The Twelve of Ohio, Inc



The Twelve of Ohio, Inc.

GROUP HOME HANDBOOK

FOR RESIDENT AND FAMILIES

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WELCOME

We are happy to have the opportunity to work together with you and your family and we look forward to helping you achieve your case plan. Your placement with us is no accident. You have been accepted into the program because we believe you can benefit from working together with us and your family to accomplish mutually agreed upon goals.

In order for us to work together there are real responsibilities that we have toward each other which will require a great deal of work to achieve. The most important responsibility is being truthful. We will be truthful in our dealing with you and we expect you to be truthful with us.

We hope your time with us is a positive experience in your life and we look forward to getting to know you.

Sincerely,

The Staff of the Twelve for Children & Families

Revised: July 9, 2008

Revised: May 19, 2010

Revised: June 24, 2010

Board Approved / Effective: June 29, 2010

Revised / Board Approved / Effective: December 20, 2010

Revised / Board Effective: October 12, 2011

Board Approved: February 21, 2012

Table of Contents

|Index |Page 2 |

|Program overview and services |Page 3 |

|Education |Page 4 |

|Employment |Page 4 |

|Program responsibilities |Page 4 |

|Meal times |Page 4 |

|Recreation |Page 5 |

|Religious participation |Page 5 |

|Health care |Page 5 |

|Free time |Page 5 |

|Emergencies |Page 5 |

|Clothing |Page 6 |

|Allowances |Page 6 |

|Role of family |Page 6 |

|Visitation and Communication |Page 6, 7 |

|Use of Computer and software |Page 7, 8 |

|Electronic Mail (E-mail) |Page 8, 9,10 |

|Internet and use of online services |Page 10,11 |

|Search and Seizure |Page 11, 12 |

|Group Home Discipline |Page 12, 13, 14 |

|Complaint Procedure |Page 14 |

|Reporting abuse or neglect |Page 15 |

|Additional House Guidelines |Page 16 |

|Child Rights |Page 17 |

|Signature page (to be filed) |Page 18 |

| | |

Purpose

The Group Home provides an environment of short term, intensive supervision and treatment for resident who require stabilization and services geared to their eventual return home or to a less restrictive environment.

Services

Services are provided to residents who exhibit serious emotional and behavioral problems. These may include:

• Anger management issues

• Substance abuse issues

• Habitual truancy

• High-risk behavior issues

The goal is to stabilize residents within a therapeutic environment with an emphasis on both group and individual counseling. Residents attend school, participate in recreational and cultural enrichment activities and upon appropriate demonstration, may hold a job. A full range of Independent Living skills are also presented to residents while in placement.

Group Home staff are trained in the concept of a therapeutic community, the basis for which is Social Responsibility Theory (SRT).

Staffing

Residents are supervised 24 hours a day. The staffing ratio is 2-10 during waking hours. Staffing ratio is also adjusted for specific activities, including trips away from the group home and on property activities. In these situations, additional staff are often provided for more supervision. A Child Care Worker is on duty and awake to supervise the residents during sleeping hours. A supervisor is on call 24 hours a day

A low staff to resident ratio allows greater flexibility in providing for the individual needs of each resident.

The Treatment Team meets weekly to set and review the goals and objectives of each resident and the program as a whole.

Treatment Milieu

Specific group therapy/treatment sessions are held twice a week. These are facilitated by a licensed therapist or a licensed staff. Weekly individual counseling is provided by a Licensed Social Worker. Resident progress and goals are discussed and/or amended at weekly treatment team meetings. Staff are trained in responding to treatment issues on a daily basis. Group Home staff are trained in the concept of a therapeutic community, the basis for which is Social Responsibility Theory (SRT).

Family therapy is available upon request and if deemed necessary by the treatment team.

Education

OAC 5101:2-9-19

Most residents attend the local public schools. Home instruction and the Adult Learning Center are also an option.

The Educational component is mandatory and a very important part of the resident’s treatment

Staff will make contacts with the schools and /or other educational programs on a regular basis to evaluate progress and to avert any problems that may be developing. Educational goals are discussed at treatment team meetings weekly.

