for educational records.

(iii) The Residential Treatment facility shall accept a child into care only when the referring agency has provided written documentation or a case plan, that a determination has been made that the child cannot be maintained in a less restrictive environment within the community.

(iv) Length of stay of children in the Residential Treatment Facility shall be governed by the court and/or treatment plan.

(i) The Residential Treatment Facility shall ensure that a written placement agreement is completed.

(i) The agreement shall be developed with the involvement of the following individuals:

(A) The child;

(B) The parent(s) or guardian(s);

(C) The placing agency; and

(D) The Residential Treatment Facility.

(ii) Where involvement of any of these individuals is not feasible or desirable, the reasons for the exclusion shall be recorded.

(iii) A copy of the placement agreement signed by all parties involved in its formulation shall be kept in the child’s file at the facility.

(iv) A copy shall be provided to each of the signing parties.

(v) The signing parties shall include but not be limited to the following:

(A) The placing agency;

(B) The agency or individual that maintains legal custody of the child;

(C) The Residential Treatment Facility;

(D) The child; and

(E) The parent(s) or guardian.

(vi) The placement agreement shall include but not be limited to the following:

(A) Expectations of family contact and involvement including arrangements regarding family visits, vacation, mail, gifts and telephone calls;

(B) The nature and goals of care, including any specialized services to be provided;

(C) The religious orientation and practices of the child;

(D) The anticipated date for the development of the treatment plan;

(E) The anticipated discharge date and plan;

(F) A delineation of the respective roles and responsibilities of all agencies and persons involved with the child and family;

(G) Arrangements as to the nature and frequency of reports to, and meetings involving, the parent(s) or guardian and referral agency; and

(H) A provision for notification of parent(s) or guardian and/or the placing agency in the event of unauthorized absences, medical or dental problems and any significant event regarding the child.

(j) A record shall be maintained for each child admitted. The admission record is to include but not be limited to the following:

(i) The child’s name;

(ii) Date of birth;

(iii) Place of birth;

(iv) Social Security number;

(v) Gender;

(vi) Religion (if known);

(vii) Race;

(viii) Date and time of placement;

(ix) Child’s immediate needs;

(x) Name of referral source, placing agency or individual;

(xi) Reason for placement;

(xii) Description of the child’s condition as observed by the intake worker. This shall include notation of the child’s response to the placement;

(xiii) Names and addresses of parents, brothers and sisters;

(xiv) Name and address of legally responsible party;

(xv) Names of others who have a significant relationship with the child;

(xvi) Child’s special needs which shall include but not be limited to the following:

(A) Medical;

(B) Medication the child is taking;

(C) Any allergy the child may have including to medication and food;

(D) Emotional;

(E) Educational.

(xvii) Placement agreement;

(xviii) Treatment Plan;

(xix) Progress notes;

(xx) Disciplinary action;

(xxi) Record of medication, restraint or secure confinement;

(xxii) Educational Records;

(xxiii) All written correspondence relating to the child;

(xxiv) All consents to obtain information, treat the child, publicity, etc.;

(xxv) Parental signed release for emergency psychological and medical treatment:

(A) If parental release is unavailable, obtain a release signed by the agency or individual who has legal custody;

(B) If not possible to obtain a release, document why not.

(xxvi) Discharge plan and anticipated discharge date shall be documented.

(k) The Residential Treatment facility shall provide an orientation to the child of the facility’s rules and procedures.

(i) The orientation shall be provided within forty-eight (48) hours of admission;

(ii) The orientation procedure shall be documented and a copy of the Residential Treatment Facility’s rules signed by the child shall be placed in the child’s file.

(l) Diagnostic and evaluation services shall be provided or arranged:

(i) A written report of findings and recommendations shall be completed within forty (40) days of admission to the Residential Treatment Facility.

(ii) If an evaluation was completed by the Department of Family Services or another treatment facility within six (6) months prior to entry into the current program the prior evaluation may be used again.

(iii) The evaluation shall include but not be limited to the following:

(A) Physical;

(B) Family history and functioning;

(C) Educational;

(D) Social history;

(E) Psychological information and testing;

(F) Diagnosis according to the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association;

(G) Prognosis; (H) Treatment method; (I) Estimated length of stay ; and (J) Discharge plan and anticipated discharge date.

(m) Treatment Plan:

(i) The Residential Treatment Facility shall develop a written plan for group care services with the child, and family members, whenever in the best interests of the child, with the assistance of the social worker, in a language commonly used by the child and family.

(ii) The treatment plan shall include but not be limited to the following:

(A) Written objectives of what is to be accomplished during the estimated period of service; (B) Activities and tasks specific to the accomplishments of each objective; (C) Responsibilities of the worker, agency, child, and family members for the assigned tasks and time frames necessary to achieve the objectives; (D) Clearly stated expectations and resources to be provided by the agency, child, family members, or other agencies or community organizations; (E) Initial discussions of post-discharge plans; (F) Time frames for the periodic review of progress toward the objectives; and (G) A description of the potential ramifications of not achieving the treatment plan objectives.

