South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 114 - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Article 5 - LICENSING
Subarticle 9 - RESIDENTIAL GROUP CARE FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN
Section 114-600 - Wilderness Therapeutic Camps for Children
Universal Citation: SC Code Regs 114-600
Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 3, March 22, 2024
A. Definitions
(1) Administrative Office - The
office where business operations, public relations, and the management
procedures take place.
(2) Agency -
Refers to the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
(3) Chemical Restraints - Are drugs
administered to temporarily restrain a child who poses a threat to harm
themselves or others.
(4) Child -
For the purposes of these regulations, a person between the ages of eight and
twenty-one.
(5) Child Care Staff -
A paid professional who works at a wilderness therapeutic camp who has
responsibility for direct care of the children.
(6) Corporal Punishment - Physical punishment
inflicted directly upon the body.
(7) Executive Director - The person
responsible for coordinating the general management, administration, and care
of the children of a wilderness therapeutic camp in accordance with licensing
requirements and policies established by the advisory board.
(8) Expedition - An off-site wilderness
experience, including wilderness therapeutic camp staff and children, lasting
no longer than twenty-eight (28) days. The experience may include hiking,
canoeing/kayaking and other outdoor adventure activities.
(9) Group Care - Refers to the care and
services provided by the wilderness therapeutic camp.
(10) Isolation - Defined as the involuntary
confinement of a person in a room where the person is physically prevented from
leaving.
(11) Permanent Building -
A durable, fixed structure with a roof and walls that has indoor plumbing,
electricity and heating and air conditioning.
(12) Program Director - The person who
assists the executive director and is responsible for the day to day operations
of a wilderness therapeutic camp.
(13) Restraint - Defined as any manual
method, physical or mechanical device, material, or equipment attached or
adjacent to the child's body, that the individual cannot remove easily which
restricts freedom of movement or normal access to one's body.
(14) Standard License - Issued when a
wilderness therapeutic camp meets all the requirements to obtain a
license.
(15) Time Out - Defined as
the temporary restriction of an individual for a period of time to a designated
area from which the person is not physically prevented from leaving, for the
purpose of providing the individual an opportunity to regain self control. Time
out will last only for the shortest amount of time needed.
(16) Volunteers - Are persons, who of their
own free will, provide goods or services to a wilderness therapeutic camp with
no monetary or material compensation.
(17) Wilderness Therapeutic Camp - A
therapeutic camp, organization, or facility with an outdoor or wilderness focus
that is engaged in receiving children for care and maintenance, either part or
full time, but shall not include any summer camp, day camp, or after school
program, and shall also not include any other outdoor education or youth
development program or facility where participants usually attend for less than
15 days, and does not include any licensed residential group care organization,
child caring institution or group home or facility that meets the facility
requirements of S.C. Code of Regulations Section
114-590.
(18) Wilderness Structures - A permanent or
semi-permanent shelter constructed of wood and other materials used at a
wilderness therapeutic camp for sleeping, cooking, eating, and/or other group
activities. Wilderness structures might not be totally enclosed during all
seasons and typically do not have electricity or mechanical heating and cooling
systems.
B. General.
(1) Purpose of Licensing. The South Carolina
Department of Social Services is legally empowered to regulate facilities for
children pursuant to S.C. Code Section
63-11-30.
The overall purpose of licensing by the South Carolina Department of Social
Services is to assure that wilderness therapeutic camps for children provide
well rounded programs of care which include adequate protection, supervision
and maintenance of children in care; safe wilderness structures and/or physical
facilities; and opportunities for appropriate learning experiences which allow
for the healthy physical and mental growth of the children in care and are
directed toward maximizing the potential of each individual to be well
adjusted, independent, and responsible.
(2) Compliance with Other Laws. All
wilderness therapeutic camps must comply with all other applicable requirements
of State and Federal laws.
C. Organization and Administration.
(1) Purpose and Need.
(a) At the time of application for licensing
of a new wilderness therapeutic camp, a wilderness therapeutic camp shall
submit a concise written statement addressing the following:
(i) Definitive statement of purpose and
objectives with respect to type of residential child care to be
provided;
(ii) Description of
services offered;
(iii) Ages and
genders of children accepted;
(iv)
Types of children accepted (e.g., abused, neglected, emotionally disturbed,
dependent, neglected, status offenders, etc.) and types of children not
appropriate for the wilderness setting;
(v) The geographical areas from which
children are accepted.
(b) The wilderness therapeutic camp shall
reevaluate its functions periodically and redefine them as changing community
needs necessitate. A copy of the revised statement shall be submitted to the
agency when changes occur.
(2) Board of Directors.
(a) A for profit organization may elect to
have a board which functions in accordance with the organization's articles of
incorporation or bylaws, complies with these licensing regulations and with
applicable state and federal laws. A list of names of board members must be
submitted annually or whenever there is a change outlining the chain of command
and the appropriate contact person(s) including names, addresses, and related
phone numbers.
(b) A not for
profit organization shall be chartered by the Secretary of State and shall have
a board which functions in accordance with the organization's constitution and
bylaws. A list of names of board members must be submitted annually or whenever
there is a change outlining the chain of command and the appropriate contact
person(s) including names, addresses, and related phone numbers. Wilderness
therapeutic camps operated by a state agency are exempt from this
requirement.
(c) The bylaws of a
board of a not for profit organization must provide for the following:
(i) at least one annual meeting held at the
wilderness therapeutic camp;
(ii) a
limitation of the number of consecutive terms a member may serve;
(iii) an orientation for new board members;
and
(iv) a provision that prohibits
board members from receiving financial compensation for their
services,
(d)
Responsibilities of a board of a not for profit organization shall include:
(i) selecting the director to whom
administrative responsibility is to be delegated;
(ii) assuring that adequate funds are
available;
(iii) formulating or
approving policies;
(iv) accounting
for the expenditure of funds;
(v)
evaluating on an annual basis the performance of the director; and
(vi) ensuring that the Agency is informed of
changes in administration.
(3) Finances.
(a) The wilderness therapeutic camp shall
have a sound plan of financing which assures adequate funds to carry out its
defined purpose and to provide proper care for children.
(b) A new wilderness therapeutic camp shall
have a predictable source of funds to finance its first year of operation and
reserve funds or documentation of available credit equal to the operating costs
of the first three months. However, existing licensed wilderness therapeutic
camps that are in good standing with the agency, and increasing the capacity by
no more than twenty five (25) percent are exempt from the requirements to
submit evidence of reserve funds or available credit.
(c) The wilderness therapeutic camp shall
prepare a budget each year for its wilderness therapeutic camp showing
anticipated income (including sources thereof) and expenditures. A copy shall
be submitted to the agency.
(d) All
board administered accounts shall be reviewed at least annually by a certified
public accountant who does not serve on the board nor is otherwise employed by
the wilderness therapeutic camp. The report shall be made a part of the
wilderness therapeutic camp's record and a copy of the balance sheet submitted
to the Agency at the time of relicensing.
(e) In the event financial stability is
questionable, the Agency may require a financial audit to be conducted by a
certified public accountant.
(4) Procedural Manual.
(a) The wilderness therapeutic camp shall
develop and implement (and update as appropriate) a procedural manual to
include, but not be limited to policies in the areas of: finance, procedures
for appeals, complaints and grievances, emergency care in the event of a
placement disruption, routine and emergency medical care, hospitalization,
dental care, control of and administering medications, restraints, management
of children's money, off-site expeditions, religion, community involvement for
children, confidentiality, disaster plans, independent living services (if
applicable), personnel, admission (including types of children not appropriate
for the wilderness setting), discharge, discipline and firearms.