You are required to attend study time each Monday – Thursday. A certified teacher and teacher’s aide is available through the local school system to assist residents with homework and to provide additional help with difficult subjects.

Employment

Employment through area businesses will be permitted when in agreement with your treatment plan. If you become employed, a joint savings account with staff and resident will be opened and you will be required to save 80% of your earnings. If you wish to make special purchases, you must have the approval of the House Manager and your agency caseworker. Any money provided to or earned by a child shall be considered to be the child’s money and not funds belonging to the residential facility (or staff). OAC 5101:2-9-17

Working a job in the community is considered free time. This is an earned privilege.

Group Home Responsibilities

You will be able to earn allowance by completing daily chores assigned by staff. Daily cleaning and upkeep is part of your responsibility and helps you to acquire a sense of pride and accomplishment in your home. Bedrooms are the responsibility of the resident in that room. You are responsible for doing your laundry weekly.

Meal Times

Breakfast: 6am – 9am. (Each resident is expected to clean up after himself)

Lunch Time: times are flexible because of various types and times of programming of each resident.

DinnerTime: 5pm – 6pm. All residents are to be present for the dinner meal.

Snack Time: Snacks are available

Residents are asked to receive permission when eating between meals and are not permitted to take food out of the dining area

Recreational Activities

OAC 5101:2-9-18

House meetings will be held to coordinate activities. All residents are encouraged to participate as a group in deciding which activities to pursue. Recreational activities include: local movie theaters, YMCA facilities, CYC recreational facilities, bowling, roller skating, football, softball, basketball, hiking, swimming, fishing, and any other activities which are arranged. Planned outings and field trips (camping, fishing, educational, historical and cultural enrichment, etc.) are scheduled throughout the year.

Religious Participation

OAC 5101:2-9-19

Each child shall be provided opportunities to practice their chosen religious faith without any coercion, unless it is determined and documented in the child’s case plan by the custodial agency that practicing the child’s or families chosen religious beliefs and faith is not in the child’s best interest. Parents will be encouraged to participate whenever possible.

Health Care Services

Health services include:

▪ A medical assessment consisting of a physician’s examination within thirty days prior to placement or within 30 days of admission. In addition, a medical screening is performed within 5 days of admission.

▪ Written summary of resident and family’s known medical history, including immunizations, operations, childhood illnesses, with a copy prepared for and presented to resident who are in the process of transferring into Independent Living from the program. A copy of the medical history will be maintained on file.

▪ Resident will receive age-appropriate instruction regarding teen pregnancy prevention, AIDS prevention, and general information about the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted disease

▪ Direct provision for referral for needed services.

▪ All resident receive routine dental and vision services

Personal Time

Personal time outside of the home, without direct supervision is an earned privilege and is determined by the treatment team in accordance with treatment plan. Working a job in the community is considered free time. This is an earned privilege.

Emergency Procedure

As a new resident, you will be shown emergency exits and safety plans. You will be directed where to go in case of fire or evacuation and you will practice these on a routine basis under staff supervision.

Emergency drills are held monthly at various times of day and night and you are expected to respond to drills as if they are real.

Clothing

Clothing will be provided by custodial agency at the time of placement and inventoried upon intake. Additional clothing will be provided seasonally according to contract. Clothing inventories will be updated on a regular basis.

Allowance

Residents will earn a weekly allowance upon competition of daily responsibilities which include cleaning the bedroom and daily details.

5101:2-9-17 Child's money.

(A) Any money provided to or earned by a child shall be considered to be the child’s money and not funds belonging to the staff or the residential facility.

(B) A residential facility shall ensure that any child having the opportunity to receive or earn money has an account either at an established financial institution or in the residential facility for the safe keeping of such money. If the account is maintained at the residential facility, a written report of the current balance, deposits, withdrawals, and any interest earned shall be provided to the child at least every three months.

(C) A residential facility may issue credit script to children, in lieu of legal tender, for use within the facility.

(D) Within ten days of a planned discharge, or within thirty days if the discharge is not planned, funds belonging to a child kept at or by the facility shall be returned to the child.

