SECTION 340:110-3-170. Requirements for family-style living programs

(a)   Family-style living program. A family-style living program is a residential program providing sustained care and supervision to residents in a home like environment not located in a building used for commercial activity.

(b)   Requirements. Family-style living programs are required to meet the common requirements in Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340:110-3-145 through 340:110-3-165.1, unless requirements in this Section state otherwise.

(c)   House parent. In addition to personnel requirements per OAC 340:110-3-153.1, additional house parent qualifications include:

(1)   residing in the home with residents;

(2)   establishing and modeling a healthy, family environment;

(3)   participating in outings, vacations, and trips away from the program with residents; and

(4)   prohibition from employment outside the program.

(d)   Child-family relationship. In addition to social services requirements per OAC 340:110-3-154, house parents attempt to strengthen relationships between the children and parents and his or her own family culture by:

(1)   communicating regularly regarding the child's care, education, health, and medical needs;

(2)   supporting and maintaining positive aspects of family members;

(3)   assisting in the development of parent-child relationships by providing resources to the family as requested by the parents; and

(4)   involving the family in program and community events and activities.

(e)   Sibling groups. In addition to social services requirements per OAC 340:110-3-154, house parents assist residents in maintaining sibling relationships.

(f)   Program policies. In addition to program requirements per OAC 340:110-3-154.1, program policies identify categories of children well-suited for care in the family-style living program setting.

(g)   Program. In addition to program requirements per OAC 340:110-3-154.1, house parents, program personnel, or both ensure residents have an availability of opportunities, on a regular basis, both on- and off-site, as listed in (1) through (3) of this subsection.

(1)   Community involvement. Residents participate in programs and organizations, as well as recreational, social, educational, and extracurricular community events and activities. Participation is based on individual resident's interests and ability.

(2)   Life-skills. House parents assist residents in acquiring transitional skills necessary to succeed interdependently in adulthood, such as:

(A)   pursuit of a driver license;

(B)   employment education and preparedness;

(C)   money and household management;

(D)   opportunity to earn and manage income;

(E)   participation in family responsibilities and age-appropriate household chores;

(F)   meal planning with food preparation and serving;

(G)   social skills; and

(H)   internet safety.

(3)   Peer relations. Residents are encouraged to participate in appropriate relationships both at school and in the community. Opportunities are expanded and supported, including dating and peer contact.

(h)   Meal time. In addition to food and nutrition requirements per OAC 340:110-3-154.4, meals are routinely served in a family-style dining setting with residents and house parents eating together.

(i)   Physical facility and furnishings. In addition to physical facility and equipment requirements per OAC 340:110-3-157, family-style living programs are designed to promote a family environment between residents and house parents. Common areas, including living, dining, kitchen, laundry, and outside play areas, are designed and furnished to encourage family-style interactions. Semi-private bedrooms and study areas are included with provisions made for supervision.

[Source: Added at 35 Ok Reg 1732, eff 11-1-18]