Section 460. Children placed in treatment foster care

A. In order to be licensed or certified as a child-placing agency providing treatment foster care services in Virginia, the licensee shall meet the requirements of this chapter.

B. In addition to the program description requirements specified in 22VAC40-131-170, the licensee shall provide a comprehensive description of:

1. The treatment philosophy of the licensee;

2. Specific treatment techniques the licensee plans to use with children and families;

3. Specific behavior management strategies the licensee will allow foster parents to use with placed children; and

4. The staffing pattern that:

a. Provides for the intensity of services required in treatment foster care;

b. Describes the treatment team, treatment plans, and credentials of professional staff responsible for treatment services;

c. Provides for at least one full-time professional staff or part-time staff whose hours are equivalent to a full-time position; and

d. Designates a qualified individual responsible for overseeing the program.

C. The licensee shall have a written plan for back-up emergency care in the event that a child's placement in a family disrupts.

D. The licensee shall provide training, support, and guidance to foster families in implementing the treatment and service plan for the child.

E. In consultation with the custodial agency, the licensee shall provide or arrange for the child to receive recommended or identified clinical services including, but not limited to, psychiatric, psychological, and medication management services.

F. The licensee shall assure that a professional qualified staff person provides leadership to the treatment team that includes:

1. Managing team decision-making regarding the care and treatment of the child or youth and services to the child's family;

2. Providing information and training as needed to treatment team members; and

3. Involving the child, the child's foster family, and the placing agency in treatment team meetings, plans and decisions, and keeping them informed of the child's progress, whenever possible.

G. Treatment team members shall consult with each other on cases at least every 90 days and as often as necessary.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 28, Issue 10, eff. May 1, 2012.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217 and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.