Definitions, Application Packet and Licensing Documents, Administration and Organization, Buildings, Grounds, Equipment, and Interior Accommodations, Safety, Sanitation and Food Service Requirements, ....
DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Family Safety and Preservation Program
RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:
65C-14.001Definitions
65C-14.003Application Packet and Licensing Documents
65C-14.006Administration and Organization
65C-14.007 Buildings, Grounds, Equipment, and Interior Accommodations
65C-14.010Safety, Sanitation and Food Service Requirements
65C-14.014Health and Medical Services
65C-14.017Child Abuse and Neglect and Incident Notification Procedures
65C-14.018Individual Needs and Rights of Children in Care
65C-14.022Child Records and Confidentiality Requirements
65C-14.023Personnel and Staffing Requirements
65C-14.040Admission, Placement, and Ongoing Services
65C-14.048Discharge Planning and Aftercare Services
65C-14.117Standards for Contracted Emergency Shelters
65C-14.118Standards for Runaway Shelters
65C-14.1181Standards for Maternity Homes
65C-14.1182Standards for Wilderness Camps
65C-14.1183Standards for At-Risk Houses
65C-14.119Standards for Safe Houses
65C-14.121Standards for Qualified Residential Treatment Program Credential
65C-14.122Standards for Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) Homes and Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Programs
65C-14.123Standards for Traditional and Residential Homes
65C-14.124Licensing Process and Procedures
NOTICE OF CHANGE
Notice is hereby given that the following changes have been made to the proposed rule in accordance with subparagraph 120.54(3)(d)1., F.S., published in Vol. 46 No. 249, December 24, 2020 issue of the Florida Administrative Register.
65C-14.001 Definitions.
(1) through (10) No change.
(11) “Governing body” means the board of trustees, the partnership, the corporation, the association, or the person or group of persons who maintain and control the provider organization and which is legally responsible for the operation of the child-caring agency provider organization.
(12) “Inappropriate,” for the purpose of this rule chapter, means behaviors assessed by the child welfare professional that are determined to be not suitable based on the child’s age and may cause harm to one’s self.
(12) through (26) are renumbered (13) through (27) No change.
(28)(27) “Qualified residential treatment program (QRTP)” means a licensed therapeutic group home with a child-caring agency credential that provides care for youth who have serious emotional or behavioral disorders or disturbances.
(29)(28) No change.
65C-14.003 Application Packet and Licensing Documents
(1) through (4) No change.
(5) At initial licensure, the child-caring agency serving dependency youth shall obtain a statement of need from the local community-based care agency indicating the need for residential care.
(5)(6) The child-caring agency shall provide a description of the geographic area the child-caring agency serves or intends to serve, to include if serving on a county, region or statewide level, with the specific services it provides or proposes to provide. Applicants who apply for an initial license shall furnish evidence that the services will be used by referral sources or other documentation of the need for the services which shall be verified by the Department. The child-caring agency shall indicate if it plans to serve dependent and/or non-dependent populations.
(7) through (23) are renumbered (6) through (22) No change.
(23) Policies and procedures.
65C-14.006 Administration and Organization.
(1) through (4) No change.
(5) Grievance. The child-caring agency shall have a written and posted grievance procedure which allows children in care or others to make complaints without fear of retaliation.
(a) The grievanace procedure shall be written in a clear and simple manner that is developmentally appropriate. It should be prominently posted in areas frequented by children and where they can read it without scrutiny.
(b) through (c) No change.
(d) The child-caring agency will post the phone number of the Department’s Ombudsman (1-844-KIDS-FLA) in areas frequented by children and where they can read it without scrutiny.
(6) through (8) No change.
65C-14.007 Buildings, Grounds, Equipment, and Interior Accommodations.
(1) No change.
(2) Interior Accomodations.
(a) through (g) No change.
(h) Bedrooms.
1. through 2. No change.