(b) The staff of the wilderness therapeutic
camp shall be familiar with the procedural manual and a copy shall be made
available to staff and the Agency.
(c) The wilderness therapeutic camp shall
develop and implement personnel policies to include, but not be limited to:
written job descriptions, orientation for new employees, training and staff
development, role of all staff as mandated reporters, written organizational
plans/chart, routine or universal health precautions and infection control, use
of tobacco, work schedule requirements, volunteers, disciplinary actions,
grievances and procedures for revisions of personnel policies.
(5) Directors.
(a) Executive Directors shall have
qualifications consistent with the responsibilities of the position as
determined by the governing board.
(b) Program Directors are responsible for the
day to day operations of a wilderness therapeutic camp. The Executive Director
or the Program Director shall have the following qualifications: a Master's or
Doctorate degree in social work or other related areas of study, a minimum of
one year of outdoor youth program experience as well an additional one year
experience in the management or supervision of child care personnel, a child
care program and/or a closely related field; or a Bachelor's degree, a minimum
of one year of outdoor youth program experience as well as an additional two
years of experience in the management or supervision of child care personnel, a
child care program and/or a closely related field; or an Associate's degree and
four years of experience in child care or a closely related field, including a
minimum of one year of outdoor youth program experience as well as one year of
experience in the management or supervision of child care personnel and
program. Closely related fields acceptable in meeting these qualifications may
include, but are not limited to social work, counseling, education, psychology,
sociology, criminal justice, nursing, and recreational therapy.
(c) Each program shall designate support
staff responsible for delivery of supplies to the field, mail delivery,
communications and first aid support as necessary.
(d) Documentation of qualifications (e.g., a
copy of diploma or transcript) shall be on file at the wilderness therapeutic
camp and shall be reviewed at the time of licensing/relicensing.
(e) Wilderness therapeutic camp directors
must report suspected child abuse and neglect as defined in S.C. Code Section
63-7-310
et seq to the Out of Home Abuse and Neglect Unit of the South
Carolina Department of Social Services or to a law enforcement agency in the
county where the child resides or is found.
(6) Staff.
(a) At a minimum, child care staff shall be
responsible for the care, nurture, monitoring and supervision of children;
supporting and promoting parental involvement when appropriate; reporting
suspected child abuse and neglect to the Out of Home Abuse and Neglect Unit of
the South Carolina Department of Social Services or to a law enforcement agency
in the county where the child resides or is found; and guidance on independent
living services, as appropriate.
(b) Child care staff shall have a minimum of
a high school diploma, certificate or equivalent, and shall be at least twenty
one (21) years of age. No staff member shall supervise a child unless the staff
member is at least 5 years older than the child.
(c) Documentation of qualifications (e.g., a
copy of diploma or GED) shall be on file at the wilderness therapeutic camp and
shall be reviewed at the time of licensing/relicensing.
(7) Training.
(a) Staff who work directly with the children
must have a minimum of fourteen (14) hours annually of training related to
child care.
(b) The director shall
submit an outline of proposed training to the Agency for the upcoming licensing
period to include training topics and a general timeline.
(c) Documentation of completed training shall
be on file at the wilderness therapeutic camp and shall be reviewed at the time
of licensing/re licensing.
(d)
Prior to working with children, staff must have undergone a general orientation
of the wilderness therapeutic camp.
(e) A wilderness therapeutic camp shall
require at least one staff member present in each camp site to be certified in
standard first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
(f) Standard first aid and cardiopulmonary
resuscitation training shall be completed in person. Training shall not be
completed online.
(g) At least one
staff person who escorts children on expeditions off site shall be trained in
wilderness first aid by someone certified in wilderness first aid.
(h) Within the first year of employment,
staff must have fourteen (14) hours of training (not including first aid and
cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Training topics shall include but not be
limited to: skill training in specific methods employed by the program, crisis
management protocol, significance and value of birth and extended family,
identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect, role of all staff as
mandated reporters, basic communication, interviewing skills, HIV/AIDS,
information relating to transmission and prevention of infection, group
dynamics, fire life safety, water safety, history and development of the
service being provided (from the wilderness therapeutic camp) and its current
status, grief and loss issues for children in care, low impact wilderness
expedition and environmental conservation skills and procedures, navigational
skills, including map and compass use and contour and celestial navigation,
local environmental precautions, including terrain, weather, insects, and
poisonous plants, specific organizational policies and procedures, supervision
and teaching skills, prudent parenting and other education and/or training
required by the state.
(i) Training
topics for annual continuing education (14 hours of training) may include but
not be limited to: working with children who may have emotional, behavioral, or
physical problems, developmental delays, treatment care specific to the needs
of the population served, individualized education and development plans,
developmental needs of children, discipline, de-escalation and behavior
management techniques, and suicide prevention.
(j) Training shall be completed by qualified
staff on-site or may include off-site training opportunities, conferences,
etc.
(k) The initial staff training
must be completed and documented before the staff person may be included in the
staff to child ratio.
(8) Volunteers.
(a) If volunteers are used as part of a
wilderness therapeutic camp's program of services, the wilderness therapeutic
camp shall have written policies to screen, select and supervise
volunteers.
(b) Those volunteers
who have opportunity for unsupervised contact with children shall supply a
written application and have an interview with the staff who is responsible for
the supervision of volunteers before volunteering. The wilderness therapeutic
camp shall provide the following for all volunteers who have the opportunity
for unsupervised interaction with children prior to volunteering and annually
thereafter: background screenings including a South Carolina Central Registry
Check, National Sex Offender Registry Check, SLED (South Carolina Law
Enforcement Division) Check, FBI fingerprint check, Sexual Offenders Registry
Check, and documentation of freedom from communicable or contagious
diseases.
(c) Volunteers shall be
provided an orientation that includes a review of the wilderness therapeutic
camp's program, policies and procedures, review of the duties of the volunteer,
and a tour of the wilderness structures and/or physical facilities.
(d) Volunteers shall not substitute for staff
and there must be a defined line of supervision with clear written expectations
of the supervisor and volunteer.
(e) Volunteers shall be invited to
participate in annual training required of other child care staff.
(f) Individuals or groups who offer to
provide a one time or occasional voluntary service (parties, trainings,
entertainment, etc.) and do not have unsupervised access to children, are not
required to undergo a full background screening by the wilderness therapeutic
camp. At least one wilderness therapeutic camp staff person must supervise the
interaction between such individuals or groups and the children being
supervised by the wilderness therapeutic camp.
(9) Staff to Child Ratio.
(a) Wilderness therapeutic camps are expected
to maintain staffing levels that provide children with quality services and
adequate supervision. Different camps may have different staffing needs based
on the population of children served. The needs of the children shall be the
predominant factor in determining the numbers of staff members
needed.
(b) Wilderness therapeutic
camps shall maintain a minimum staffing ratio of one (1) staff for every eight
(8) children during the day and of one (1) staff for every ten (10) children
during sleep hours.
(c) A minimum
of two (2) staff shall be available at all times.
(d) The Agency may, at the Agency's
discretion, temporarily require awake staff during sleep hours if additional
supervision is deemed necessary.
(e) The Agency may, at the Agency's
discretion, temporarily require a higher staff/child ratio if an on site review
indicates that a child is at risk of abuse and more supervision is needed to
maintain appropriate control, discipline, adequate care and safety.
(f) All wilderness therapeutic camps must
have a responsive system to provide for back up staff in the event of an
emergency or disruption.
(10) Staff Medical Reports.
(a) Staff shall have medical examinations at
the time of employment (completed on the medical form provided by the Agency)
to include written evidence from a physician or health resource attesting that
the staff is in good health and free from communicable tuberculosis pursuant to
state statute or the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental
Control regulations or policy.