(E) A residential facility shall not charge a resident for an item required to be provided to the resident as required in Chapter 5101:2-9 of the Administrative Code unless the resident is learning life skills as part of an independent living program.

Role of Your Family

Your family is considered to be a very important part of the treatment team and their opinion about your goals and objectives is important to us as well as their view of your personal progress in the program. Therefore, they are encouraged to visit and actively participate in the development and review of your treatment plan and your overall daily life.

Your family is expected to abide by the rules of the program, just as you are and to do nothing that will inhibit your treatment progress.

Visiting and Communications

To ensure that the agency provides for visiting and communications between a child and his/her family, friends and significant others in their life. This will be done by appointment only.

A child shall be allowed to send or receive mail subject to the group home policy regarding contraband and/or directives from the legal custodian and the child’s service plan. A child shall in accordance with the service plan have access to a telephone for making and receiving telephone calls. Youth may also have access to cell phones, internet, email and other electronic devices and will be instructed in their proper use.

In accordance with the service plan, reasonable conditions of privacy for approved visits and telephone contacts will be made.

1. Each child shall be permitted to have reasonable access to a phone for sending and receiving calls

2. Each resident will be permitted to confer with its attorney and/or guardian ad litem, by telephone or at the group home, in private, at reasonable times desired by the child.

3. The group home manager shall designate space, which is not in the space where children live, to serve as a private area for discussions and counseling sessions between children and staff. In most cases the group home office will be made available for private conversations or counseling sessions.

4. All residents shall be permitted to send and receive mail subject only to agency rules regarding contraband and rules and directives from the child’s legal Guardian, when rules do not conflict with federal postal regulations.

5. Youth who have access to electronic media, which may include cell phones, internet and e-mail service is subject to the group home rule pertaining to contraband. In addition, they will not be permitted to be involved in harassment, bullying, defraud or any other illegal activities. All use of the electronic media is subject to close supervision by group home staff.

• Contraband is the receipt of any item that is banned from the group home or determined to be detrimental to the child or other residents in the group home. This includes but is not limited to:

o Weapons

o Non-prescribed drugs and paraphernalia

o Alcohol and tobacco products

o Pornography

• No staff may open a child’s mail at any time; if there is a suspicion that contraband is being received the child must open the mail in view of agency staff

• All youth are subject to the same requirements as agency employees regarding the use of electronic media ( See policies # 401, 402, 403 below )

Use of Computer Hardware and Software

Policy #: 401

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to establish employee and Group Home Resident’s procedures regarding the use of the Information Services network, including computer hardware and software, computer communications, and to protect the integrity of the agency’s database. This policy is necessary to establish appropriate use and prevent misuse of agency personal computers, associated hardware and software, electronic mail (e-mail), the Internet and online services.

The agency respects the individual privacy of its employees and Group Home Resident’s. However, employee and Group Home Resident’s privacy does not extend to the employee’s and Group Home Resident’s work-related conduct including the use of agency computers, equipment and supplies. Employees and Group Home Resident’s should have no expectation of privacy when they use agency computer equipment, including but not limited to, software, files, e-mail and Internet browsing.

Agency computers, computer software and computer accounts are to assist employees in the performance of their duties and Group Home Resident’s in the use of electronic media. All employees have the responsibility to use all computer resources and services in an efficient, effective, ethical and lawful manner.

Policy:

Computer equipment, including hardware and software, is the property and/or the responsibility of the agency and shall remain on agency premises, except with prior authorization. Employees and Group Home Resident’s are to report computer malfunctions and other technical problems to the information systems department.

Accountability: All Employees, Board of Trustees, Group Home Residents

Procedure:

1. The Executive Director, Director of Special Projects, and the Regional Directors shall maintain an accurate record and inventory of all agency owned computer equipment. (Software and hardware)

2. All computers will have software that is installed by the agency. No other software shall be installed on agency computers unless authorized by the Executive Director or his/her designee.