3. Child-caring agencies shall provide each child with a safe, permanent, and comfortable bed and non-institutional mattress in good repair. The beds shall be no shorter than the child’s height and no less than 30 inches wide. Where bunk beds are used, there shall be sufficient room to allow the occupants of both bunks to sit up in bed. Bunk beds shall be safe and sturdy. Bunk beds shall be equipped with safety rails on the upper tier for any child whose physical, mental, or emotional condition indicates the need for such protection. Beds bunked higher than two (2) tiers must have a manufacturer sticker of safety and must not be placed under or near ceiling fans. Cribs with drop-down sides, foldaway beds, and cots shall not be utilized.
4. through 5. No change.
6. Children shall have the opportunity to personalize and decorate their bedrooms with furnishings and possessions. Personalizations should not display any offensive or discriminatory material. The child-caring agency shall review the policies outlining offensive or discriminatory items with the child upon admission.
(i) No change.
(3) No change.
65C-14.010 Safety, Sanitation, and Food Service Requirements.
(1) through (7) No change.
(8) Communicable Disease Prevention and Preparedness
(a) No change.
(b) In the event of a pandemic or epidemic, the child-caring agency may utilize resources shall follow guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Florida Department of Health (DOH), or other health entity responsible for the prevention and control of disease in the community. The child-caring agency shall escalate any conflicting resources to the Regional Licensing Authority. To limit the spread of germs and prevent infection such precautions include, but are not limited to:
1. through 5. No change.
(9) Food Service.
(a) The child-caring agency shall have a procedure for the overall management of the food service. All menus shall be approved by a registered dietitian for nutritional adequacy every two years for the particular population of the group home. Residential programs participating in the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service shall be considered to have met this requirement.
(b) through (d) No change.
65C-14.014 Health and Medical Services.
(1) General.
(a) through (c) No change.
(d) The child-caring agency shall immediately notify the child’s parent or guardian, child’s attorney, guardian ad litem, and the child-placing agency or the Department if the child is in the custody of the Department, of any serious illness, any incident involving serious bodily injury, pregnancy or childbirth, or any psychiatric episode requiring the hospitalization of a child.
(e) through (g) No change.
(2) Medication.
(a) through (d) No change.
(e) All child-caring agencies shall have written procedures for the administration of medications.
(3) Medical Information and Health Screenings.
(a) through (d) No change.
(e) The child-caring agency is responsible for meeting the physical health needs of each child in its care.
1. through 2. No change.
3. The child-caring agency shall ensure pregnant youth have prenatal and postnatal care, if not served in a maternity home. The child-caring agency shall assess pregnant youth to determine if postpartum testing and referrals are required.
(f) through (g) No change.
65C-14.017 Child Abuse and Neglect and Incident Notification Procedures.
(1) through (9) No change.
(10) Copies of incident reports shall be provided upon request to the caregiver or legal custodian to include the community-based care agency, the Department, guardian ad litem, child’s attorney, and parent(s).
65C-14.018 Individual Needs and Rights of Children in Care.
(1) through (12) No change.
(13) The child-caring agency shall allow youth to have scheduled and unscheduled contact with family and persons with meaningful relationships so long as there is no violation of an existing court order.
(14) through (15) No change.
65C-14.022 Child Records and Confidentiality Requirements.
(1) No change.
(2) The child-caring agency shall maintain individual records for each child and document efforts to obtain the information. The child’s record shall include the following:
(a) through (d) No change.
(e) Date of admission, source of referral, and any available assessments from the referring agency including the Comprehensive Placement Assessment, incorporated by reference in rule 65C-28.004, F.A.C., and the Comprehensive Behavioral Health Assessment, referenced in rule 65C-28.014, F.A.C.;
(f) through (n) No change.
(3) through (11) No change.
65C-14.023 Personnel and Staffing Requirements.
(1) through (5) No change.
(6) Any employee or prospective employee with a verified report for sexual abuse is not permitted to work in the child-caring agency. Any employee or prospective employee All employees with a reports verified report for abuse and neglect other than sexual abuse, and when an employee is named caregiver responsible in a report not substantiated for sexual abuse, shall be reviewed by the Department to determine safety concerns for the employee being considered for hire or continued employment.
(7) The Department shall drug test a staff member if there are allegations or indications that he or she is using illegal substances.
(8) No change.
(9) Training.
(a) through (e) No change.
(10) through (11) No change.
65C-14.040 Admission, Placement, and Ongoing Services.