(b)
Any staff member who, upon examination or as a result of tests, has symptoms of
a condition that could be detrimental to the children or staff, or which would
prevent satisfactory performance of duties, shall not work or continue to work
at the wilderness therapeutic camp until the healthcare provider indicates that
the condition no longer presents a threat to children or staff.
(c) Any staff member who is hospitalized must
have a satisfactory medical report prior to resuming responsibilities at the
wilderness therapeutic camp.
(d)
Annually, the wilderness therapeutic camp must obtain written evidence from a
physician or health resource attesting that each staff member is free from
communicable tuberculosis pursuant to state statute or the South Carolina
Department of Health and Environmental Control regulations or policy.
(11) Time Off for Residential
Staff. Each full time residential staff member shall have at least one weekend
off each month (or equivalent) in addition to one day off each week, except
when the staff member is on expeditionary trips.
(12) Criminal Activity.
(a) No person shall be employed, volunteer,
or live on the premises of a wilderness therapeutic camp who has been
convicted, pled guilty or nolo contendere to:
(i) a substantiated history of abuse or
neglect; or
(ii) an "Offense
Against the Person" as provided for in Chapter 3, Title 16; or
(iii) an "Offense Against Morality or
Decency" as provided for in Chapter 15, Title 16; or
(iv) contributing to the delinquency of a
minor as provided for in Section
16-17-490;
or
(v) the common law offense of
assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature when the victim was a
person seventeen years of age or younger; or
(vi) criminal domestic violence, as defined
in Section
16-25-20;
or
(vii) criminal domestic violence
of a high and aggravated nature as defined in Section
16-25-65;
or
(viii) unlawful conduct toward a
child as provided for in Section
63-5-70;
or
(ix) cruelty to children as
provided for in Section
63-5-80;
or
(x) child endangerment as
provided for in Section
56-5-2947;
or
(xi) a felony drug related
offense under the laws of this state; or
(xii) a person who has been convicted of a
criminal offense similar in nature to a crime previously enumerated when the
crime was committed in another jurisdiction or under federal law.
(b) The chief executive officer or
the person authorized to hire staff shall agree to comply with the conditions
of the Memorandum of Agreement on Criminal Record Checks.
(c) No person shall be employed, volunteer,
or live on the premises of a wilderness therapeutic camp who is listed on the
State or National Sex Offender Registry.
(13) Reports.
(a) Detailed written summary reports shall be
made to the Department of Social Services Group Home Licensing Unit staff via
email or fax within 24 hours. This report shall be made regarding occurrences
involving children in care, including but not limited to:
(i) Any federal, state or private legal
action by or against the wilderness therapeutic camp which affects any child,
the conduct of the camp or any person affiliated with the camp;
(ii) Closure of a living unit due to disaster
or emergency situations such as fires or severe weather; and
(iii) A decision to evacuate the wilderness
therapeutic camp (if possible) and the names and location of all children who
have evacuated in the case of an emergency.
(b) The wilderness therapeutic camp shall
report to the Agency:
(i) Any change in
executive director; and
(ii) Any
impending change that would necessitate a change in the conditions of the
license, i.e., capacity, age range, gender, location or name.
D. Buildings, Grounds and Equipment.
(1) Zoning
Compliance and Building Codes.
(a) The
construction of a new wilderness therapeutic camp, the conversion of an
existing building for residential child care purposes, or the remodeling of a
wilderness therapeutic camp must comply with all applicable zoning regulations
and local and state building and fire codes.
(b) Architectural plans for new construction
or structural changes must be approved by the State Fire Marshal's
Office.
(2) Health
Inspection.
(a) Each wilderness therapeutic
camp shall have an annual safety and sanitation inspection.
(b) Based on the recommendations of the
safety and sanitation inspections, the Agency will make a determination as to
whether or not the wilderness therapeutic camp meets standards of health and
sanitation for child caring purposes.
(c) A wilderness therapeutic camp is
responsible for any fees or related expenses for the health
inspection.
(3) Fire
Inspection.
(a) There shall be an annual
inspection by the State Fire Marshal's Office or by a legally authorized local
fire authority at the request of the State Fire Marshal.
(b) Based on the recommendations of the fire
authorities, the Agency will make a determination as to whether or not the
wilderness therapeutic camp meets standards of fire safety for child caring
purposes.
(c) A wilderness
therapeutic camp is responsible for any fees or related expenses for the fire
inspection.
(d) A fire escape plan
shall be posted in the wilderness therapeutic camp in areas accessible to staff
and children.
(4) Fire
Safety.
(a) The wilderness therapeutic camp
shall equip each wilderness site with a fire extinguisher as required by the
state fire marshal.
(b) Fireplaces,
hot water/steam radiators and pipes, or any other heating device capable of
causing a burn shall be protected by a screen or otherwise effectively
shielded.
(c) If heating stoves are
utilized, the wilderness therapeutic camp shall install and ventilate heating
stoves that use combustible fuel in a manner that prevents fire hazards and
dangerous concentration of gases.
(5) Condition.
(a) Routine maintenance must be performed as
needed to ensure wilderness structures and buildings and equipment are safe and
in good working order.
(b)
Wilderness therapeutic camp sites and buildings will be kept clean, orderly,
and free of debris and trash, both indoors and out.
(c) Fences must be in good repair.
(d) Swimming and wading pools must be
enclosed with protective fencing to restrict children's access and must be well
maintained as mandated by DHEC (South Carolina Department of Health and
Environmental Control).
(e) Grounds
within the housing site shall be free from debris, noxious plants (poison ivy,
etc.) and uncontrolled weeds or brush.
(f) All camp sites shall be well drained and
free from depressions in which water may stand. Mosquito breeding shall be
prevented in such areas containing water not subject to such drainage or
filling.
(g) Housing shall have
flooring constructed of rigid materials, smooth finished, readily cleanable and
so located as to prevent the entrance of ground and surface water.
(6) Heating/Cooling.
(a) Permanent buildings located at the
wilderness therapeutic camp should contain heating equipment that shall be
capable of maintaining a room temperature of not less than 68 degrees
Fahrenheit as well as cooling equipment that shall be capable of maintaining a
room temperature of not more than seventy five (75) degrees
Fahrenheit.
(b) Wilderness
structures located at campsites shall be capable of providing adequate warmth
during cold weather months and adequate ventilation during hot weather months,
considering the wilderness nature of the program and the needs of children in
the program.
(c) Permanent
buildings and wilderness structures and rooms with toilets, bathrooms, and
bedrooms without operable windows must have adequate ventilation.
(7) Food Preparation and Storage.
Food shall be prepared and stored in compliance with regulations established by
the Department of Health and Environmental Control where applicable. If food is
prepared away from a central dining building, the wilderness therapeutic camp
shall:
(a) Store food in a manner that deters
spoilage and contamination and does not attract animals, insects, or
vermin;
(b) Require that perishable
food stored in ice chests is maintained at a refrigerated
temperature;
(c) Require that all
surfaces that come in contact with food are clean and, when preparing meat
products and other foods, not sources of cross contamination;
(d) Clean thoroughly and store all dishes,
cooking, and eating utensils in a manner to avoid contamination;
(e) Ensure that all water from natural
sources be treated for sanitation to eliminate health hazards; and,
(f) Use hot water and detergent to wash all
food utensils after each meal at campsites.
(8) Sleeping Rooms and Bedding.
(a) Sleeping quarters for children shall be
suitable and adequately furnished with beds that are placed at least two feet
apart.
(b) The quarters shall have
outside window exposure or auxiliary means of ventilation.
(c) Bedroom quarters shall provide a minimum
of fifty square feet of space per child.