3. The installation of personal, purchased or downloaded entertainment/game software is prohibited.

4. Playing of any games on the computer during work time is prohibited.

Approved: March 5, 2001

Revised: June 29, 2010

Board Approved: June 29, 2010

Board Effective Date: June 29, 2010

Electronic Mail (E-Mail)

Policy #: 402

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to establish employee and Group Home Resident’s

procedures regarding the use of the Information Services network, including computer hardware and software, computer communications, and to protect the integrity of the agency’s database. This policy is necessary to establish appropriate use and prevent misuse of agency personal computers, associated hardware and software, electronic mail (e-mail), the Internet and online services.

The agency respects the individual privacy of its employees and Group Home Resident’s. However, employee and Group Home Resident’s privacy does not extend to the employee’s and Group Home Resident’s work-related conduct including the use of agency computers, equipment and supplies. Employees and Group Home Resident’s should have no expectation of privacy when they use agency computer equipment, including but not limited to, software, files, e-mail and Internet browsing.

Agency computers, computer software and computer accounts are to assist employees in the performance of their duties. All employees and Group Home Resident’s have the responsibility to use all computer resources and services in an efficient, effective, ethical and lawful manner.

Policy:

The e-mail system, installed to facilitate effective communication between licensed users, is to be used for agency business and may not be used for the personal purpose of staff.

Accountability: All Employees, Board of Trustees, Group Home Residents

Procedure:

1. Users should have no expectation of privacy regarding the use of the e-mail system. Employees and Group Home Residents should also be aware that e-mail messages may be considered public record and therefore subject to the agency’s record retention schedule and possible disclosure. Employees and Group Home Residents should not assume that e-mail messages are confidential. Employees and Group Home Residents should also note that “deletion” of an e-mail message does not necessarily ensure that the message is not later retrievable.

2. All passwords must be recorded with the Systems Administrator/Group House Manager for Residents. Employees and Group Home Residents shall not intentionally intercept, eavesdrop, record, read, alter, or receive another person’s e-mail messages without proper authorization. Other than the System Administrator or specific employees designated by the agency, an employee or Group Home Resident shall not use the password of another employee or Resident.

3. No encryption programs or document level passwords may be used without the express authorization of the agency.

4. E-mail shall be written in a business-like manner such that, if disclosed, it will not be embarrassing to the Agency, employee, Group Home Resident or the receiver. E-mail shall not be used to send insulting, disruptive or offensive messages to other persons, which intend to be harmful to morale. Forbidden e-mail messages include, but are not limited to, profane or vulgar language; discriminatory, insulting, or defamatory remarks; sexually- explicit messages; commercial or religious causes; or any message that encourages violation of the Agency’s policies, procedures, rules and/or regulations.

5. If staff choose or are required to use the e-mail system, they are expected to check their e-mail at least once per day.

Approved: March 5, 2001

Revised: June 29, 2010

Board Approved: June 29, 2010

Board Effective Date: June 29, 2010

Internet Access and use of Online Services

Policy #: 403

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to establish employee and Group Home Resident’s

procedures regarding the use of the Information Services network, including computer hardware and software, computer communications, and to protect the integrity of the agency’s database. This policy is necessary to establish appropriate use and prevent misuse of agency personal computers, associated hardware and software, electronic mail (e-mail), the Internet and online services.

The agency respects the individual privacy of its employees and Group Home Resident’s. However, employee and Group Home Resident’s privacy does not extend to the employee’s and Group Home Resident’s work-related conduct including the use of agency computers, equipment and supplies. Employees and Group Home Resident’s should have no expectation of privacy when they use agency computer equipment, including but not limited to, software, files, e-mail and Internet browsing.

Agency computers, computer software and computer accounts are to assist employees and Group Home Resident’s in the performance of their duties. All employees and Group Home Resident’s have the responsibility to use all computer resources and services in an efficient, effective, ethical and lawful manner.

Policy:

Access to Internet is provided for official agency business. Occasional and incidental personal use may be permitted as long as it does not interfere with regular work. Restraint shall be exercised regarding the amount of time spent and sites visited accessing the Internet.