(1) through (5) No change.
(6) Age Differiential Waiver Requests.
(a) No change.
(b) An age differential waiver may be requested for a child under the age of 10 years old in the following situations:
1. To prevent the separation of siblings. I. Siblings shall be placed in the same home whenever possible. II. If it is not possible to place the siblings in the same home, siblings may be placed on the same campus. Efforts to place the siblings in the same home shall be documented in the child’s record; or.
2. To prevent separation of a parenting young adult and child if placed outside of a maternity home. If the parenting young adult and child is placed outside of a maternity home, the child-caring agency shall provide the services outlined in rule 65C-14.1181 F.A.C.
23. When the comprehensive placement assessment and the multidisciplinary team staffing recommend placement in a child-caring agency; and.
34. When the child meets must meet the eligibility eligbility requirements for admission into a child caring agency when utilizing the age differential waiver.
(c) The age differential waiver is not required for youth under the age of 10 when:
who have a qualifying assessment recommending placement in a qualified residential treatment program (QRTP). The qualifying assessment must render a recommendation prior to placement in a QRTP.
1. To prevent separation of a parenting young adult and child when placement in a maternity home is not feasible. If the parenting young adult and child are placed outside of a maternity home, the child-caring agency shall provide the services outlined in rule 65C-14.1181 F.A.C. The child of the parenting young adult must meet the eligbility requirements for admission into a child-caring ageny.
2. A non-dependent child meets the criteria for placement in an unaccompanied alien minor home, emergency shelter, or runaway shelter.
(d) No change.
(e) The Age Differential Waiver for Group Care form, CF-FSP 5447, (insert date), incorporated by reference and available at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-XXX. and a copy of the child’s Comprehensive Placement Assessment Asssessment must be submitted by the CBC for signed approval by the their CEO or CBC or Department designee and routed to the Regional Managing Director (RMD) or Department designee for final approval prior to placement in a child-caring agency.
1. In determining whether to approve the age differential waiver, the Department or CBC designee RMD will consider the information outlined in the Comprehensive Placement Assessment and the Age Differential Waiver request form, and the eligibility criteria for admission of the requested group home setting.
2. The RMD or Department or CBC designee shall provide a determination within two (2) four (4) hours of receipt of the request from the CBC.
(f) The age differential waiver form must be approved prior to initial placement with each individual child-caring agency. The waiver must be uploaded to the child’s case file and reviewed every 30 days.
(g) A youth who turns 18 years old may remain in the child-caring agency if recieving services under the Department’s Extended Foster Care Program and Road to Independence Program. Young adults may continue room sharing arrangments until there is a disruption or transition, at which point the young adult can no longer share a room with a minor. Young adults residing in the child-caring agency as a supervised living arrangement are included in the overall capacity. All young adults age 18 and older residing in a licensed setting serving children under the age of 18 must comply with finger printing screenings and abuse check requirements pursuant to rule 65C-14.023(4)(a), F.A.C.
(h) No change.
(7) through (11) No change.
(12) Service Plans.
(a) No change.
(b) Service plans shall outline details of the supports, activities, and resources required for the child to achieve individual goals. A service plan is not required if the child-caring agency develops a treatment plan.
(c) through (h) No change.
(13) Treatment Plans.
(a) Child-caring agencies responsible for developing treatment plans must complete written plans within 14 business days of placement for each child admitted into care.
(b) The treatment plan shall be developed with input from the child, child’s parent(s) or guardian, child welfare or community-based care case manager, foster parents, if applicable, child’s attorney, and guardian ad litem, if appointed, or any other party involved with the development of the plan.
(c) The treatment plan shall include the following:
1. Treatment goals A statement of problems to be addressed;
2. Goals to be reached which address each problem;
3. through 8. are renumbered 2. through 7. No change.
(d) through (f) No change.
(14) No change.
(15) If non-school age children are enrolled in child care, priority consideration for the choice of child care setting shall be chosen by the caregiver in the following order:
1. Gold Seal accredited child care providers or providers participating in a quality rating system,
2. Licensed child care providers,
3. Public school providers,
4. License exempt child care providers, including religious exempt, registered, and non-public schools.
(a) No change.