(d) Bunk beds shall not be used in a
wilderness setting.
(e) Children of
the opposite gender shall not share a bedroom or portable structure.
(f) Children shall not sleep in a bed with an
adult under any circumstances.
(g)
No child shall sleep in an area designated or commonly used for other than
bedroom purposes unless it is allowed temporarily during an emergency as part
of the camp's disaster plan.
(h)
Each child shall have a separate bed with a level mattress, or sleeping bag
when on expeditions, long enough to accommodate him/her. Sufficient bed
coverings to include linens shall be provided.
(i) Waterproof mattresses and pillow
coverings shall be provided as needed.
(j) The wilderness program shall use bedding
that is adequate for protection and comfort in cold weather.
(k) Bedding provided by the wilderness
therapeutic camp shall be clean and sanitary. All bedding shall be laundered,
at minimum, between assignments to different children.
(l) Linens shall be changed as often as
required for cleanliness and sanitation, but not less frequently than once a
week.
(9) Bathroom
Facilities.
(a) Bathroom Facilities in
Permanent Buildings.
(i) There shall be indoor
bathrooms with at least one lavatory for every six children, a tub or shower
and one indoor flush toilet for every eight children. Multiple toilets in one
area shall be in separate compartments.
(ii) The wilderness therapeutic camp shall
maintain all toilet and personal hygiene areas in a sanitary manner to
eliminate health or pollution hazards.
(iii) Hot and cold water must be available.
Water temperature for hot water must be limited to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or
below.
(iv) Separate bathroom
facilities shall be provided for girls and boys.
(v) Ventilation shall be provided with either
an open screened window or functioning exhaust fan.
(vi) Mirrors or non breakable reflective
surfaces shall be provided in the bathrooms at levels easily accessible to
children.
(b) Privies at
Campsites.
(i) There shall be at least two
sanitary type privies at each campsite.
(ii) The wilderness therapeutic camp shall
locate privies no closer than 65 feet but within a reasonable distance from a
sleeping area.
(iii) Privies shall
be cleaned regularly and maintained so as to prevent access of flies and
animals to the contents therein, to prevent fly breeding and to prevent
contamination of water supply.
(10) Staff Facilities. Staff who reside
on-site shall be provided with sleeping and bathroom facilities separate from
the children, with the exception of campsite privies.
(11) Personal Effects.
(a) Personal effects, towels, wash cloths,
toothbrushes, combs and other toilet articles shall be supplied for each
child's use and an appropriate and clean location for storage of such items
shall be provided.
(b) Each child
shall have a place separate from that of other children to keep his/her own
personal effects (toys, books, pictures, etc.) as well as his/her
clothing.
(c) Each child shall be
permitted to bring safe and appropriate personal possessions with him/her and
to acquire belongings of his/her own.
(d) A clothes washing machine and clothes
dryer must be available.
(12) Activities.
(a) Provision shall be made for space and
suitable equipment for both indoor and outdoor recreation activities.
(i) Equipment shall be age appropriate, in
good working condition, and well maintained.
(ii) Stationary equipment such as swings and
slides shall be securely anchored and located to avoid accidents.
(b) Children shall be provided
with opportunities for interaction in the community through age and
developmentally appropriate activities that are educational, recreational,
cultural, and social in nature.
(c)
Appropriate activities for children's participation may include school events,
church activities, utilization of community recreation facilities,
participation in community affairs, and attendance at cultural
events.
(d) Documentation of
recreational activities that are implemented and are appropriate to the
developmental needs, and interests of children shall be on file in the
wilderness therapeutic camp and available for review by the Agency licensing
representative. In addition, documentation of at least three months of
activities shall be submitted along with other re licensing
documentation.
(e) Staff trained in
water safety and an accountability system shall be present during water
activities if personal flotation devices are not worn. Documentation of
training in water safety shall be provided. A certified lifeguard shall be
present during swimming in a swimming pool if personal flotation devices are
not worn.
(f) Staff engaged in
leading adventure activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, caving, etc.
shall be adequately trained in the skills needed to participate in the
activity, and at least one staff member shall have adequate experience in
leading the activity.
(g) Off Site
Activities. Wilderness therapeutic camps may make decisions regarding a child's
participation in routine activities that involve a child spending the night (or
several nights) away from the wilderness therapeutic camp for activities such
as: camping trips, school related activity, church activity, or an overnight
stay with a friend. Wilderness therapeutic camps must obtain consent from the
legal guardian or parent(s) to allow such activities. If the child is in the
Agency's custody, then the identified prudent parent can provide consent. The
following must be taken into consideration when deciding the appropriateness of
a child's participation in any off site event:
(i) Stipulations of a court order;
(ii) The child's background, presenting
problems, developmental level, abilities and interests;
(iii) If the activity is suitable, positive,
and if it will contribute to the child's development; and
(iv) The maturity and responsibility of the
adults supervising the activity.
(13) Power or Vocational Tools.
(a) Staff must provide appropriate, direct
supervision of children while children are using equipment or tools.
(b) All equipment must be well maintained and
in good working order.
(c) Power
tools shall have intact safety devices.
(d) Power tools must be stored in a locked
area not accessible to children when not in use.
(e) Axes and knives must be stored in a
locked area unless in use by camp staff or otherwise under camp staff
supervision.
(14)
Expeditions.
(a) There shall be a written plan
for expedition groups approved by the program director or executive director,
which shall not expose children to unreasonable risks.
(b) The expedition plan, including maps,
routes, anticipated schedules and times, and sources of emergency care and
methods of communication with such facilities as hospitals, police, and forest
service shall be carried by the staff leading the expedition and a copy shall
be available at the administrative office.
(c) Each expedition group shall have a
telephone or comparable means of communication while on an expedition. If
either of these is impossible, individual arrangements shall be made by the
camp and approved by the Agency.
(d) Expedition group size shall maintain a
minimum staffing ratio of one (1) staff for every five (5) children.
(e) An expedition shall last no more than
twenty-eight days, except upon written permission of the Department granting an
extension, after which children on the camping expedition shall return to the
base camp.
(f) Children must remain
at the base camp at least ten days between mobile camping expeditions and
activities.
(g) While on an
expedition, the camp shall provide:
(i)
Personal hygiene supplies that are biodegradable;
(ii) Means for a child to bathe or clean his
or her body at least twice weekly;
(iii) Females with hand sanitizing wipes or
similar products as well as feminine products for feminine hygiene purposes;
and
(iv) A way to launder clothes
or provide clean clothes at least weekly.
(15) Hiking.
(a) Hiking shall not exceed the physical
capability of the weakest member of the group.
(b) The weight of a backpack to be carried by
each child shall be based upon the physical condition of the child.
(c) Hiking shall be prohibited at excessive
temperatures or weather conditions.
(d) Staff shall carry thermometers which
accurately display the current outside temperature.
(e) If a child cannot or will not hike, the
group shall not continue unless eminent danger exists. The reasons for refusal
or inability to continue will be established and resolved before hiking
continues. Program directors are responsible to train staff regarding this
standard and to regularly monitor compliance.
E. Services to Children.
(1) Admissions.
(a) Intake policies shall be clearly defined,
and admission shall be in keeping with the intake policies and limited to those
children who fall within the scope of the wilderness therapeutic camp's
purpose.
(b) Assessment and
decisions about admissions shall be based upon an intake study (completed prior
to admission) of the total situation of the needs of the child and family.
Emergency admissions shall not be made.