Accountability: All Employees, Board of Trustees, and Group Home Residents

Procedure:

1. No software, application, plug-in, applet, or executable program (evaluation, revision, update or otherwise) shall be downloaded from the Internet unless the user receives prior approval from the Executive Director or his/her designee.

2. As representatives of the Agency, staff and Group Home Residents must adhere to any license and copyright laws associated with downloaded software and data, and ensure that the agency’s network is not contaminated with computer viruses.

3. Employees and Group Home Residents should note that Internet browsing leaves a distinct path on the hard drive. Furthermore, deletion of these paths does not necessarily ensure the paths will not be retrievable at a later time. Therefore, employees and Group Home Residents should not assume that Internet browsing is private or confidential. Employees and Group Home Residents are prohibited from changing configurations, modifying or altering the Internet browser tracking system.

4. Employees and Group Home Residents shall refrain from using the Internet in a manner that will result in the loss of the recipients’ work or systems, or other types of use that could cause congestion of the network or otherwise interfere with the work of others.

5. No software, application, plug-in, applet, or recording device shall be used by (staff or residents) to post any information on the Internet unless the user receives prior written approval from the Executive Director or his/her designee

6. The use of aliases while using the Internet is prohibited. Anonymous messages are not to be sent. Also, the impersonation of others, and/or misrepresentation of an employee’s job title, job description or position in the agency is prohibited.

7. The employee’s Supervisor/Group House Manager for Group Home Residents shall be the person who shall determine whether the employee is accessing the Internet in a manner that is consistent with this policy.

Approved: March 5, 2001

Revised: June 29, 2010

Board Approved / Effective: June 29, 2010

Revised / Board Effective: October 12, 2011

Board Approved: February 21, 2012

Policy #: 607 Group Home Search and Seizure

Purpose:

To provide guidelines for the search of a resident or his bedroom in agency group homes.

Policy:

The Twelve of Ohio Inc. staff recognizes the dignity of the youth in its care and shall demonstrate respect for all individuals and their property. If there is probable cause (possession of missing or stolen articles, weapons and or contraband) the agency staff may conduct a proper search. The Twelve shall make reasonable efforts to have the child present during a search of the child’s personal belongings. If contraband is found as a result of a search then it shall be discarded in the presence of another staff member. If missing or stolen property is recovered as a result of a search then it is to be returned to the owner.

Accountability:

Board of Trustees, All Employees, Residents

Procedure:

1. There must be probable cause that a search of the client and or clients property is necessary

2. Permission must be given for the search by the Group Home Coordinator or Regional Director

3. No child shall be subjected to a ‘hands-on’ strip search. If there is probable cause, a resident will be required to remove their shoes, socks, and hat and shake them out. The resident will be required to turn out their pockets, run their hands through their hair and waste bands. Any type of package, book bags, duffle bag etc. will be checked upon return to the facility.

4. All searches must be conducted by 2 staff, at least 1 of whom is male.

5. The youth’s living quarters and property is not to be left in disarray by agency staff.

6. If there is to be a general search of the bedroom, all occupants of the room must be present.

7. A search must be documented and signed, dated and placed in the clients file by the agency staff conducting the search.

Approved: October 29, 1998

Revised: August 31, 2007

Revised: June 21, 2010

Group Home Discipline

To provide guidelines for discipline regarding children in residential care.

Discipline of Agency youth in group homes shall conform to the requirements of 5101:2-9-21 of the Ohio Administrative Code. These procedures shall be explained to each youth, all staff and a copy shall be made available to all persons or agencies that desire to place youth in an agency group home.

1. Any person caring for or having supervision of an agency child shall abide by the requirements of 5101:2-9-21 of the Ohio Administrative Code.

2. Those requirements are:

Staff shall treat each child with fairness, consistency, and respect.

Staff shall not discriminate in providing care and supervision of children on the basis of race, sex, religion or cultural heritage

Disciplinary methods shall stress praise and encouragement for desired behavior rather than punishment;

All rules and expectations shall be explained to each child in a manner appropriate to his and understanding during his initial orientation and prior to any disciplinary action for violations of such rules;

A child shall not be punished for actions over which he has no control;

Staff shall not subject a child to verbal abuse or swearing; to derogatory remarks about the children, their families, their races, their religion, or their or cultural backgrounds; or to threats of physical violence against the child or removal from the group home.