(b) The child-caring agency shall encourage children of legal work age to find employment in the community in accordance with their transition plan the service or treatment plan. The child welfare professional is responsible for ensuring the child’s transition plan is aligned with the child’s service or treatment plan. The child-caring agency shall ensure children have transportation to and from their employment.
(c) through (d) No change.
65C-14.048 Discharge Planning and Aftercare Services.
(1) through (3) No change.
(4) Discharge planning shall include input from the child, the child’s parent or guardian, foster parents, caregiver, Department, child’s attorney, and guardian ad litem, and a copy shall be provided to the child’s welfare professional.
(5) No change.
(6) A copy of the discharge summary shall be provided to the parent(s) or legal guardian, child’s attorney, and guardian ad litem.
(7) through (8) No change.
65C-14.117 Standards for Contracted Emergency Shelters.
(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) through (7) No change.
65C-14.118 Standards for Runaway Shelters.
(1) Child-caring agencies who provide services as a runaway shelter shall comply with the licensing requirements set forth in rules 65C-14.001 through 65C-14.116, F.A.C., in additon to the program standards outlined in this rule.
(a) through (b) No change.
(c) 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.
(d) through (f) No change.
Second (f) through (g) are redesignated (g) through (h) No change.
(2) Client Rights and Service Expectations.
(a) Information about client rights shall be made available in a language which the client and the client’s parent or legal guardian can understand (i.e. sign language or in verbal or written form). The notice shall be in language that is clear and developmentally appropriate. It shall be prominently posted in areas frequented by clients and where they can read it without scrutiny.
(b) through (g) No change.
(3) through (5) No change.
65C-14.1181 Standards for Maternity Homes.
(1) No change.
(2) Training. The child-caring agency shall ensure all direct care staff complete pre-service training requirements in rule 65C-14.023(9)(c), F.A.C. The pre-service training shall include an additional 20 hours related to the care of prenatal, postpartum, and parenting youth or young adults. Of the 40 hours of annual in-service training required in ule 65C-14.023(9)(d), F.A.C., eight 20 hours shall be focused on prenatal care, postpartum, and parenting youth or young. Training topics shall include, but are not limited to:
(a) through (e) No change.
(3) through (5) No change.
(6) The child-caring caring agency shall ensure youth acknowledge receipt of training for infant safety and care, infant water safety, nutrition for children ages zero (0) to five (5), and safe sleep practices. The acknowledgement shall be signed in placed in the youth’s file.
(7) The service plan shall outline details of the supports and resources to allow the pregnant or parenting youth to be successful with, but not limited to, school, employment, and providing for the care of their child.
(a) If the pregnant or parenting youth is under the care and supervision of the Department, the CBC shall provide a daycare referral to allow the young parent to attend school or employment. The child-caring agency must provide transportation to and from the daycare so the teen mother may attend school.
(b) The CBC shall collaborate with the child-caring agency to ensure the young parent has diapers, food, and clothing for their child.
65C-14.1182 Standards for Wilderness Camps.
(1) No change.
(2) Location.
(a) No change.
(b) A wilderness camp shall only be established at a location where land that does not have a surplus of water is properly drained.
(3) through (6) No change.
65C-14.1183 Standards for At-Risk Houses
(1) through (3) No change.
(4)Training.
(a) The child-caring agency shall ensure all direct care staff complete pre-service training requirements in rule 65C-14.023(9)(c), F.A.C., and receive an additional 24 hours of Department-approved, specialized training on human trafficking prior to working with youth. The 24-hour Department approved training on human trafficking shall be instruction lead and delivered by a trainer certified by the Department. See rule 65C-43.004, F.A.C., for information on this required specialized training.
(b) through (c) No change.
(5) No change.
(6) Client Services. The child-caring agency must provide high-quality, supportive services for youth to include, but are not limited to:
(a) No change.
(b) Treatment and intervention for sexual assault, if applicable;
(c) through (d) No change.
(e) Vocational or eEducational supports;
(f) Discharge planning; and
(g) Behavioral health care, if applicable;
(h) Mentoring; and
(g) is redesignated (i) No change.
65C-14.119 Standards for Safe Houses
(1) through (2) No change.