(c) The intake study shall be prepared by the
social service worker and shall be maintained in the child's record. The study
shall include a summary of at least the following information:
(i) Current (within 1 year) evaluation by a
licensed psychiatrist or psychologist or mental health evaluation by a licensed
physician;
(ii) A description of
family relationships and the circumstances that make the placement
necessary;
(iii) The child's
developmental history and ability of the child to communicate;
(iv) The parents' or placement agency's
expectation of placement;
(v) The
child's understanding of placement;
(vi) A description of the child's
personality, behavior, and interests;
(vii) The child's school history;
(viii) History of previous
placements;
(ix) A statement about
the child's legal status;
(x) A
statement of the child's room, board and watchful oversight needs;
(xi) The immediate and long-range goals of
placement;
(xii) The name of the
family member or the placement agency who will be responsible for the
relationship with the wilderness therapeutic camp and the child;
(xiii) Medical/dental history;
(xiv) Religious preference; and
(xv) List of friends or others that may be
permitted to have contact with the child if approved by the facility (this
shall include for legal reasons or special circumstances those individuals that
must not have contact with the child as well).
(d) A child who has a history of highly
sexualized behavior, is considered to have perpetrated on other peers, and has
a history of peer to peer sexual activity shall not be considered appropriate
for placement at a wilderness camp.
(e) Decisions regarding admissions shall be
the responsibility of either the director and/or a Case Committee (which may
include the director, the wilderness therapeutic camp's social worker, the
child care worker/houseparent, etc.) and shall be limited to those persons to
whom this responsibility is assigned.
(f) Children under eight (8) years of age
shall not be admitted for care in a wilderness therapeutic camp.
(g) The intake process shall include a
discussion with the child about placement and his or her parents or Placement
Agency. It shall also include a visit to the Camp.
(h) The wilderness therapeutic camp shall
provide orientation for new children.
(i) The wilderness therapeutic camp shall
comply with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children when admitting
children from another state.
(j) No
child shall reside at the camp for more than twelve consecutive months unless
the camp has completed a full evaluation that determines the child is not ready
for reunification with the child's family or guardian. In order to ensure the
safety, health and care of a child residing longer than twelve consecutive
months, the wilderness therapeutic camp shall obtain:
(i) A report of a physical examination by a
licensed physician, physician assistant, clinical nurse specialist, certified
nurse practitioner, or certified nurse-midwife. Any written documentation of
the physical examination shall be completed by the individual who conducted the
examination; and
(ii) A report of a
psychiatric or psychological examination conducted by a psychologist,
psychiatrist or other appropriately licensed professional or a mental health
evaluation by a licensed physician with no direct affiliation to the camp. Any
written documentation of the psychiatric or psychological examination shall be
completed by the individual who conducted the examination.
(2) Clothing and
Equipment.
(a) The wilderness therapeutic
camp shall request that the parent, legal guardian or placing agency provides
each child with an adequate supply of individually selected, properly fitted
clean clothing, suitable for outdoor living and appropriate for weather
conditions, as well as sturdy, water resistant outdoor shoes or
boots.
(b) If the parent, legal
guardian or placing agency is not able to or does not provide adequate
clothing, then the wilderness therapeutic camp shall provide the necessary
clothing.
(c) Whenever possible,
children shall be involved in the purchase and selection of new or donated
clothing. Donated clothing may be used if in good condition.
(d) Clothing belonging to a child shall be
taken with the child upon discharge.
(e) Children will be provided with the
necessary equipment and supplies for outdoor activities at the wilderness
therapeutic camp. Such equipment shall include the following:
(i) Sunscreen; the program staff shall ensure
appropriate consumer usage;
(ii)
Insect repellent;
(iii) Personal
hygiene items; and
(iv) Female
hygiene supplies for females.
(3) Nutrition.
(a) Meals with nutritional content that
conforms to USDA recommendations shall be provided three times per day and
wholesome, nutritious, and enjoyable snack options shall be provided between
meals.
(b) Adults shall be present
and providing appropriate supervision during the preparation and serving of
meals.
(c) Menus encompassing four
weeks that have been approved by a qualified nutritionist or dietician (i.e.,
degreed or certified in the area of nutrition) shall be submitted annually by
the wilderness therapeutic camp. Documentation of the approved menus shall be
on file for review at the time of licensing/relicensing.
(d) Menus shall be posted and
followed.
(e) The only allowable
substitutions are those that replace one item of a food group for another item
of the same food group. Substitutions shall be documented on the posted
menu.
(f) The same meal shall be
provided for staff and children with the exception of the beverage.
(g) Water shall be available at each
campsite.
(4)
Discipline.
(a) The wilderness therapeutic
camp shall adopt (and revise as appropriate) a written discipline code which
shall include all policies, procedures and practices on disciplinary actions
which are to be utilized by staff and procedures to be followed in
administering and reporting discipline. The discipline code shall be submitted
at the time of licensing/relicensing and when revisions occur.
(b) The written discipline code shall be
shared (initially and when changes occur) with all staff members, children,
parents, guardians and referral sources.
(c) The wilderness therapeutic camp is
subject to South Carolina laws relating to child abuse and neglect. The
wilderness therapeutic camp must immediately report incidents of suspected
abuse or neglect to the South Carolina Department of Social Services Out of
Home Abuse and Neglect Unit or to a law enforcement agency in the county where
the child resides or is found. All staff shall be apprised of their role as a
mandated reporter.
(d) Cruel,
inhumane and inappropriate punishment is prohibited. This includes but is not
limited to the following: head shaving or any other dehumanizing or degrading
act; deprivation of food or family visits; deprivation of mail; slapping or
shaking; the use of handcuffs; a pattern of threats of removal from the
wilderness therapeutic camp as a punishment; disciplining a child for a medical
or psychological problem over which he/she has no control (e.g., bedwetting,
stuttering, etc.); denial of communication and visits with family members;
demeaning acts designed to embarrass children (i.e., pushing a peanut with your
nose etc.); denial of essential program services; denial of shelter, clothing,
or personal needs; excessive physical exercise; excessive work tasks; verbal
abuse.
(e) Efforts will be made to
ensure the language of the discipline procedures shall be within each child's
cognitive ability.
(f) All
discipline techniques must begin with the least restrictive methods. Children
who have been placed by a public agency or who are in the custody of the state
shall not be subjected to corporal punishment. Otherwise, written permission
must be obtained by the parent or legal guardian.
(g) Isolation rooms or techniques shall not
be used.
(5) Restraints.
(a) Wilderness therapeutic camps that use
restraints shall have a written restraint policy that complies with the
following:
(i) All child care staff must be
trained and certified through a nationally accredited restraint training
curriculum.
(ii) Restraints shall
only be used in circumstances in which the child poses a significant threat to
himself or others, when less restrictive interventions have already been
attempted or are not appropriate, and when the client's condition has been
taken into consideration.
(iii)
Chemical restraints may be implemented only under the supervision of a
physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner with prescriptive
authority.
(iv) Wilderness
therapeutic camp staff shall be aware of each child's medical and psychological
conditions, as evidenced by written acknowledgement by the affected staff of
such awareness, to ensure that the emergency safety intervention that is
utilized does not pose any undue danger to the physical or mental health of the
child.
(v) Restraints must be
discontinued as soon as the child demonstrates compliance or is no longer
deemed dangerous.