Staff shall not subject a child to any cruel or unusual punishment or practices

Staff shall not use any device to prevent or restrict movement as punishment or for the convenience for staff

Staff shall not use any of the following practices for a child:

The Agency prohibits the use of any type of restraint.

Physical hitting or any type of physical punishment inflicted in any manner upon the body such as spanking, paddling, punching, shaking, biting, hair pulling, pinching, physical hitting in any manner inflicted upon the body or rough handling.

Physically strenuous work or exercises, when used as a means of punishment;

Requiring or forcing a child to take an uncomfortable position, such as squatting or bending, or requiring a child to repeat physical movements when used as a means of punishment;

Denial of social or recreational activities for excessive or prolonged periods of time, as defined by the agency to be no longer than 7 days

Denial of social or casework services, medical treatment, mental health services, educational services, or access to the guardian ad litem or attorney;

Deprivation of meals;

The use, of or denial of any medication as punishment.

Denial of sleep

Denial of visitation or communication rights with a child family as a means of punishment.

Denial of shelter, clothing, bedding or restroom facilities.

Organized social ostracism.

Use of chemical restraint

Use of mechanical restraint

Shall not use group punishments for the behavior of an individual.

Isolation in a locked room as a means of punishment

Separation of child and her child in a facility as a means of punishment.

Discipline shall be administered only by persons who are administrators or employees with direct care responsibilities of the group home.

If the group home places any restrictions on a child rights, the group home shall:

1. Inform the child and guardian of the conditions of and reasons for the restriction or termination of rights;

2. Place a written report summarizing the conditions of and reasons for restriction or termination of the child’s rights in the child’s record pursuant to rule 5101:2-5-10 of the Ohio Administrative Code;

3. When a restriction of a child’s right affects another individual, inform the individual, as appropriate, of the conditions of the reasons for the action;

4. Document review of this restriction at least weekly. Any such restriction shall be included in the service plan.

5. When the decision to restrict a child’s rights has been made by the agency the agency shall seek approval from the custodial agency.

Complaint Policy for Children and Families of children

Residing in Agency Group Homes

In informal grievance would be when a youth or family member makes a complaint to the child care worker on duty. If the grievance is with the staff on duty, then they need to speak with the workers immediate supervisor.

If they are unable to resolve the complaint informally then they should be advised to start the formal grievance process.

To provide children and their families with a procedure for resolving differences.

A child or family member shall be given an opportunity to present differences for resolution in writing to the Agency that will be addressed within 30 calendar days of the filing of the grievance. Agency staff and children in placement shall not retaliate against the person filing the complaint. A child or family member is not required to transmit a complaint through the staff member who is the subject of the complaint.

Step 1

1. The aggrieved child or family member shall present their grievance in writing to the youth care worker on duty. This shall be done no later than 3 calendar days after the child or family member becomes aware that a difference exists. If the grievance is with the staff on duty, then with the workers immediate supervisor.

2. The worker shall reply to the child or family member in writing within 5 calendar days after it has been presented. If the child does not refer the grievance to the next step (Regional Director) within 2 calendar days after receipt of the decision rendered by the worker, it shall be considered satisfactorily resolved.

Step 2

1. At the request of the child or family member, the grievance shall be referred to the Regional Director. The Regional Director shall respond within 3 calendar days.

2. If the child or family member does not refer the grievance to the next step within 2 calendar days, to Executive Director, than the grievance shall be considered successfully resolved.

Step 3

1. At the request of the child or family member the grievance shall be referred to the Executive Director.

2. After the receipt of the grievance the Executive Director shall hold a hearing to resolve the grievance within 10 calendar days. The Executive Director shall inform the child or family member in writing of his decision within 5 calendar days of the hearing. The decision of the Executive Director is final.

3. A written explanation of the reason why the complaint has not been resolved within thirty days will be placed in the child’s record.