(iii) A team approach shall be used to conduct the assessment and treatment plan process. All those who have the potential to influence the child positively shall be involved in this process. Potential participants may include but not be limited to the following:

(A) The child; (B) Parent(s) or guardian(s); (C) Sibling(s); (D) Grandparent(s); (E) Other significant family members;

(F) Adoptive parents; (G) Temporary caregivers or foster family members; (H) Clergy; (I) Former teachers; (J) Counselors or other professionals who have an important relationship with

the child;

(K) Residential Treatment Facility staff members working with the child which should include but not be limited to social workers, child and youth care workers, educators, administrators;

(L) Court or community support system representatives; (M) Placing agency worker.

(iv) Potential participants shall be prevented from participating only when there are reasonable indications that it would not be in the best interests of the child.

(v) The Residential Treatment Facility shall encourage and assist the child in care to participate in the treatment plan process;

(A) Decisions to exclude the child shall be made only when there is clear evidence the child will be unable to participate or that participation poses a real danger to his or her safety. Even then, this decision shall be in keeping with child's legal rights;

(B) This decision shall be documented in the treatment plan;

(vi) In the treatment plan process, the child, as age appropriate shall:

(A) Contribute to the assessment of strengths and needs; (B) Develop personal long-term goals and treatment plan objectives; (C) Participate in the creation of the performance contract;

(D) Provide feedback to other treatment planning participants as to his or her point of view about the plan;

(E) Evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment plan from his or perspective; and

(F) Participate in the review of progress made in achieving the treatment plan objectives;

(vii) The Residential Treatment facility shall encourage family members to participate in the treatment plan process whenever it is in the best interest of the child;

(A) Although it is recognized that this is not always possible, the Residential Treatment Facility shall make every effort to enable the family to participate fully, recognizing that family participation is very important to the child.

(B) There shall be documentation of encouragement of the family members to participate.

(viii) Family members should participate in all those activities in which their child participates, and, in addition:

(A) Represent their child’s interests during the process, particularly when their child is very young or otherwise unable or unwilling to speak for himself or herself;

(B) Provide accurate information about the child, including the child’s behavior and attitude at home, with family members, and in the community;

(C) Help clarify elements of the treatment plan for the child; and

(D) Represent the needs of the other family members.

(n) The Residential Treatment Facility shall have documentation that the program components include the following:

(i) Indoor and outdoor recreation;

(ii) Transportation; and

(iii) Parental involvement.

(o) Documentation of the Residential Treatment Facility’s weekly schedule shall be posted.

(p) Staff:Child ratio:

(i) The direct care supervisory staff/child ratio of one (1) staff for every six (6) children (The direct care staff shall include executive director, supervisors, and child and youth care workers);

(ii) Nighttime direct care supervisory staff/child ratio of one (1) staff for every (10) children (10:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M.);

(iii) Additional staff shall be readily available to support direct care to any child in need of supervision during the day and nighttime hours;

(iv) Staff ratios are maintained whenever children are present in the facility or under the direct supervision of child care staff.

(v) The facility may have an approved operative alarm system to supplement security. The purpose of the alarm system will be to monitor the movement of children within the facility. This alarm system will either be self-monitoring or will be monitored and checked daily by staff to prevent tampering.

(q) The Residential Treatment Facility shall retain staff qualified to carry out its program of services.

(i) Prior to certification, the executive director shall provide verification that he or she has a baccalaureate degree in social work or related human services field or administration, two years experience in the human services field and has demonstrated success in operating programs;

(A) The executive director ~~should should~~ have direct experience in working with children and families;

(B) The executive director ~~should should~~ have, in addition to the required professional qualifications, a demonstrated capacity for administration, supervision, management and leadership;

(C) In addition to having group care practice and management skills, the executive director ~~should should~~ be skilled in working with the community.

(ii) At least one regular full-time staff member shall have as a minimum a master's degree in social work or related field as verified by transcript or other proof to the certifying authority;

(iii) ~~Counseling Primary counseling~~ staff shall have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in human services field and two years of experience providing mental health or related services;

(iv) The facility shall provide, purchase or arrange for services of a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist for case consultations and treatment for children in accordance with needs identified in the individual treatment plans;

(v) Child and youth care workers shall have a high school degree and two (2) years experience or other training in crisis prevention and intervention, child development, behavior management, basic counseling, recreation, or supervision;

(vi) Specialists working with the Residential Treatment Facility, such as nurses, doctors, lawyers, psychologists and psychiatrists, shall be on staff or available by contract to the program whenever a child demonstrates a need for their service;

(A) Specialists shall be properly trained and credential for their professions and if necessary licensed in the State of Wyoming,

(B) Specialists shall have an understanding of emergency services, the children, the conditions that can result in a placement, other placement options, and the larger child serving system.