(b) At
a minimum, the restraint training curriculum that is utilized shall include the
following:
(i) Techniques for de-escalating
problem behavior including child and staff debriefings;
(ii) Appropriate use of emergency safety
interventions;
(iii) Recognizing
aggressive behavior that may be related to a medical condition;
(iv) Awareness of physiological impact of a
restraint on the child;
(v)
Recognizing signs and symptoms of positional and compression asphyxia and
restraint associated cardiac arrest;
(vi) Instructions as to how to monitor the
breathing, verbal responsiveness, and motor control of a child who is the
subject of an emergency safety intervention;
(vii) Appropriate self-protection
techniques;
(viii) Policies and
procedures relating to using manual holds, including the prohibition of any
technique that would potentially impair a child's ability to breathe;
(ix) Camp policies and reporting
requirements;
(x) Alternatives to
restraint;
(xi) Avoiding power
struggles;
(xii) Escape and evasion
techniques;
(xiii) Time limits for
the use of restraint;
(xiv) Process
for obtaining approval for continual restraints;
(xv) Procedures to address problematic
restraints;
(xvi)
Documentation;
(xvii) Investigation
of injuries and complaints;
(xviii)
Monitoring physical signs of distress and obtaining medical assistance;
and
(xix) Legal issues.
(c) Wilderness therapeutic camps
shall submit to the Department of Social Services Group Home Licensing Unit
electronically or by facsimile a report in a format acceptable to the Agency at
the conclusion of each month whenever the following conditions apply:
(i) For any wilderness therapeutic camp with
a licensed capacity of 20 children or more, any 30-day period in which three or
more instances of restraints of a specific child occurred and/or whenever the
wilderness therapeutic camp has had a total of 15 restraints for all children
in care within the 30-day period; and
(ii) For any wilderness therapeutic camp with
a licensed capacity of less than 20 children, any 30-day period in which three
or more instances of restraints of a specific child occurred and/or whenever
the wilderness therapeutic camp has had a total of 10 instances for all
children in care within the 30-day period.
(d) At least once per quarter, the wilderness
therapeutic camp, utilizing a master restraint log and the child's case record,
shall review the use of all restraints for each child and staff member,
including the type of intervention used and the length of time of each use, to
determine whether there was a clinical basis for the intervention, whether the
use of the restraint was warranted, whether any alternatives were considered or
employed, the effectiveness of the intervention or alternative, and the need
for additional training. Written documentation of all such reviews shall be
maintained. Where the wilderness therapeutic camp identifies opportunities for
improvement as a result of such reviews or otherwise, the wilderness
therapeutic camp shall implement these changes through an effective quality
improvement plan.
(6)
Family Relationships/Visitation.
(a) Unless a
child has been removed from the custody of his/her own family and visitation is
specifically prohibited by a court order or other legal document, every effort
shall be made (in coordination with the referral agency when one is involved)
to strengthen family relationships and to help the parent(s) make a responsible
plan for the permanent care of their child(ren). This shall include encouraging
the parents/relatives to visit on-site and to have the child visit with them
off-site as appropriate.
(b) Plans
for family visitation shall be included in the written plan of care for the
child.
(c) Correspondence between
the child and the family shall not be censored, except in extreme circumstances
(e.g., sending/receipt of contraband, dangerous materials, sexually explicit,
etc.) with those involved being advised that their correspondence is being
censored. The reason for censorship shall be documented in the child's
record.
(d) All incoming mail may
be required to be opened in the presence of staff.
(7) Exploitation.
(a) A wilderness therapeutic camp shall not
use a child for solicitation of funds, without the written permission of the
parent or legal guardian and the child (if more than ten years of age). This
shall include the child making or giving public statements pertaining to
his/her history or dependency on or gratitude to the wilderness therapeutic
camp; the wilderness therapeutic camp making such public statements about a
particular child; or having a child collect or solicit donations on behalf of
the wilderness therapeutic camp.
(b) A wilderness therapeutic camp shall
obtain the written consent of the child's parent(s), or legal custodian before
using the child's name, photograph or other identifying information in any form
of written, visual or verbal communication which will be made public (e.g.,
social media, newspaper, television or radio articles/publicity materials;
materials mailed or otherwise distributed by the wilderness therapeutic camp to
the public, etc.).
(8)
Medical Care.
(a) Health Care.
(i) There shall be adequate provision for
immediate, current, and routine health care needs, including mental health,
with services available at all times. A child's general health care shall be
under the direction of one specific doctor, clinic, or other licensed health
facility.
(ii) A wilderness
therapeutic camp must be apprised of a child's physical condition, physical
disability, or communicable diseases.
(iii) Within six months prior to or within
seventy two hours after admission to a wilderness therapeutic camp, the parent,
legal guardian, or placing Agency shall ensure a child has a recorded medical
examination conducted by a licensed physician or a licensed nurse
practitioner.
(iv) The executive
director shall develop policies and procedures to assure that State laws
prohibiting minors from smoking are enforced in all wilderness therapeutic
camps. Policies and procedures shall assure that children are not exposed to
second-hand smoke while at the wilderness therapeutic camp or in the custody of
staff.
(v) Each child shall be
provided with all required inoculations as well as such additional inoculations
as may be appropriate under the circumstances, except with a documented medical
or religious exemption obtained from a licensed physician or from the
Department of Health and Environmental Control. All necessary medical care with
respect to treatment of illness and correction of physical disabilities shall
be carried out promptly.
(vi) A
wilderness therapeutic camp shall maintain on file a record as to each child of
an annual health examination by a licensed physician or a licensed nurse
practitioner.
(b)
Hospitalization.
(i) The wilderness
therapeutic camp shall make provision and establish procedures for
hospitalization when needed for children under its care.
(ii) If a child is in need of hospitalization
or medical treatment, the child's legal guardian, parent or caseworker must be
notified as soon as possible.
(iii)
Medical consent for planned hospitalization or a medical treatment must be
obtained from the child's legal guardian, parent or an appropriate Agency
representative.
(c)
Illness and First Aid.
(i) Each member of the
child care staff shall be able to recognize the common symptoms of illness of
children and to note any obvious physical disability.
(ii) A wilderness therapeutic camp shall
ensure at least one staff member per working shift is certified in first aid
and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. At least one staff person who escorts
children on expeditions off site should be trained in wilderness first
aid.
(iii) A written first aid plan
and a first aid kit shall be available to child care staff.
(iv) First aid supplies shall be available
and administered by a trained staff member.
(d) Dental Care.
(i) Children shall have had a dental
examination by a licensed dentist within the six months prior to admission.
Dental treatment shall be provided as recommended by the examining
dentist.
(ii) Each wilderness
therapeutic camp shall have a specific plan for dental care and dental health
that shall be consistently followed. The plan shall provide for, at a minimum,
annual checkups by a licensed practitioner.
(e) Health Records. A continuous medical
record reflecting each child's growth and development, illnesses, treatments,
inoculations, dental care, etc., shall be kept at the wilderness therapeutic
camp.
(f) Medications.
(i) Persons administering medication shall
have received appropriate training. Documentation of training shall be filed in
the individual's personnel record.
(ii) A wilderness therapeutic camp shall
designate and authorize specific staff to administer medications and supervise
the taking of medications. Only designated and authorized staff shall
administer and supervise the taking of medication. Staff will ensure medication
has been taken by the person to which it is prescribed. If a designated and/or
authorized staff member makes three medicine errors in 30 days, then that staff
member shall not administer medications until the staff member receives
additional training by the facility director or designated staff as appropriate
to the specific circumstances. Documentation of how the issue was addressed
shall be maintained by the facility.
(iii) All medications shall be kept in a
double locked secure area, accessible only to staff.
(iv) If children are away from the camp
during the time they need to take their medication or over 24 hours, camp staff
shall keep medicines locked in the daypack and kept on the staff person who is
responsible and trained to administer medication.
(v) All prescription medication shall be
labeled for the individual child including the dosage and frequency of the
dose.
(vi) A log must be maintained
to document the time the medication was administered, the dosage and the name
of the person administering the medication. The log must also record any
changes in medication or treatment or incidents when the child failed to
receive the medication.
