Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 290 - RULES OF DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Chapter 290-2 - FAMILY AND CHILDREN SERVICES
Subject 290-2-5 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR CHILD CARING INSTITUTIONS
Rule 290-2-5-.09 - Referral and Admission

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 290-2-5-.09

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024

(1) Referrals. An institution shall only accept referrals for children whose known needs can be met by the institution in accordance with its program purpose and program description.

(a) Referral agreements with any public or private agencies that place children in the institution shall be in writing and shall include the following provisions and requirements.
1. Preplacement assessment and planning with the placing agency regarding the institution's abilities to meet the needs of the child shall be done. To the degree possible, all relevant information required for admission to the facility shall be reviewed in preplacement assessment and planning.

2. To the degree possible, there shall be a preplacement visit by the child, and the parent(s) or guardian(s), or placing agency representative if there is a reasonable likelihood that the child will be admitted.

(b) Referrals from any persons other than placing agencies (such as a parent or guardian) shall be handled in the same manner as described above for referrals from placing agencies.

(2) Admissions. An institution shall only admit children whose known needs can be met by the institution based on preplacement assessment, planning and room, board and watchful oversight capacity.

(a) A child under the age of six (6) shall not be admitted to an institution, unless the child is a member of a sibling group with at least one of the siblings being 6 years of age or older who will reside in the institution, or the mother who is under the age of 19 and her child are placed in the home together. Where a child under the age of six (6) is admitted, the child-caring institution shall provide developmentally-appropriate sleeping facilities, diapering facilities and daily child-care arrangements.

(b) Prior to admission, the facility shall:
1. Provide information to the custodian about the services, environment, age ranges and behavioral characteristics of the other children in placement.

2. Maintain signed documentation from the custodian that they have received and considered the information provided in Rule .09(1)(a)1. above and have determined that the placement environment is appropriate and does not represent an undue risk to the health and safety of the child or children being placed.

(c) The facility shall comply with the Interstate Compact on Placement when admitting children from another state.

(d) Written admission policies and procedures shall be established and implemented and shall include the following provisions or requirements.
1. An intake referral form that includes a social, health, educational, family, behavioral and personal developmental history, shall be done to determine the placement and room, board and watchful oversight needs (services, supports, setting, etc.) of each child and whether that placement is appropriate.

2. A completed written placement agreement shall be developed with the involvement of the child, and the parent(s) or guardian(s), or placing agency representative and signed by all parties; such agreement shall include the following:
(i) Written authorization to care for the child;

(ii) Written authorization to obtain medical care for the child;

(iii) Written summary of discussions among the child and the parent(s) or guardian(s), or placing agency, and the institution's Human Service Professional regarding basic care, any specialized services to be provided, room, board and watchful oversight, the description of the institution as outlined in Rule .09(2)(b); and involvement of the parent(s) or guardian(s), or the placing agency in service planning.

(e) A written description of the institution shall be provided to the child, the parent(s) or guardian(s), or placing agency and shall include:
1. The institution's program purpose and program description;

2. The description of service planning and normal daily routines of children;

3. The description of health services including how the institution handles illnesses, injuries, and medical emergencies (life-threatening, limb-threatening, and function-threatening conditions);

4. The institution's policies and procedures for behavior management and grievances;

5. Policies and procedures for visiting hours and communications with persons outside the institutions;

6. The names and telephone numbers of the child's designated Human Services Professional and primary Child Care Worker; and

7. Schedule of fees if placement is not done under a Purchase of Service Agreement.

(f) Emergency Admissions. In situations that require emergency admission to an institution and when completion of the intake referral form, as described in Rule .09(1)(a)1., and intake evaluation and placement agreements, as described in Rules .09(2)(a)1. and 2. are not possible, the institution shall obtain as much information as possible about the child to be admitted, and as much information as possible about the circumstances requiring admission. Such information shall be obtained from the referring person(s) or entity(ies) within 72 hours. When all the information to complete the intake referral form is not available, a health assessment shall be scheduled within 24 hours of emergency admission.

Authority O.C.G.A. Secs. 49-5-8, 49-5-12.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Georgia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.