SECTION 377:10-7-3.9. Discipline and behavior management requirements

(a)   Objectives. The objectives of discipline and behavior management are to provide a positive learning experience for the juvenile to grow and develop and to learn acceptable standards of social behavior.

(b)   Expectations of foster parents. Foster parents shall:

(1)   recognize and encourage appropriate behavior;

(2)   teach by example and use fair and consistent rules with logical consequences;

(3)   use methods of discipline that are relevant to the behavior;

(4)   supervise with an attitude of understanding, firmness, and discipline;

(5)   give clear directions and provide guidance consistent with the juvenile's level of understanding;

(6)   redirect the juvenile by stating alternatives when behavior is unacceptable;

(7)   express themselves so the juvenile understands that the juvenile's feelings are acceptable but certain actions or behavior are not;

(8)   help the juvenile learn what conduct is acceptable in various situations;

(9)   encourage the juvenile to control the juvenile's own behavior, cooperate with others and solve problems by talking things out; and

(10)   communicate with the juvenile by showing an attitude of affection and concern.

(c)   Discipline and behavior management policy. OJA complies with the requirements regarding discipline and behavior management contained in this subsection. OJA's discipline policy is maintained in writing and is provided to foster parents, the juvenile, and the juvenile's parent or custodian.

(1)   OJA's discipline policy includes:

(A)   the goal and purpose of OJA's discipline and behavior management program;

(B)   approved methods of discipline and behavior management;

(C)   a list of persons authorized to administer discipline and behavior management methods to juveniles in foster care; and

(D)   OJA's method of monitoring and documenting implementation of the policy; and

(2)   OJA's discipline policy prohibits punishment:

(A)   of a physical nature, such as shaking, striking, spanking, or physical abuse;

(B)   that constitutes emotional abuse, such as humiliation, name-calling, cursing, or degrading remarks regarding the juvenile or the juvenile's family;

(C)   administered by one juvenile to another juvenile;

(D)   that denies meals, sleep, or mail;

(E)   that places a juvenile in a locked room; and

(F)   any disciplinary action prohibited in OAC 377:10-1-3(d).

[Source: Added at 31 Ok Reg 317, eff 12-3-13 (emergency); Added at 31 Ok Reg 1929, eff 9-12-14]