(r) Responsibilities of staff will be directed through policies and procedures. They shall include but not be limited to the following:

(i) Executive Director:

(A) Delegated duties by the board of directors to carry overall responsibility for all the children in care;

(B) All aspects of the Residential Treatment Facility’s administration;

(C) To develop, plan and coordinate and administer all phases of the program within the framework of the functions and policies established by the board;

(D) To evaluate continually the effectiveness of services for children and their families;

(E) To seek new approaches and knowledge;

(F) To delegate appropriate responsibilities to staff members;

(G) Recruit, employ, supervise, train and discharge staff members;

(H) Provide leadership for all departments;

(I) Provide professional help to the board in carrying out its responsibilities, interpret to board members the needs of the children, make recommendations when a change of policy seems desirable, and assist them in periodic evaluation of the agency’s services;

(J) Participate with the board in interpreting to the community the need for financial support of the agency;

(K) Respect and concern for the cultural diversity of children served by the agency;

(L) Ability to deal with the staff, to select qualified staff members, to delegate responsibility so staff members can work independently, to give staff members support and recognition, to create a team spirit, and to command respect and confidence;

(M) The executive director shall provide verification that all staff have completed within sixty (60) days an orientation training; and

(N) Verification that all staff have completed thirty (30) hours of in-service training annually. This training must be related to children’s services. First Aid and CPR is also required of all staff.

(ii) Executive Director and Supervisors:

(A) Shall see that the program has proper support;

(B) That competent staff members are hired, supervised, evaluated on an annual basis, and retained in sufficient numbers;

(C) That the facility, equipment, and materials are available in support of the program;

(D) That staff members and services are properly coordinated;

(E) That the program functions effectively within the larger child-serving system;

(F) Verification that training and education relate to job description for all staff;

(G) Supervisors, in addition to the required professional qualifications, shall have the necessary supervisory skills and an extensive understanding of child development and behavior;

(H) In addition to the basic practice skills and competencies of a child and youth care worker, supervisors shall have skills in support, interpretation, mediation, training, and administration.

(I) ~~Supervision is key to providing competent, goal-directed services. Supervision shall be a continual and regular process with the dual purpose of promoting a staff member's growth and development on the job and of determining whether the staff member meets the requirements and quality standards of the agency. Supervision is carried out as an administrative function through individual teaching, supporting, enabling, directing, and evaluation staff members;~~ Executive directors and supervisors shall provide regular supervision to every supervisee regardless of his or her length of experience or maturity;

(J) They shall coordinate the activities of staff with shared responsibility for quality service;

(K) It is their responsibility to provide for dissemination of information to staff members within the unit on current agency policies, procedures, and practices, and on developments within the community and the field of child welfare;

(L) It is their responsibility to share in coordinating the unit and/or department's work within the operating procedures of the agency in such a manner as to properly carry out agency policies, goals, and objectives;

(M) It is their responsibility to assume administrative tasks in the agency, as assigned;

(N) It is their responsibility to participate in the employment of staff members within the unit, and in the assignment of their duties;

(O) It is their responsibility to plan and implement a continuing, structured staff development program;

(P) It is their responsibility to evaluate performance of staff on a continuing basis; and

(Q) It is their responsibility to assume assignments that may include direct service to children and their families.

(iii) Child and Youth Care workers:

(A) Shall be responsible for general child supervision, crisis management, daily living support, recreational activities, behavioral intervention, child advocacy, and participation in the case planning and assessment process;

(B) Must be responsive to the rapidly changing needs of children and families;

(C) Shall be skillful at making assessments and engaging the child and family quickly;

(D) Shall be skillful in relating to a variety of people and situations;

(E) Capable of working with other staff members as part of a team;

(F) Provide a positive role model for children and parents;

~~(G) Shall represent positive cultural, religious, and moral values;~~

~~(G)(H)~~ They shall have the skills to obtain feedback from children, establish a rapport, and be able to motivate them toward individual changes;

~~(H)(I)~~ They shall know child and adolescent growth and developmental needs, and have a familiarity with deviations from usual developmental patterns;

~~(I)(J)~~ They shall communicate effectively in a professional relationship with children and their families, including those with different religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, and languages;

~~(J)(K)~~ They shall work with parents to understand adult personality structure, especially the social and psychological implications of parenthood;

~~(K)(L)~~ They shall work with groups to plan and implement recruitment and therapeutic activities; and

~~(L)(M)~~ They shall collaborate with other workers involved in comprehensive services for children and their families, including the ability to report observations accurately in written logs, case plans, and summaries.