(3) The child-caring agency shall ensure all direct care staff complete pre-service training requirements in rule 65C-14.023(9)(c), F.A.C., and an additional 24-hours of specialized training in commercial sexual exploitation prior to unsupervised contact with youth. Specialized training requirements are outlined in rule 65C-43.004(4), F.A.C. Staff must complete eight (8) hours of continuing education annually focused on human trafficking.
(4) No change.
(5) Safe House Tiers. The child-caring agency shall indicate in its policy if they will serve as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 safe house, with Tier 1 being least restrictive and Tier 2 being more restrictive.
(6) Admission and Discharge.
(a) through (b) No change.
(c) Current or historical trauma-related behaviors and coping mechanisms, such as the following, should not be used as a reason to deny a placement request or discharge a youth, unless it can be determined that such behavior will create an imminent risk to the safety or stability of other residents in the home:
1. through 3. No change.
4. Violent behaviors that do not pose an imminent risk to others; or
5. Mental health diagnoses that do not require a higher level of care.; or
6. Occasional substance abuse, separate from deep end substance abuse which places the child in imminent danger and requires detox.
(d) through (e) No change.
(7) No change.
(8) Client Services. The child-caring agency shall provide the following client services:
(a) through (e) No change.
(f) Survivor mentoring support by a survivor of commerical sexual exploitation of a child or any other form of sexual exploitation; and
(g) No change.
65C-14.121 Standards for Qualified Residential Treatment Programs
(1) Entities applying for a qualified residential treatment program credenital to provide The child-caring agency providing services for youth who have serious emotional or behavioral disorders or disturbances must meet the licensing requirements set forth in section 394.875(2), F.S., and rule chapter 65E-9, rules 65C-14.001 through 65C-14.116, F.A.C., in addition to the program standards in this rule.
(2) The entity shall complete the “Application for Credential as a Qualfied Residential Treatment Program” CF-FSP 5452, (insert date), incorporated by reference and available at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-XXX.
(3) The entity must provide a copy of their active state license issued by AHCA.
(4) Background Screening Requirements.
(a) All direct care staff employed by the entity must obtain the following background screenings:
1. National and statewide criminal records checks under Chapter 435 and Chapter 39, Florida Statutes, through fingerprinting every five (5) years;
2. Juvenile records check through fingerprinting every five (5) years as applicable;
3. Florida abuse and neglect records checks through the Department’s child abuse registry every 12 months; and
4. Out of state abuse history records check if the individual resided out of state in the past five years from the time of the request for a QRTP credential.
(b) Juvenile records checks through the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice for ages 12 to 17 of children of QRTP staff who reside in the group home.
(c) Any other adult household member residing in the group home will be required to meet the background screening requirements in the same manner as staff of the QRTP.
(5)(2) File Requirements. The QRTP child-caring agency shall obtain a copy of the child’s suitability qualifying assessment, as defined in rule 65C-28.021, F.A.C. and place in the child’s file. QRTPs Child-caring agencies serving non-dependency youth shall obtain a copy of an independent assessment confirming the child meets criteria to receive services in a qualified residential treatment program.
(6)(3) The QRTP child-caring agency shall work in conjunction with the qualified evaluator individual conducting all assessments.
(7)(4) Training. All staff must complete training in trauma-informed care. The QRTP must submit to the regional licensing authority a staff roster outlining the dates of completion for the trauma-informed care training.
(a) The child-caring agency shall ensure all direct care staff complete pre-service training requirements in Rule 65C-14.023(9)(c), F.A.C., and receive an additional 30 hours of specialized training specific to qualified residential group care.
(b) Of the 40 hours of annual in-service training required in rule 65C-14.023(9)(d), F.A.C., 10 hours shall focus on qualified residential group care. Topics shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Normal childhood development;
2. Emotional disturbances in children and common behavioral problems exhibited;
3. Evidenced-based interventions for children with emotional disturbances;
4. Behavior management, theory, and skills;
5. Discipline to include limit-setting, logical consequences and problem solving;
6. Relationship building skills;
7. Communication skills;
8. Permanency planning;
9. Stress management;
10. Crisis intervention and emergency procedures;
11. Self-defense and passive physical restraint;
12. Working with biological or adoptive families;
13. Placement adjustment skills;
14. Confidentiality;
15. Cultural competency;
16. Behaviors and emotional issues of children who have been sexually abused; and
17. Children and youth with developmental disabilities (if serving this population).
(8)(5) Staffing.