4. A written report of each complaint and the resolution will be placed in the child’s record.

How to Report Abuse and / or Neglect

You may report abuse or neglect to your caseworker, the police or the county hotline. This is the information you may be asked for:

• The name and address of the child you suspect is being abused or neglected.

• The age of the child.

• The name and address of the parent or caretaker of the child.

• The name and address of the person you suspect is abusing or neglected.

• The reason you suspect the child is being abused or neglected.

• Any other information which may be helpful to the investigation.

• Your name and where you can be reached.

Persons may report anonymously if they choose, but providing one’s name allows protective services workers to get in touch with you to obtain additional information. You may be required to follow-up verbal reports in writing.

The Abuse Hotline number is: 330-455-5437

The police number is: 330-830-1725

Additional Guidelines for Residents

1) Drug, Alcohol and tobacco use and possession will not be tolerated on property and may lead to discharge

from the home. Legal charges may be filed.

2) No physical aggression towards staff or other residents will be tolerated. There is a strict "hands off” rule. Violation of this rule is considered a violation of your treatment plan. Assault on another resident, visitor or staff will result in charges being filed against the perpetrator.

3) Visitors are restricted to the main floor and /or front porch. Visitors are not permitted in bedrooms of any of the residents at any time. Visitors are required to check in with staff at the beginning of the visit.

4) Trading, lending, buying or selling of personal belongings is not permitted.

5) No resident is permitted in the office without permission from staff on duty.

6) Residents are not permitted in the bedrooms of other residents without the permission of the staff and knowledge of all occupants of the room.

7) Inappropriate music will not be permitted and will be confiscated by staff and returned to your family or to you upon discharge.

8) All clothing containing inappropriate language, slogans, pictures or graphics will be locked up until the parent or guardian can pick the items up or the resident is discharged from the program

9) All videos viewed in the group home will only be done with the house manager’s permission. Pornography or videos with extreme violence will not be permitted to be viewed.

10) No pornographic materials or other material that is determined inappropriate will be permitted in the group home.

11) Any form of disrespect will not be tolerated such as: profanity, name calling, intimidation and/or gestures. (destruction of property)

12) No stealing.

13) Behavior is to be socially appropriate on activities and in the van.

14) AWOLS will be promptly reported to police and your caseworker

15) No tattooing, no hair coloring, no ear/body piercing while in residency.

16) No weapons of any kind are permitted on property

17) Participation and completion with treatment assignments is expected.

18) Destruction of the group home or agency property will not be tolerated. Legal charges will be filed against any resident who deliberately causes destruction of property.

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS

OAC 5101:2-5-35

No employee of the agency shall violate the civil rights of children in its care. Such rights include:

(1) The right to enjoy freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

(2) The right to reasonable enjoyment of privacy.

(3) The right to have his or her opinions heard and be included, to the greatest extent possible, when any decisions are being made affecting his life.

(4) The right to receive appropriate and reasonable adult guidance, support, and supervision.

(5) The right to be free from physical abuse and inhumane treatment.

(6) The right to be protected from all forms of sexual exploitation.

(7) The right to receive adequate and appropriate medical care.

(8) The right to receive adequate and appropriate food, clothing, and housing.

(9) The right to his own money and personal property in accordance with the child’s service or case plan.

(10) The right to live in clean, safe surroundings.

(11) The right to participate in an appropriate educational program.

(12) The right to communicate with family, friends and “significant others” from whom he is living apart, in accordance with the child’s service or case plan.

(13) The right to be taught to fulfill appropriate responsibilities to himself and to others.

Signature page

I, ________________________, have read/or someone has read to me the Group Home Handbook for residents. I understand my responsibility as a resident of the program and I am willing to follow the rules while I am a resident of the program.

Every resident has the right to be taught to fulfill appropriate responsibilities to himself and to others.

As a resident of the program and assuming these responsibilities entrusted to you it is important for you to understand that continuous or deliberate failure to honor your personal responsibility may result in your termination form the program.

______________________________ ______________________________

Resident date House Manager date

______________________________ ______________________________

County Worker date Parent/Guardian date

➢ Place the signed copy in the resident file (intake section)

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