(s) Children accepted for service in a Residential Treatment Facility must be under the age of eighteen (18) at the time of placement and are determined to be:

(i) In need of treatment away from the community because the child presents a threat to himself, community safety or because the child may flee prosecution if released, or cannot be served in a less restrictive setting;

(ii) In need of supervision because the child’s health or safety would be endangered if no supervision were provided as in the case of physical impairment due to alcohol intoxication or the influence of a controlled substance; and

Section 8. Detention Facility.

A facility to provide temporary care to not more than thirty-two (32) children in secure care, pending court disposition or execution of a court order for placement or commitment.

(a) Services to be provided are:

(i) Room and board;

(ii) Supervision by 24-hour awake, on-duty staff;

(iii) Restricted and supervised access to all entrances and exits;

(iv) Written agreement with agency or private providers for provision of all services within the facility; may include, but not limited to the following: counseling, pregnancy counseling, drug and alcohol treatment, special offender treatment, and crisis intervention;

(v) Written agreement with agencies or private providers for emergency psychological, medical, and dental care available 24 hours a day; and

(vi) The Detention Facility shall have policy, procedure and practice to provide alternatives for detoxification and chemical dependency management for juveniles.

(b) Staff requirements:

(i) Prior to certification as a Detention Facility, the program director shall provide the certifying authority with verification that he has a baccalaureate degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, sociology or related human service field and at least two years experience in law enforcement or human services.

(ii) All staff including administration and management shall complete a forty (40) hour orientation program that includes:

(A) The overall purpose, philosophy and goals of the facility;

(B) Policies and procedures of the facility; (C) All components of the facility's program; (D) Working conditions and regulations of the facility; (E) Emergency and crisis procedures; (F) Acceptable behavior and crisis management strategies; (G) The overall importance of the supervision and safety of children; and (H) Safe physical management and use of mechanical restraints.

(iii) All staff working with juveniles shall receive annually sixty (60) hours of training during first year of employment and an additional forty (40) hours each year after. Training may include, but is not limited to: security procedures, supervision of juveniles, signs of suicide risks, suicide precautions, use of force regulations and facilities, report writing, juvenile rules of conduct, rights and responsibilities of juveniles, fire and emergency procedures, key control, interpersonal relations, social/cultural life styles of the juvenile population, communication skills, CPR and First Aid, counseling techniques.

(iv) In-service training for staff working with juveniles shall be documented. This shall include the date, the subject and the name of the person who conducted the training. This training record shall be incorporated within the employee's personnel file.

(v) All administrative and managerial staff shall receive annually forty (40) hours of training during the first year of employment and an additional forty (40) hours each year after. Training may include, but is not limited to: general management, labor law, staff/management relations, the juvenile justice system, and relationships with other service agencies.

(vi) Child care and supervisory staff shall be trained in administration and referral procedures and in helping children with acceptance of the detention setting.

(c) The facility must provide:

(i) The direct care supervisory staff juvenile ratio of one staff for every eight juveniles during hours when the juveniles are awake, and one staff person for every sixteen (16) juveniles when the juveniles are sleeping. Staff ratio shall be increased when youth are seriously upset, agitated or depressed;

(ii) Verification of the personal qualifications of staff:

(A) Three references attesting to the potential employee's ability to care for juveniles. The references shall be from individuals unrelated to the prospective employee who have personal knowledge of the person's ability to care for children;

(B) Verification that staff have not appeared upon a child abuse/neglect registry in Wyoming or states of previous residence;

(C) The Detention Center shall maintain a list of emergency on-call staff whose qualifications, background, and health status meet the same requirements as other full-time staff;

(D) Child care staff shall be over age 21; and

(E) Verification that training and education relates to job description.

(d) Physical conditions.

(i) Uncrowded conditions:

(A) The facility shall have sufficient sleeping area to allow at least 35 square feet for each juvenile;

(B) Juveniles in detention care shall have an individual bed. Juveniles of opposite sex shall not sleep in the same room; and

(C) Day room. Day rooms with space for varied juvenile activities are situated immediately adjacent to the juvenile sleeping area (but are separated from them by a floor to ceiling wall). Day rooms provide a minimum of 35 square feet of space per juvenile (exclusive of lavatories, showers, and toilets) for the maximum number of juveniles who use the day room at one time, and no day room shall encompass less than 100 square feet of space (exclusive of lavatories, showers, and toilets).

(ii) Well-repaired facility: conditions existing in or around a facility that would be hazardous to the physical well-being of children shall be eliminated;

(iii) The facility shall provide the certifying authority with verification of compliance with fire and sanitation standards;

(iv) Architectural security precautions: the facility may elect to install fine-mesh security screen in bedroom windows that does not obscure daylight or views, doors of solid wood or hollow metal;

(v) Security. There shall be a manual containing all policy and procedures for facility security and control with detailed instructions for implementation of procedures.

