Missouri Code of State Regulations
Title 13 - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Division 35 - Children's Division
Chapter 71 - Rules for Residential Care Facilities for Children
Section 13 CSR 35-71.060 - Social Services Program

1. Intake policies shall be in writing and shall identify services and programs offered.

2. Admissions shall be limited to children for whom the agency's services are appropriate, with consideration being given to a child's physical, psychological and emotional needs, social development, interests and past educational history.

3. An agency shall not discriminate in its intake and services on the basis of race, religion, color, ethnic, or national origin.

4. When a child is self-referred, efforts shall be made to contact the child's parent(s), guardian or legal custodian within twenty-four (24) hours. If the parent(s), guardian, or legal custodian cannot be contacted, the agency shall notify the appropriate public agency (division, juvenile court, police department) of the presence of the child. All efforts to notify the appropriate public agency, parent(s), or legal guardian shall be documented in the child's case record.

5. Whenever possible, an agency shall arrange for one (1) or more preplacement visits by the child (except in emergency placements), and when appropriate, for at least one (1) or more preplacement visits by the child's parent(s), guardian, or legal custodian.

1. The agency shall have current, clearly written admission policies and criteria describing the age, sex, and emotional/behavioral needs of child/ren served; and

2. A copy of the admission policies must be submitted to the licensing unit with the application for the initial license and at any time changes are made in the admission policies.

1. An admission assessment must be completed for each child indicating that the placement meets the child's needs and best interests-

2. The admission assessment must be in writing and include specific information on-

3. Children must have a medical examination that includes tests for communicable diseases including, but not limited to, tuberculosis and hepatitis when recommended by a licensed physician, certified nurse practitioner, advanced practice nurse who is in a collaborative practice agreement with a licensed physician, or a registered nurse under the supervision of a licensed physician, within thirty (30) days before or ten (10) days after admission. A copy of the medical examination report and findings, signed and dated by the physician, must be in the child's record.

4. Children must have a dental examination by a licensed dentist within one (1) year before admission or arrangements must be made for an examination within three (3) months after admission.

5. A written placement agreement between the agency and the child's parent(s) or guardian must be completed at or before placement. A copy of the placement agreement must be in the child's record. The placement agreement must include authorization to care for the child and a medical consent form signed and dated by a child's parent(s) or legal guardian authorized to give consent.

6. Information about the agency must be discussed with the child's parent(s) or guardian at or before admission. Written material about the agency must be given to the child's parent(s) or guardian and child when age appropriate. The following information must be included in the discussion and in the written material:

1. A preliminary written treatment plan must be developed and documented in the child's record within fifteen (15) days of admission for each child admitted on an emergency basis. If the child remains in care beyond an initial thirty- (30-) day plan, the plan must be modified to indicate the need for continued placement. The plan must be based on the admission assessment.

2. A written treatment plan must be developed and documented in the child's record within fifteen (15) days of admission for each child admitted by plan for placement. The plan must be based on the admission assessment and observations of the child's adjustment into care. When drafting the treatment plan the agency shall consult with and involve all individuals and institutions which are parties to a juvenile proceeding involving the child or who may be necessary in preparing a treatment plan for the child, including, but not limited to: the child's legal custodian/guardian, the child's parent, the child (when appropriate), guardian ad litem, juvenile officer, children's division case manager, court appointed special advocate, as applicable to the individual child, and staff members who provide direct care, social services, education, recreation, and health services in developing and implementing the treatment plan for the child and family.

3. The service plan must identify and include:

4. A copy or summary of the treatment plan must be given to the child, when appropriate, and to the child's parents or legal guardian. If the plan is not shared with the child, the child's record must reflect justification for this decision.

5. An agency shall provide and document in a child's record, social services to each child at least two (2) times per month as required by treatment plan. Social services shall be provided to the child's family for whom reunification is the permanency goal and shall begin at placement. The family's participation or reasons for non-participation shall be documented.

6. The progress of a child and his/her family shall be evaluated at least every ninety (90) days from the date of admission, and the service plan shall be modified when appropriate. In crisis placement, an evaluation shall be conducted at least every thirty (30) days. Evaluations shall be made by professional staff in consultation with other staff who have significant contact with the child, the parent(s), guardian, or legal custodian.

1. The treatment plan review must include:

2. The review of the treatment plan with the date and signature of the program director/qualified professional staff and a signed and dated attendance sheet of all other participants in the review must be documented in the child's record.

3. Reports of the evaluations in summarized form shall be included in the child's record, and shall be shared with the parent(s), guardian, or legal custodian.