(a) The QRTP child-caring agency shall have registered or licensed nursing staff and other licensed clinical staff who are:
(a)1. On-site as outlined in the QRTP’s child-caring agency’s trauma informed treatment model;
(b)2. Available 24-hours a day, seven (7) days a week for response; and
(c)3. May be contracted providers.
(b) The child-caring agency may utilize a shift care staffing model or house parent model.
(9)(6) Accreditation. The QRTP child-caring agency must be accredited by any of the following organizations:
(a) through (d) No change.
(7) License Capacity
(a) The child-caring agency licensed as a qualified residential treatment program (QRTP) shall not exceed a licensed capacity of 16.
(b) The total bed capacity of all licensed buildings, units, or cottages located on a campus shall be included in the total capacity count of 16.
(10)(8) Basic Service Requirements.
(a) The QRTP child-caring agency shall develop a policy outlining the programs trauma-informed treatment model that addresses the clinical needs of children with emotional or behavioral disorders or disturbances and is able to implement the treatment identified for the child. The policy shall address the staffing requirements needed to implement the trauma-informed model.
(b) The QRTP child-caring agency must provide time-limited, high-quality, supportive services for youth including, but not limited to:
1. through 5. No change.
6. Sexual abuse/sexual aggression services;
67. No change.
78. Social & rehabilitative services; and
89. Psycho-educational services.; and
10. Academic supports
(c) The QRTP child-caring agency shall facilitate participation of family members in the child’s treatment program including, but not limited to:
1. through 4. No change.
(d) The QRTP child-caring agency shall ensure the emotional safety and recovery are assessed and precautions are taken in regard to the safety of other children in the same setting.
(11)(9) The QRTP child-caring agency is responsible for the development of treatment plans as outlined in rule 65C-14.040(13)(a)-(f), F.A.C., in addition service plans.
(12)(10) Discharge and Aftercare Plan.
(a) The QRTP provider shall have and use on an ongoing basis a written procedure on discharge planning and aftercare supports that specifies the availability of services and the persons responsible for implementation of the aftercare supports.
(b) The QRTP child-caring agency shall provide discharge planning and family-based aftercare support for at least six (6) months post-discharge.
(c) through (f) No change.
(g) Aftercare Support Eligibility for Dependency Youth. Aftercare support must be offered to all children who have a suitability qualifying assessment and court order recommending placement in a QRTP setting. Aftercare support is not required for youth who discharge to another QRTP setting or higher level of care such as a to include Statewide In-Patient Psychiatric Program (SIPP) or Specialized Therapeutic Group Home (STGH).
(h) Aftercare Supports. The QRTP shall provide the following aftercare supports:
1. through 2. No change.
3. Provide a minimum of two (2) contacts per month. While, with at least one face to face contact is the preferred method for contact, with the youth and family/caregiver, the QRTP may utilize telehealth;
4. No change.
(i) When a youth is discharged to a placement setting outside a 50-mile radius of the provider, the child-caring agency must coordinate aftercare support with the lead community-based care agency having jurisdiction of the youth. The lead community-based care agency shall resume responsibilities of the aftercare support services provided to the youth.
(i)(j) The QRTP child-caring agency may contract/sub-contract these or related services to a community provider qualified to provide such services.
(13) The QRTP must inform the DCF regional licensing authority within one (1) busness day of any disciplinary actions executed by AHCA.
(14) Entities seeking a QRTP credential or entities issued a QRTP credential by the regional licensing authority are subject to requirements outlined in rules 65C-14.116 and 65C-14.124, F.A.C.
(12) QRTP Credential for Non-Department Licensed Entities.
(a) Entities licensed by another state agency may apply for a credential as a qualified residential treatment program and must meet all program standards outlined in this subsection.
(b) The entity shall complete the “Application for Credential as a Qualfied Residential Treatment Program” CF-FSP 5452, (insert date), incorporated by reference and available at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-XXX.