(A) Control room and perimeter security. Detention facilities shall provide 24 hour monitoring and coordination of the facility’s security, safety and communications systems to include the facility’s perimeter to provide that juveniles remain within the perimeter and to prevent access by the general public without proper authorization;

(B) Permanent log. Written policy, procedure, and practice require correctional staff maintain a permanent log and prepare shift reports that record routine information, emergency situations, and unusual incidents;

(C) Use of restraints. Written policy, procedure, and practice provide that instruments of restraint, such as handcuffs, leg irons, and straight jackets, are never applied as punishment and are applied only with the approval of the facility administrator or designee;

(D) Control of contraband. Written policy, procedure, and practice provide for searches of facilities and juveniles to control contraband and provide for its deposition. These policies are made available to staff and juveniles and are reviewed at least annually and updated as needed;

(E) Tools and equipment. Written policy, procedure, and practice govern the control and use of tools and culinary and medical equipment. Procedure shall include provisions for checking out and checking in tools and equipment which could present danger; and

(F) Use of force. Written policy, procedure, and practice restrict the use of physical force to instances of justifiable self defense, protection of others, protection of property, and prevention of escapes, and then only as a last resort and in accordance with appropriate statutory authority. In no event is physical force justifiable as punishment. A written report is prepared following all uses of force and is submitted to administrative staff for review.

(vi) Confinement.

(A) Statement of purpose and policy: A juvenile may be confined in his/her room only during periods of crisis or emergency for the juvenile, when the juvenile is a danger to himself/herself or others, the juvenile is beyond control, all other reasonable means to control or calm the juvenile have failed and the juvenile's welfare or the welfare of others require the juvenile be confined. Confinement is not used for punishment;

(B) Policy and practice of utilizing room confinement provides:

(I) Intake process;

(II) Juveniles placed in room confinement are afforded living conditions and privileges approximating those available to the general juvenile population; exceptions shall be justified by clear and substantial evidence;

(III) Prior to room confinement the juvenile has the reasons for the confinement explained to him/her and has an opportunity to explain the behavior leading to the confinement;

(IV) Juveniles placed in room confinement are checked visually by staff at least every 15 minutes and are visited at least once each day by personnel from administrative, clinical, social work, religious, or medical units;

(V) A log is kept recording who authorized the confinement, persons visiting the juvenile, the person authorizing release from confinement, and the time of release;

(VI) Emergency procedure while in confinement; and

(VII) Method for juveniles grievance regarding use of room confinement.

(vii) Documentation that the program components include recreation, transportation, parental involvement and aftercare.

(viii) Documentation of the Detention Center's weekly schedule for its residents. The schedule shall be posted.

(e) Children accepted for this service are under the age of 19 at the time of placement and are determined to be:

(i) In need of segregation from the community because they present a threat to community safety in the form of possible other offenses or because they may flee prosecution if released; or

(ii) In need of supervision because their health or safety would be endangered if no supervision were provided, as in the case of physical impairment due to alcohol intoxication or the influence of a controlled substance.

(f) Placement:

(i) Placement may be made by law enforcement to protect the child's person or the person or property of others, or to prevent the child from leaving or being removed from the jurisdiction of the court;

(ii) Placement may be made under court order directing detention; and

(iii) The juvenile shall remain in the detention facility no longer than 72 hours without a court order.

(g) Procedures for admission of juveniles:

(i) Determination that juvenile is legally admitted to the facility;

(ii) Complete search of juvenile and possessions; the facility will have written policy, procedure and practice that provides, except in emergency situations, for visual inspections of juvenile body cavities conducted by officers of the same sex and in private and based on reasonable belief that the juvenile is carrying contraband or other prohibitive material. Reasonable belief is not required when juveniles return from contact with the general public or from outside the institution. In all cases, this inspection is conducted by trained personnel.

(iii) Disposition of personal property.

(A) Written policy, procedure, and practice govern the control and safe guarding of juvenile personal property.

(B) Personal property retained at the facility is itemized in a written list that is kept in permanent case file; the juvenile receives a current copy of this list.

(iv) Shower and hair care. (v) Issue of clean, laundered clothing. (vi) Issue of personal hygiene items. (vii) Medical, dental and mental health screening. (viii) Assignment to room. (ix) Recording of basic personal data and information to be used for mail and visiting

lists.