(vii) If
medications are discontinued, the remaining medications shall be destroyed
following the recommendations of the South Carolina Department of Health and
Environmental Control.
(g) Medical Costs. The person or entity with
custody shall be responsible for payment of any medical services received that
are not covered by insurance.
(9) Academic and Vocational Training.
(a) Each wilderness therapeutic camp shall be
responsible for providing an opportunity for academic training and/or
vocational training in accordance with the abilities and needs of the
children.
(b) Wilderness
therapeutic camps providing on-site educational programs must meet compulsory
education requirements as defined by the South Carolina Department of
Education.
(c) Children who are
eligible (based on federal standards) shall have independent living goals and
strategies as part of their service plan.
(d) Children shall be permitted and
encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, art,
and music to the extent of their interests.
(e) School attendance shall be in accordance
with state law requirements and be in accordance with the ability and best
interests of the child.
(10) Religion.
(a) Each wilderness therapeutic camp shall
have clearly defined policies regarding the availability of religious training
for the information of those considering the placement of a child. This
information shall be made available to parents, legal guardians and
children.
(b) The wilderness
therapeutic camp shall provide access to religious services and/or religious
counseling at least once each week. Attendance shall be voluntary. A minor
shall be allowed to participate in other program activities if he/she elects
not to participate in religious programs.
(c) Religious programs shall provide for, at
minimum:
(i) opportunity for religious
services;
(ii) availability of
clergy; and
(iii) availability of
religious diets.
(11) Disaster Plans.
(a) A written disaster plan, including a plan
for transportation, must be included as part of the policy and procedure
manual. Types of disasters for which the facility must prepare include, but are
not limited to: hurricane, severe thunderstorm, tornadoes, chemical emergency,
power outage, wildfire, heat wave, flood and winter storm. The plans shall
include options for evacuation sites that are a safe distance away from the
disaster. The plans shall be reviewed annually by all staff and resubmitted as
part of the annual relicensing requirements.
(b) In the event of a mandatory evacuation
order due to a disaster, children are to be evacuated to a designated shelter
or a safe location that is not threatened by the disaster.
(12) Discharge and Aftercare.
(a) The wilderness therapeutic camp shall
adopt and update, as appropriate, written policies concerning discharge and
aftercare.
(b) Careful evaluation
shall be made on an ongoing basis in order to assess when and if a child may be
returned to his/her own home, placed in a foster home or with relatives, or
transferred to another facility better suited to meet his/her needs.
(c) A wilderness therapeutic camp shall
provide sufficient notice to the child and the referral source prior to
discharge to allow arrangements for an appropriate alternative placement to be
made.
(d) A wilderness therapeutic
camp will complete a discharge report for a child residing in a wilderness
therapeutic camp for ninety (90) or more days. The discharge report shall
include major recommendations and outcomes, list records to be transferred, and
be available to the Agency or legal guardian within ten (10) days of
discharge.
(13) Foster
Home Care. Children placed in a wilderness therapeutic camp of a particular
organization may not be moved to one of its foster homes unless the wilderness
therapeutic camp is licensed as a Child Placing Agency, the foster home is
licensed, and the wilderness therapeutic camp has the permission of the placing
entity.
(14) Records.
(a) Every wilderness therapeutic camp shall
maintain a confidential case record as required by South Carolina Code Section
63-11-80,
stored in a locked or secure area, which may not be disclosed except for
purposes directly connected with the administration of the wilderness
therapeutic camp or for the care and well-being of a child.
(b) The file shall contain the following:
(i) Application for services;
(ii) A study of the child in context of their
family, provided by the referring party, including a statement regarding
custody and legal responsibility for the child;
(iii) A copy of the birth certificate
provided by the placing entity;
(iv) Authorization for medical treatment
signed by parent or guardian;
(v)
Reports on medical care, inoculations, dental care, and psychological and
psychiatric reports, if any are available;
(vi) Current record of the child's physical,
emotional, social and academic progress in residential group care, and
relationships with the family while the child is under care;
(vii) Discharge information and plan for
return to the community;
(viii)
Documentation that the legal guardian or parent has been informed whenever a
child has been involved in a major behavior incident;
(ix) Documentation of major behavior
incidents; and
(x) Documentation
that the designated prudent parent has brought to the child's attention
multiple age or developmentally-appropriate activities as required by the
Prudent Parent Standard.
(15) Transportation.
(a) Vehicles transporting children will
comply with all state and federal laws.
(b) No vehicle shall transport more children
than the manufacturer's rated seating capacity.
(c) The bed of an open body or stake bed
vehicle must not be used for transporting children.
(d) Each vehicle shall be equipped with an
adequately supplied first aid kit.
(e) Staff and children shall wear seat belts
at all times while the vehicle is moving.
(f) Each wilderness therapeutic camp must
have a policy and written disaster plan for transporting children in the event
of an emergency or disaster.
(g)
Drivers of vehicles shall have a valid driver's license and follow safety
requirements of the State, (h) At least one driver must be certified in
cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid.
(16) Tasks.
(a) Assigned tasks shall be appropriate to
the age and abilities of the child and assigned for the purpose of training in
skills and attitudes and in the proper assumption of personal
responsibility.
(b) The wilderness
therapeutic camp shall differentiate between tasks of daily living, jobs to
earn spending money, and jobs to gain vocational training.
(c) Daily living tasks shall be made known to
the child during orientation and the child shall be given some choice in chores
with duties that provide a variety of experiences.
(d) The rules on jobs to earn spending money
or gain vocational training shall be made known to all age appropriate
children. Opportunities to participate shall be made available in accordance
with the child's age and abilities and so as not to interfere with other
educational activities.
(e)
Children shall not substitute for staff nor regularly perform tasks more
appropriately assigned to staff.
(f) The wilderness therapeutic camp shall
comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (child labor laws).
F. Licensing.
(1) Inquiries. Requests for information
regarding an application for a license shall be sent to the South Carolina
Department of Social Services (SCDSS). SCDSS will then send a copy of the rules
and regulations governing the license. Consultation will be available upon
request.
(2) Procedure for Initial
Licensing.
(a) With the initial application
for a license, the following information shall be sent to the South Carolina
Department of Social Services:
(i) A completed
formal application, including all forms assuring compliance with Federal
laws;
(ii) A copy of the charter or
law establishing the wilderness therapeutic camp;
(iii) A copy of the constitution or bylaws,
and operating procedures;
(iv) A
copy of a map for the entire camp;
(v) A copy of the floor plan for each
wilderness structure used for sleeping;
(vi) A statement of the purpose, scope of
services to be provided, intake policy specifying age, gender, type of children
to be accepted for care, and the area of the state in which it plans to operate
and serve;
(vii) A current list of
governing board members, including names, positions, addresses and phone
numbers for each, and committees;
(viii) A financial statement showing assets,
income and sources thereof, verification of a minimum of three (3) months
operating capital on hand;
(ix) The
wilderness therapeutic camp's initial budget, including estimated income and
expenditures for the first year;
(x) A copy of the current policy and
procedural manual;
(xi) The number
of buildings and a statement regarding the general condition of the wilderness
structures and/or physical facilities;
(xii) Verification of local building and
zoning compliance;
(xiii) A current
fire inspection report;
(xiv) A
current health and sanitation inspection report;
(xv) Disaster plan, including plan for
transportation of children;
(xvi)
Documentation of recreational activities that will be implemented and are
appropriate to the developmental needs, and interests of children;
(xvii) Menus encompassing four weeks that
have been approved by a qualified nutritionist or dietician;
(xviii) Job descriptions, including education
and work experience requirements for staff;
(xix) Names and job titles of staff, and
proof of education and work experience as evidenced by completed applications
or resumes;
(xx) Medical
examination reports for all child care staff;
(xxi) Tuberculosis screening for all
staff;
(xxii) Memorandum of
Agreement on Criminal Record Checks;
(xxiii) South Carolina State Law Enforcement
Division (SLED) criminal records checks and FBI fingerprint checks for all
staff and volunteers who have unsupervised contact with children;
(xxiv) South Carolina Sex Offender Registry
Check verification for all staff and volunteers who have unsupervised contact
with children;
(xxv) National Sex
Offender Registry Check verification for all staff and volunteers who have
unsupervised contact with children;
(xxvi) South Carolina Child Abuse and Neglect
Central Registry checks for all staff and volunteers who have unsupervised
contact with children;
(xxvii)
Documentation of orientation training completed by each staff member;
(xxviii) Documentation of a nationally
accredited restraint training certification for all child care staff who may
restrain children; and
(xxix)
Documentation of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation for at one staff
member per working shift and wilderness first aid for at least one staff person
who escorts children on expeditions off site.
