DCF 59.05(4)(f)(f) The ratio of child care staff to children in care shall be dependent on number and the needs of the children, but there shall be at least 2 child care staff members or persons properly substituting for them on duty in the facility at any time when there are 9 or more children present during waking hours, and 3 staff members present when 17 or more children are present during waking hours.

DCF 59.05(4)(g)(g) During sleeping hours there shall always be one staff person within hearing or call of all children in care. When 9 or more children in care are present, 2 staff members must be on duty and make hourly observations of the areas in which children are sleeping.

DCF 59.05(4)(h)(h) When children of both sexes are present in large group shelter care facilities, there shall be both male and female staff members on duty in the facility.

DCF 59.05(5)(5) Discipline.

DCF 59.05(5)(a)(a) Discipline shall be for the purpose of helping the child and shall be handled with kindness and understanding.

DCF 59.05(5)(b)(b) No child in care shall be subjected to corporal, unusual, or severe punishment, or to punishment by deprivation of meals.

DCF 59.05(5)(c)(c) Discipline shall be fair, reasonable, consistent and related to the behavior causing the discipline.

DCF 59.05(5)(d)(d) Written facility rules shall be approved by the superintendent of shelter care. These shall be explained to children when they are admitted to the facility, and available to them during their stay.

DCF 59.05(5)(e)(e) Physical holding shall be used only to protect the child from injury to self or others. Mechanical restraints shall not be used.

DCF 59.05(5)(f)(f) Punishment shall be related to the child’s misconduct. The other children in shelter care shall not be punished for the misconduct of an individual child.

DCF 59.05(5)(g)(g) No child shall be locked within the facility as a whole or any part of it.

DCF 59.05(6)(6) Clothing. Each facility shall ensure that children in care are adequately clothed during their stay. Children in shelter care may retain their own clothes.

DCF 59.05(7)(7) Education. The licensee shall make every reasonable effort to ensure that children in care regularly attend a school program unless otherwise excused by school officials.

DCF 59.05(8)(8) Work performed by children.

DCF 59.05(8)(a)(a) Children in care shall have opportunities to assume responsibility for household duties or chores appropriate to their age, health and ability.

DCF 59.05(8)(b)(b) No licensee shall use the labor of children in care as a substitute to the employment of a sufficient number of competent employees to operate and maintain the shelter facility.

DCF 59.05(8)(c)(c) Household duties of children in care shall not interfere with their school, sleep or study.

DCF 59.05(9)(9) Religion. Shelter care workers and hold-over room attendants shall make every reasonable effort to make opportunities available to each child in shelter care who wishes it for attendance at religious services compatible with the child’s religious heritage or preference.

DCF 59.05(10)(10) Nutrition.

DCF 59.05(10)(a)(a) Food shall be provided to children in sufficient quantities and varieties, and shall provide for essential nutritional and dietary needs.

DCF 59.05(10)(b)(b) In planning menus, consideration shall be given, whenever possible, to the religious practices and the cultural patterns of the children in shelter care.

DCF 59.05(10)(c)(c) In small and large group shelter care facilities, daily menus shall be kept on file and available to the department for at least 30 days thereafter.

DCF 59.05(10)(d)(d) Supplementary food or modified diets as ordered by a physician shall be provided for those children who have special needs.

DCF 59.05(11)(11) Recreation and leisure time activities. The licensee shall provide recreational opportunities based on the age, abilities and interests of the children.

DCF 59.05(12)(12) Visiting. Shelter care workers and hold-over room attendants shall encourage the maintenance of a relationship between children and their parents or relatives or other significant persons. For a shelter care facility except a hold-over room this shall be in accordance with a plan established by the unit supervisor and the child’s legal custodian. Visitation with parents shall not be restricted as a form of discipline.

DCF 59.05(13)(13) Medical care.

DCF 59.05(13)(a)(a) Each shelter care facility shall establish written procedures to be used to provide regular and emergency medical care to children in residence, including the name of a physician who is available to treat the children and the names and locations of nearby emergency medical services.

DCF 59.05(13)(b)(b) Upon admitting a child into shelter care, the staff shall obtain from the child, law enforcement personnel, and if possible, the child’s parents, information regarding the child’s medical needs, including any chronic ailments, allergies or the need for a special diet.