(A) Policy and procedure governing correspondence of juveniles, includes:

(I) Juveniles have the right to communicate or correspond with persons or organizations, subject only to the limitations necessary to maintain facility order and security;

(II) Inspection of incoming and outgoing letters and packages for contraband;

(III) Mail read, censored or rejected based on legitimate facility interest of order and security;

(IV) Policy and procedure governing telephone use of juveniles provided for juvenile access to the telephone to make and receive personal calls; and

(V) Policy and procedure provides juveniles the rights to receive visits, subject only to the limitations necessary to maintain facility order and security. Policy shall specify visitors register upon entry into the facility and the circumstances under which visitors are searched and supervised during the visit.

(x) Assistance to juveniles in notifying their families of admission and procedures for mail and visits.

(xi) Provisions of written orientation materials to the juvenile.

(xii) Written documentation for each child admitted shall include:

(A) Intake information, child's immediate needs; (B) Name of referral source, placing authority; (C) Name and address of child's parents/guardian; (D) Date and time of placement;

(E) Reason for placement in detention facility;

(F) Description of the child’s condition as observed by the intake worker. This shall include notation of the child’s response to the placement;

(G) Medication the child is taking;

(H) Special medical needs; and

(I) Parental signed release for emergency medical treatment. If a parental release is unavailable, obtain a release by the person or agency who has legal custody.

(xiii) The detention facility shall document which staff reviews admission information and makes admission;

(xiv) The detention facility shall provide orientation for new children within the first 24 hours. This shall be documented and a copy of the facility’s house rules signed by the child shall be placed in the child’s record;

(h) A record shall be maintain for each child admitted that includes:

(i) Admission information;

(ii) Name, age, sex, place of birth, and race or nationality;

(iii) Authority to accept juvenile;

(iv) Referral source;

(v) Medical consent form;

(vi) Name, relationship, address and telephone number of parent(s)/guardian(s) and person(s) juvenile resides with at the time of admission;

(vii) Drivers license, social security number, and Medicaid numbers, when applicable;

(viii) Court and deposition;

(ix) Individual plan or program including discharge plan;

(x) Signed release of information forms;

(xi) Program rules and disciplinary record signed by juvenile;

(xii) Grievance and disciplinary record;

(xiii) Referral to other agencies; and (xiv) Final discharge or transfer report.

(i) Written policy and procedure provide that records are safeguarded from unauthorized and improper disclosure. Manual records are marked “confidential” and kept in locked files that are also marked “confidential”. When any part of the information system is computerized, security ensures confidentiality.

(j) Written policy, procedure, and practice provide that an updated case file for any juvenile transferred from one facility to another is transferred simultaneously, or at the latest, within 72 hours.

(k) Procedures for release of juveniles include but are not limited to the following:

(i) Verification of identity;

(ii) Verification of release papers;

(iii) Completion of release arrangements, including the person or agency to whom the juvenile is to be release;

(iv) Documentation of release plan;

(v) Return of personal effects;

(vi) Completion of any pending action, such as grievances, claims for damages or lost possessions;

(vii) Transportation arrangements; and

(viii) Instructions for forwarding mail.

Section 9. Maternity Home Care.

(a) Maternity Home Care: A group setting generally for minors of not more than 10 pregnant females that provides substitute care, emotional support, counseling and education during the pregnancy and assists the mother in planning for the birth of the child and subsequent aftercare.

(b) Services to be provided:

(i) Room and board;

(ii) Supervision by 24 hour on-duty, awake staff. Staff available immediately when a delivery is imminent;

(iii) Written agreement with agencies or private providers for emergency psychological and medical/dental care available 24 hours a day;

(iv) Consultation and education on the medical aspects of the pregnancy, prenatal, birth and postnatal medical care of mother and child, to be provided by staff or through written agreement with agencies or private providers; and

(v) Counseling services shall be available to all children in accordance with the individual treatment plan; to be arranged/provided by staff or purchased by the provider.

(c) Admission policy:

(i) There shall be written policy defining the children who will be admitted to the Maternity Home;

(ii) There shall be written policy defining the children or behaviors who are not appropriate for admission into the Maternity Home; and

(iii) The Maternity Home’s policies and procedures shall document which staff will review admission information and makes admissions.

(d) Placement:

(i) Pregnant at the time;

(ii) In need of separation from family or community to complete the pregnancy in a neutral environment;

(iii) In need of shelter and counseling to enable the expectant mother to reach an informed decision regarding relinquishment or keeping her baby;

(iv) Parental placement shall include written consent for the placement, emergency psychological care and medical care signed by the parent;

(v) Agency placement of a child shall include either the written consent for the placement, emergency psychological care and medical care or a court order directing placement, written consent for emergency psychological and medical care;

(vi) Self referral shall include authorization for medical care that may be given pursuant to W.S. 14-1-101(a) and emergency psychological care; and

(vii) The Maternity Home shall ensure that a written placement agreement is completed.