(b) As soon as possible after the receipt of
the application for a license, a representative of the South Carolina
Department of Social Services will visit the wilderness therapeutic camp and
will secure information on which to evaluate the program in relation to
licensing standards.
(c) If the
wilderness therapeutic camp wishes to operate a foster home or adoptive home
program in addition to caring for children in residential group care, it will
be necessary to submit additional information as required for a license to
operate a Child Placing Agency.
(3) License.
(a) The terms of the license, the number, age
and gender of children to be maintained will be stated in the license
issued.
(b) A License will be
issued when a wilderness therapeutic camp meets all applicable regulations. A
License is effective for twelve months from the date of issuance.
(c) The license shall be displayed at all
times.
(d) The wilderness
therapeutic camp shall not deviate from the provisions specified in the license
issued.
(e) The license is not
transferable, is specific to the location, owner or governing organization, and
existing buildings at the time of licensure.
(4) Denial or Revocation of a License.
(a) The Agency may refuse to issue a license,
or may revoke the license of a current licensee, if the applicant/licensee:
(i) Fails to comply with wilderness
therapeutic camp licensing regulations;
(ii) Violates state or federal laws;
(iii) Abuses or neglects children
as defined in S.C. Code Section
63-7-20
(also refer to Discipline, E(4));
(iv) Knowingly employs, on a paid or
volunteer basis, a person with a past/current history of child abuse or is on
the South Carolina Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect or fails to
terminate their employment once the record is known;
(v) Makes a false statement or a
misrepresentation to the Department of Social Services that adversely impacts
the care and safety of children;
(vi) Refuses to submit licensing or child
specific information or reports to the Agency as it relates to care and safety
of children;
(vii) Fails to
cooperate, withholds information, or impedes an investigation of child abuse or
neglect;
(viii) Fails to provide,
maintain, equip, and keep safe and sanitary the wilderness therapeutic camp to
care for children;
(ix) Fails to
provide adequate financial resources to maintain the wilderness therapeutic
camp; or
(x) Fails to notify the
Agency of any structural improvements or new construction within three (3)
working days.
(b) The
Agency is empowered to seek an injunction against the continuing operation of a
wilderness therapeutic camp as provided in Section
63-7-1210,
including the following:
(i) When a
wilderness therapeutic camp is operating without a license; or
(ii) When the Agency determines a threat of
harm exists to children in the wilderness therapeutic camp.
(c) Notification. Written notice
will be given to an applicant or wilderness therapeutic camp by certified mail
or hand delivered by an Agency representative, if the license is revoked or
denied.
(d) Appeals. Any wilderness
therapeutic camp whose application has been denied or revoked, may request a
hearing within thirty (30) days of receipt of notification of the Agency's
decision. Requests for appeals must be forwarded to the South Carolina
Department of Social Services, Office of Administrative Hearings.
(5) Termination of License.
(a) Expiration of License. A License expires
automatically at the end of twelve months from the date of the issuance of the
license unless renewed or cancelled prior to that date.
(b) Cancellation of License. A license shall
be cancelled if there is a deviation from the provisions of the license or if
the location of the wilderness therapeutic camp or the wilderness therapeutic
camp organization operating the facility changes.
(6) Annual Review and Relicensing.
(a) Annually, all licensed wilderness
therapeutic camps must submit the material listed below to the South Carolina
Department of Social Services. Continued licensing will be based on a review of
this material and a visit(s) by a representative of the Agency to tour the
wilderness therapeutic camp, review the program, audit children's records, and
interview staff and/or children as appropriate. The material to be submitted
includes the following:
(i) A completed formal
application;
(ii) An annual
population report;
(iii) A current
list of governing board members, including names, positions, addresses and
phone numbers for each, and committees;
(iv) A copy of the wilderness therapeutic
camp's most recent financial statement;
(v) An estimated budget for the wilderness
therapeutic camp's current fiscal year;
(vi) A copy of the discipline
policy;
(vii) A report of any major
changes in program or the wilderness structures and/or physical facilities
planned for the coming year;
(viii)
A report of a fire inspection that was completed within the past licensing
period;
(ix) Record of monthly fire
drills for fire and emergency evacuation that are held at different
times;
(x) A health and sanitation
inspection report that was completed within the past licensing
period;
(xi) Disaster plan,
including plan for transportation of children;
(xii) Documentation of at least three months
of recreational activities that were implemented and were appropriate to the
developmental needs, and interests of children;
(xiii) Menus encompassing four weeks that
have been approved by a qualified nutritionist or dietician;
(xiv) The names and job titles of current
staff and completed applications or resumes for staff who have been employed
since the last license was issued;
(xv) Reports of medical examinations for each
new child care staff employed after the date of the previously issued license
and a statement of freedom from contagious disease for all other child care
staff;
(xvi) Tuberculosis screening
for all staff;
(xvii) Memorandum of
Agreement on Criminal Record Checks if a new chief executive officer has been
hired and the completed agreement has not yet been obtained;
(xviii) Current South Carolina Law
Enforcement Division (SLED) criminal records checks and FBI fingerprint checks
for all staff and volunteers who have opportunity for unsupervised contact with
children;
(xix) South Carolina Sex
Offender Registry Checks for staff and volunteers who have opportunity for
unsupervised contact with children;
(xx) National Sex Offender Registry Check
verification for all staff and volunteers who have unsupervised contact with
children;
(xxi) South Carolina
Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry checks for all staff and volunteers
who have opportunity for unsupervised contact with children;
(xxii) Documentation of at least fourteen
(14) hours of training within the last year for all child care staff;
(xxiii) Documentation of a nationally
accredited restraint training certification for all child care staff who may
restrain children;
(xxiv)
Documentation of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation for at one staff
member per working shift and wilderness first aid for at least one staff person
who escorts children on expeditions off site; and
(xxv) Documentation from a county building
inspector may be required if the Agency suspects a new or existing building or
structure poses a risk of harm to children.
(b) Any deficiencies or corrective action
plans previously cited must be cleared prior to the renewal of the license
unless otherwise approved by the Agency.
(7) Authorized actions by the Agency.
(a) Licensing staff from the agency may make
visits to the wilderness therapeutic camp without prior notice to ascertain
continued compliance with these requirements.
(b) The Agency shall investigate complaints
to determine if the wilderness therapeutic camp is meeting licensing
requirements and shall take appropriate and necessary actions based on its
findings.
(c) The Agency shall
inform the director of the wilderness therapeutic camp of any deficiencies or
corrective action plans that have been implemented as the result of a complaint
or unannounced visit.
(d) If the
director is the subject of the complaint, the chairman of the board will be
notified.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. South Carolina 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.
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