DCF 57.425 NoteNote: A one-unit building is a single family residence. A two-unit building is a duplex or two-flat.

DCF 57.425(2)(2) A group home in a building with at least 3 units shall have one or more functional carbon monoxide detectors installed in accordance with the requirements of s. 101.149, Stats.

DCF 57.425 HistoryHistory: EmR1106: emerg. cr., eff. 9-16-11; CR 11-026: cr. Register December 2011 No. 672, eff.1-1-12.

DCF 57.43(1)(1) The living space shall be sufficiently furnished and in a good state of repair, maintained in a clean condition, and shall allow for free and informal use by residents.

DCF 57.43(2)(2) Each bed shall be of such size as to ensure comfort of the resident. Each bed shall have suitable springs in good condition, a clean, comfortable mattress that is covered with a mattress pad and a waterproof covering when necessary, a pillow, at least 2 sheets, a bedspread, and blankets adequate for the season.

DCF 57.43(3)(3) The top bunk of a bunk bed shall not be used by residents with conditions limiting mobility and shall have a safety rail if used by a child under 8 years of age.

DCF 57.44(1)(1) All garbage containing food waste shall be kept in covered, non-combustible watertight containers. Garbage shall be removed from the group home daily.

DCF 57.44(2)(2) Dishes, silverware, and utensils shall be maintained and stored in a clean and sanitary manner. Eating and drinking utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned with detergent and hot water and rinsed after each use.

DCF 57.44(3)(3) Single service dinnerware and utensils shall not be used at meals on a regular basis and may not be re-used.

DCF 57.45(1)(1) A person who operates a group home shall be licensed by the department pursuant to this chapter and s. 48.625, Stats. Only one group home license may be issued for any one location.

DCF 57.45(2)(2) For each location proposed for licensure by an applicant in sub. (1), the individual, corporation, or agency as applicable shall make a good faith effort to establish and maintain a community advisory committee as specified in s. 48.68 (4), Stats.

DCF 57.46DCF 57.46 Other licenses and uses. Upon licensure, a licensee may not accept any other license, including a child welfare or child care license, perform a service, or conduct a business on the premises, or combine group home activities with any service or business owned or operated by the licensee without the written approval of the department.

DCF 57.47DCF 57.47 Group home capacity limits. The combined total of the number of residents residing in a family-operated group home and the number of children of the licensee shall not exceed 10.

DCF 57.48(1)(1) Any person licensed to operate a group home shall be a responsible, mature individual who is fit and qualified.

DCF 57.48 NoteNote: The term “fit and qualified” is defined in s. DCF 57.04 (15) to mean displaying the capacity to successfully nurture and care for children and shall not include a history of a civil action, criminal conviction or administrative rule violation that substantially relates to the care of a child; a history of exercising unsound judgment; or abuse of alcohol or drugs. For help in determining whether a civil action, criminal conviction, or administrative rule violation substantially relates to the care of children, consult s. DCF 12.06..

DCF 57.48(1m)(1m) In determining whether an applicant is fit and qualified, the department may consider any of the circumstances in ss. DCF 57.50 (1), 57.56 (1), and 57.57 (1) (a) by an owner, agent, staff member, household member, or other individual directly or indirectly participating in the operation of the group home.

DCF 57.48(2)(2) If the department has reason to believe that the physical health or mental health of an applicant, licensee, or household member may endanger a resident, the department may issue a denial or revocation of the license or may require that a written statement be submitted by a physician, or if appropriate, by a licensed mental health professional that certifies the condition of the individual and the possible effect of that condition on the group home or the residents in care.