(e) Staff/Child Ratio:

(i) The direct care supervisory staff/child ratio of one (1) staff for every ten (10) children;

(ii) Nighttime direct care supervisory staff/child ratio of one (1) staff for every ten (10) children (10:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M.);

(iii) Additional staff shall be readily available to support direct care to any child in need of supervision during the day and nighttime hours; and

(iv) Staff ratios are maintained whenever children are present in the facility under the direct supervision of child care staff.

(v) The facility may have an operative alarm system to supplement security. The purpose of the alarm system will be to monitor the movement of children within the facility. This alarm system will either be self-monitoring or will be monitored and checked daily by staff to prevent tampering.

(f) Responsibilities of Maternity Home:

(i) Documentation that the programs components include recreation, transportation, parental involvement and aftercare;

(ii) Documentation of the center’s weekly schedule for the children shall be posted;

(iii) Verification of the personal/educational qualifications of staff:

(A) Prior to certification as a Maternity Home, the program director shall provide the certifying authority with verification that he/she has a minimum of a baccalaureate degree and at least two years of experience in social services, health care or other human services field;

(B) Three references attesting to the potential employee’s ability to work in maternity care. The references shall be from individuals unrelated to the prospective employee who have personal knowledge of the person’s ability to care for children;

(C) Ensure orientation training (15 hours) to all staff and volunteers, to include:

(I) The overall philosophy and goals of the facility;

(II) All components of the facility’s program;

(III) Emergency and crisis procedures and crisis management strategies;

and

(IV) The overall importance of the supervision and safety of children.

(D) Provide competency based in-service training for all staff and volunteers, twenty (20) hours annually, related to the medical and psychological aspects of pregnancy, child development, parenting, counseling and supportive techniques, assertiveness training, assessing financial and programmatic resources from social service agencies, and nutritional needs of the expectant mother. The in-service training shall be documented and include the date, the subject and the name of the person who conducted the training. This training record shall be incorporated within the employee’s personnel file; and (E) Documentation of first aid training and emergency delivery technique training in personnel file.

(g) Responsibilities of staff:

(i) A completed application to care for pregnant children;

(ii) Three references attesting to the applicant’s ability to care for children. The references shall be from individuals unrelated to the prospective employee who have personal knowledge of the staff’s ability to care for children;

(h) The Maternity Home shall ensure that a written placement agreement is completed.

(i) The agreement shall be developed with the involvement of the following individuals:

(A) The child;

(B) The parents;

(C) The placing agency; and

(D) The Maternity Home.

(ii) Where involvement of any of these individuals is not feasible or desirable, the reasons for the exclusion shall be recorded;

(iii) A copy of the placement agreement signed by all parties involved in its formulation shall be kept in the child’s file at the facility;

(iv) A copy shall be provided to each of the signing parties;

(v) The signing parties shall include but not be limited to the following:

(A) The placing agency;

(B) The agency or individual that maintains legal custody of the child;

(C) The Maternity Home;

(D) The child;

(E) The parent.

(vi) The placement agreement shall include but not be limited to the following:

(A) Expectations of family contact and involvement including arrangements re- garding family visits, vacation, mail, gifts, and telephone calls;

(B) The nature and goals of care, including any specialized services to be provided;

(C) The religious orientation and practices of the child;

(D) The anticipated date for the development of the treatment plan;

(E) The anticipated discharge date and plan;

(F) A delineation of the respective roles and responsibilities of all agencies and persons involved with the child and family;

(G) Arrangements as to the nature and frequency of reports and meetings involving the parents or guardian and referral agency; and

(H) A provision for notification of parents or guardian and/or the placing agency in the event of unauthorized absences, medical or dental problems and any significant event regarding the child.

(vii) The Maternity Home shall provide orientation for new children within 72 hours. This shall be documented and a copy of the house rules signed by the child shall be placed in the child’s record.

(viii) A record shall be maintained for each child admitted, to include:

(A) Child’s name and immediate needs;

(B) Child’s date and place of birth, sex, race, and religion (if known);

(C) Names and addresses of child’s parents or guardian, as well as the names of others who have a significant relationship with the child;

(D) Name of putative father;

(E) Date, time and reason for placement;

(F) Name of referral source, placing agency or individual;

(G) Description of the child’s condition as observed by the intake worker, including notation of the child’s response to the placement;

(H) Child’s special needs, including medications and allergies to medication or food;

(I) Parental signed release for emergency medical treatment;

and (J) Physician’s name, medical status of pregnancy, anticipated date of delivery;

(K) Aftercare plan, to include follow-up medical care, and discharge date.

Section 10. Adoption Agencies.

These are private non-profit agencies that provide pre-services or plan for adoptive home placements for children.

(a) Services to be provided are:

(i) Services to parents who are considering relinquishment of their child;

(ii) Study and screening process for adoptive home applicants;

(iii) Post-placement supervision of adoptive home placements to adoptive families and post placement services to biological families;

(A) Supervision shall be a minimum of two (2) years.