(c) Background Screening Requirements. All direct care staff employed by the entity must obtain the following background screenings:
1. National and statewide criminal records checks under Chapter 435 and Chapter 39, Florida Statutes, through fingerprinting every five (5) years;
2. Juvenile records check through fingerprinting every five (5) years as applicable;
3. Florida abuse and neglect records checks through the Department’s child abuse registry every 12 months; and
4. Out of state abuse history records check if the individual resided out of state in the past five years from the time of the request for a QRTP credential.
(d) Program Requirements. The QRTP credentialed entity must meet the following program requirements:
1. Licensed by a state agency;
2. Obtain accreditation by an approved accrediting entity;
3. Utilize a trauma-informed treatment model;
4. Serve children with serious emotional or behavioral disorders or disturbances;
5. Ensure an assessment of the child is completed by a qualified individual within 30 days of admission;
6. Have clinical and nursing staff available 24/7 and onsite according to the treatment model;
7. Maintain documentation of family engagement, including contact with siblings; and
8. Must include six (6) months of post-discharge, family-based aftercare services/support.
(e) All staff must complete training in trauma-informed care.
(f) The license shall not exceed a capacity of 16.
(g) QRTP credentials are issued for a period of 12 months.
65C-14.122 Standards for Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) Homes and Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Programs
(1) through (10) No change.
(11) The child-caring agency must develop policies and procedures on the administration and management of medication. A licensed health care provider must write or verbally order all nonprescription medications. Verbal orders must be documented in the child’s file. The child-caring agency must align all health and safety policies with guidelines of the Office of Refugee Resettlement located at Health and Safety | The Administration for Children and Families (hhs.gov).
65C-14.123 Standards for Traditional and Residential Homes
(1) The child-caring agency licensed as a traditional group home, as defined in rule 65C-14.001(21), F.A.C., or residential group home, as defined in 65C-14.001(15), F.A.C. this chapter, and serving non-dependency youth must meet licensing requirements set forth in rules 65C-14.001 through 65C-14.116, F.A.C., in addition to the program standards in this rule.
(2) If serving dependency youth, the child-caring agency licensed as a traditional group home, as defined in rule 65C-14.001(21), F.A.C., or residential group home, as defined in 65C-14.001(15), F.A.C. must meet licensing requirements set forth in rules 65C-14.001 through 65C-14.116, F.A.C., and must specify in their program description policies which of the following they choose to serve:
(a) Young adults, ages 18-21 years of age., or 22 years of age with documented disability who are enrolled in Extended Foster Care (EFC), or young adults in the Road to Independence Program, or
(b) No change.
(3) Requirements for Serving Independent Living Young Adults.
(a) The minimum staffing ratio for this population is one to eight when young adults are awake and one to 12 ten when young adults are asleep.
(b) The child-caring agency shall ensure all direct care staff complete pre-service training requirements in rule 65C-14.023(9)(c), F.A.C., and receive an additional eight (8) hours of training focused on teaching independent living skills, caring for teens in foster care, and nurturing adolescent development. Of the 40 hours of annual in-service training required in rule 65C-14.023(9)(d), F.A.C., eight (8) six (6) hours shall be focused on caring for and transition planning for young adults.
(c) through (d) No change.
(4) Requirements for Serving Youth Entering Out-of-Home Care.
(a) The length of stay shall not exceed 14 calendar days.
(b) through (c) are redesignated (a) through (b) No change.
65C-14.124 Licensing Process and Procedures
(1) through (2) No change.
(3) Changes During the Licensing Year.
(a) No change.
(b) Child-caring agencies who undergo a change in the license setting type shall submit a new application for license and must obtain a letter of need from the local CBC indicating the need for services and specific capacity. Program policies shall be updated to reflect changes to the program setting.
(c) No change.
(4) through (7) No change.
(8) Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) Credential
(a) Credential packets shall be uploaded into the states official system of record.
(b) The Regional Licensing Authority shall conduct a review of the application packet and all required documentation to ensure compliance with rule 65C-14.121, F.A.C., prior to issuance of a license. The expiration date must align with the expiration date of the state license issued by AHCA.
