1713 Registering Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs

Georgia State Seal

Department of Human Services
Policy and Manual Management System

Index:

POL 1713

Revised:

04/01/2024

Next Review:

04/01/2026

Policy

It is the policy of Residential Child Care Licensing (RCCL) to register and periodically inspect all Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs (RHYP) established by nonprofit charitable organizations in accordance with the “Runaway Youth Safety Act”. Organizations operating a RHYP shall register and develop program guidelines as follows:

Inspections and Investigations:

  1. RCCL will inspect registered organizations periodically to reduce the risk of harm to youth while on runaway or homeless status.

  2. If a complaint or self-reported incident regarding a registered RHYP is received, RCCL will investigate the allegation and/or incident.

  3. Upon receipt of the finalized inspection report containing the Statement of Deficiencies, a registered RHYP has 10 business days to submit an acceptable Plan of Correction to address any cited deficiencies.

  4. RCCL is authorized and empowered to impose sanctions against registered or applying organizations when program standards violations pose a risk that endangers the health and safety of youth served, or there are indications of a continued failure to comply with RCCL program standards and/or Georgia law.

Authority

O.C.G.A. §§ 16-5-45
O.C.G.A. §§ 49-5-12
O.C.G.A. §§ 49-5-160 et. seq.
O.C.G.A. §§ 49-5-110 et. seq.

References

Guidance Form – RCCL Plan of Correction

Applicability

This policy applies to Nonprofit Charitable Organizations and current RCCL licensed Child Welfare Agencies operating a RHYP.

Definitions

Acceptance of Services

A form which acknowledges youth acceptance of RHYP services offered by a registered organization. The agreement to accept services must be completed by youth prior to admission and contain the youth’s signature, date, and time completed.

Periodic Review

A compliance review of registered organizations offering RHYP services that will occur on an inspection cycle established by RCCL.

Plan of Correction

A written plan submitted to RCCL by the person or persons responsible for the RHYP. The plan shall identify the existing areas of non-compliance coupled with the proposed procedures, methods, and period of time required to correct the areas of non-compliance.

Nonprofit Charitable Organization

An organization exempt from taxation under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code which serves children who have run away or are homeless; has qualified staff on duty at all hours the organization is open for services; and employs at least one individual who is a Georgia licensed professional counselor, social worker, marriage/family therapist, nurse, physician, or psychologist pursuant to 10A, 26, 34, or 39 of Title 43.

Responsibilities

  1. The RCCL Director is responsible for monitoring requirements for updating this policy.

  2. The RCCL Publisher and the Training and Development Supervisor will update this policy according to state requirements.

History

Replaces Registering Runaway and Homeless Youth Program POL1713, last reviewed on 4/01/2024.

Evaluation

The RCCL Director, Program Director, Surveyor Manager, RCCL Surveyor Supervisors and RCCL Surveyor Specialists will evaluate this policy when:

  1. Conducting monthly data analysis of RCCL reports.

  2. Conducting random monthly quality assurance audits of survey reports.

  3. Conducting annual relicensure inspections and complaint investigations of licensed Child Welfare Agencies.