(B) Documentation shall be kept on supervision activities.

(iv) Post-placement services shall be provided to biological families; and

(v) Post legal services to adoptees and their families.

(b) Child Placing Services:

(i) An agency that provides a child placing service shall comply with the additional requirements of this section:

(A) Recruits and studies foster families/adoptive homes and evaluates their suitability and the suitability of their homes for foster care placement or adoptive placements.

(B) All adoptive/foster home studies shall be approved by the adoption agency director.

(ii) Prior to the utilization of adoptive/foster home, there shall be documentation of supervisory approval of the home that shall include the number, age and sex of the children for which the home is approved;

(A) The agency shall not place a child into a home until that home has been studied and approved by the agency.

(B) All agency adoptive/foster home studies shall be updated each year or when- ever a change is made in the conditions of approval.

(iii) At the time the agency foster home is approved by the agency, the agency shall have a written agreement with the foster parents. At a minimum, this agreement shall specify:

(A) The financial agreement between the agency and the foster home;

(B) That the agency home shall not accept a non-relative child for 24-hour care from any source other than through the child-placing agency;

(C) The agency’s right to remove the child at the agency’s discretion;

(D) That the child shall be released only with the consent of the agency;

(E) That visiting by the child’s parents or relatives shall be arranged through the agency;

(F) The agency’s responsibility for regular supervision of the foster home;

(G) Agreements regarding visits of the child away from the home;

(H) That the foster parents shall notify the agency whenever they wish to take a foster child out of the state;

(I) Both the agency and the foster parents shall have a copy of this agreement. A copy of this agreement shall be filed in the foster home record; and

(J) The certifying authority shall have the authority to visit and inspect agency homes of the child-placing agency at all reasonable times.

(c) Prior to finalization of an adoption, supervisory visits shall be made to each adoptive home in which children are placed:

(i) These visits shall be recorded in the adoptive home record;

(ii) Supervisory visits are not required for homes considered inactive by the agency and in which no children are placed; and

(iii) Adoptive homes shall be updated before additional placements are made. (d) Organization and administration:

(i) The agency shall define its purpose and maintain an updated and available statement of its purpose and description of its program of services;

(ii) The agency places children for adoption and provides post-placement and supportive services for biological and adoptive families;

(iii) When adoptive home placements are made it shall be in compliance with the Wyoming Adoption Statute (W.S. 1-22-101 through Statute W.S. 1-22-115);

(iv) Relinquishments shall be accepted from both the biological mother and the putative father or the legal father in accordance with Wyoming Statute or state or international laws;

(v) Adoptive home files shall be maintained in a confidential manner;

(A) The agency shall keep files in a locked fire-safe filing cabinet.

(B) Final adoption records shall be kept sealed permanently and opened only according to Wyoming Statute.

(vi) When children are placed across state lines for the purpose of adoption, this shall be in accordance with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children; and

(vii) Inter-country adoptions must be in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

(A) Adoptive parents shall have a full understanding of the problems that may occur with inter-country adoptions.

(e) The agency shall be financially sound, manage its financial affairs prudently and commit itself to public disclosure to the degree possible under the law.

(i) The agency obtains funding sufficient to operate its program of services it is committed to provide;

(ii) The agency prepares annually a budget for allocating its funds;

(iii) The agency receives, disburses and accounts for its funds in accordance with generally accepted financial practices; and

(iv) The agency demonstrates fiscal accountability through regular reporting of its finances and an annual audit.

(f) Education qualifications

(i) Prior to certification as an Adoption Agency, the executive director shall provide the certifying authority with verification that he/she has a minimum of a baccalaureate degree and two (2) years experience in human services;

(ii) Professional staff shall possess the following qualifications:

(A) A baccalaureate degree in social work, psychology, sociology or other human services fields, and

(B) Two years experience in human services.

(iii) All staff shall complete a fifteen (15) hour orientation program and ongoing annual training of ten (10) hours, to includes:

1. (A) The overall philosophy and goals of the agency;
2. (B) All components of the agency's program;
3. (C) Emergency and crisis procedures;
4. (D) Acceptable behavior and crisis management strategies; and
5. (E) Adoptive home study and adoptive home placement policy and procedures;
6. (F) Provision of services for post-adoption.

(g) Contracts

(i) The Adoption Agency shall develop a contract between the agency and the adoptive family;

(ii) Financial responsibility shall be determined in the contract;

(A) When money is not paid to the Adoption Agency in one payment it shall be outlined in the contract when payment is due and the reason for the payment.

(B) A maximum amount for the adoption shall be set by the Adoption Agency and placed in the contract.

(iii) There shall be documentation stating that the adoptive family has a full understanding of the financial obligation.