Hawaii Administrative Rules
Title 17 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Department of Human Services
Chapter 1627 - LICENSING OF CHILD - CARING INSTITUTIONS
Subchapter 3 - SERVICES TO CHILDREN
Section 17-1627-34 - Behavior and discipline

(a) Discipline shall be constructive and positive and shall be carried out with kindness and understanding. No child shall be subjected to physical discipline or any action which would endanger the child's physical or emotional well-being.

(b) The child's age, intelligence, emotional development, past experiences, and ability to understand and accept limits shall be considered in handling the child's behavior and in determining the method of discipline.

(c) The director shall be ultimately responsible in all matters of discipline and shall have full knowledge of all methods used. The director shall also designate staff members having authority and responsibility to administer discipline.

(d) Rewards and discipline shall be fair and consistent, and the staff shall help the child understand the consequences of the child's behavior.

(e) Visitation with legal custodians shall be a right of the child and shall not be withheld as a form of punishment.

(f) The child shall be counseled or disciplined privately, and not before a group.

(g) Deprivation of meals shall not be used as a means of punishing children.

(h) No child shall be subjected to harsh, injurious, or humiliating disciplinary actions. Confirmation of the use of such method of discipline shall be grounds for suspension or revocation of a certificate of approval in accordance with section 17-1627-13.