65C-14.117. Standards for Contracted Emergency Shelters (Transferred)

Child-caring agencies contracted to provide services as an emergency shelter shall comply with the licensing requirements set forth in Rules 65C-14.001 through 65C-14.116, F.A.C., in addition to the following program standards:

(1) There shall be communication access available to residents for making and receiving approved private calls. Restrictions on private calls shall be based on the effect of the call on the child, i.e. potential runaway, self-harming, or other destructive and unsafe behaviors, and any existing court orders regarding contact.

(2) All contracted emergency shelters shall be available for services on a 24-hour basis, 7 days a week.

(3) No contracted emergency shelters shall refuse to accept and provide care for children because of a minor illness or injury.

(4) A contracted emergency shelter staff member shall discuss program goals, available services, and rules governing conduct with each resident upon admission to the shelter. This discussion must be documented by a facility staff member on a form developed by each facility and stored in the child’s file. The employee and resident must sign the completed form. This requirement does not apply to resident infants or children who are not capable of understanding due to disability or stage of cognitive development.

(5) All contracted emergency shelters shall cooperate with child welfare professionals who place clients in a contracted shelter program by enrolling the children in school or by providing an educational component in the shelter.

(6) All contracted emergency shelters shall have on the premises individual records that identify if a child is placed through the child welfare system.

(7) All contracted emergency shelters shall provide 24 hour care and supervision.

Rulemaking Authority 409.175(5) FS. Law Implemented 409.175 FS. History–New 12-24-17, Amended 5-26-19.