Current through September 24, 2024
(1) General
(a) The facility must be in compliance with
state and local fire, health, safety, and building requirements, and there must
be a statement or certificate of compliance from each agency prior to admitting
its first residents.
(b) The
runaway house agency must be located in easy access of public transportation
and appropriate social service and community facilities, e.g., schools,
churches, medical facilities.
(c)
The building must be in such a state of repair that it assures the safety of
the residents in the home.
(d) Each
resident must be provided with an individual place to keep his/her individual
clothes and personal possessions separate from the possessions of others in the
agency.
(e) Adequate laundry
facilities must be provided,
(f)
Separate areas or separate floors must be maintained for male and female
residents.
(2) Heat,
Space, Light and Ventilation
(a) Rooms must be
comfortably heated in winter. The rooms must be free from dampness and have
adequate ventilation.
(b) Sleeping
rooms must be properly ventilated.
(c) At least 50 square feet of space per
child must be provided in bedroom for children.
(3) Kitchen
(a) All kitchens must be adequately equipped
for the proper washing and sterilization of dishes and cooking
utensils.
(b) There must be
adequate facilities for refrigeration and for garbage disposal.
(c) Kitchens must meet the standards required
by the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment
(d) Adequate hand washing facilities approved
by the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment must be
provided.
(4) Dining
Area
(a) Appropriate dining facilities must be
provided.
(b) The dining area must
be clean, well lighted, and ventilated.
(c) The dining area must meet the standards
required by the Tennessee Department of Health Environment.
(5) Storage Space
(a) Cooking and eating utensils must be kept
in storage space which is protected from dust, vermin, and pests.
(b) Secured space must be provided for the
storage of all corrosives or poisons.
(6) Sanitary Facilities
(a) Toilet and bathing facilities must be
approved by the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment.
(b) There must be one toilet, one shower, and
one lavatory for each six (6) residents for which an agency is
approved.
(c) Bathrooms and
facilities must be kept clean.
(d)
All garbage must be placed in tightly covered containers and disposed of in a
sanitary manner.
(7)
Emergency Capacity. An agency may exceed its licensed capacity in an emergency
situation where a child seeks admission during those hours when traditional
social agencies are not in operation and may provide overnight sanctuary while
alternative plans are made to reduce the number of residents within the agency
maximum. Provided, however, that maximum occupancy of the agency shall not, at
any time, exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of its licensed capacity. It is
essential in all cases that adequate sleeping facilities be provided for all
residents in the agency.
(8)
Recreation
(a) A recreational plan, including
both spectator and active recreation activities, must be developed by the
agency.
(b) Activities away from
the agency must be planned whenever possible to allow the residents to continue
as part of the overall community and not experience isolation of contact by
being restricted to the agency facility.
Authority: T.C.A. §§
4-5-226(b)(2);37-5-101;
37-5-105; 37-5-106; 37-5-112(a); 37-1604 and 37-1605.
