10A NCAC 71F .0105        SOCIAL DEVELOP/THERAPEUTIC GROUPS/CRITERIA/SERV PROVISION

(a)  Social development through therapeutic group services is always provided for two or more individuals at the time.

(b)  The group must always be both structured and therapeutic as defined in (a) and (b) of Rule .0104 in this Subchapter.

(c)  The group must always be guided by a qualified leader who can be expected to direct group interaction towards the therapeutic goal. As a minimum, the leader must have the qualifications of a Social Worker I as shown in state personnel requirements and have experience or training providing social services by the group work method.

(d)  Recreational activities are allowable only to the extent that they are specifically supportive of the purpose of social development through therapeutic group services and must be consistent with the focus of other services provided as part of the service plan.

(e)  Day or residential camp is limited to school age children. School age may be verified by documenting that the child is attending school or enrolled to attend school in one of the grades of kindergarten through 12, or by birth verification showing age 5 through 15. Age 16 and older must be attending or enrolled in school up through grade 12. Age must be verified by:

(1)           a birth certificate,

(2)           a hospital record or certificate,

(3)           social security records,

(4)           the client's notarized affidavit.

(f)  Therapeutic camp is available to developmentally disabled or handicapped individuals and their families and to youths whose behavior is delinquent or undisciplined. The existence of a disability or a handicap must be established on the basis of professional diagnosis by a person or authority competent to make such a diagnosis. For purposes of determining initial eligibility, documentation of a diagnosis of disability made within the past 12 months is acceptable. The continuing existence of a disability must be redocumented at least every 12 months. With respect to handicaps, the record must document that a diagnosis of permanent impairment has been made. Reevaluation of a handicap is not required unless there is reason to believe that the character of the impairment may have changed. Verification of family may be established by the delinquent or undisciplined behavior may be determined by the statement of the youth's parent, guardian or custodian or by knowledge of the worker.

(g)  Groups formed solely for the purpose of relieving social isolation are limited to aging or disabled or handicapped.

(h)  Any building used in the provision of a therapeutic group must meet local or state, fire, sanitation, and safety building codes.

(i)  Until the State of North Carolina establishes camp standards, American Camping Association camp standards must be followed.

(j)  Reimbursement is allowable for staff time in arranging for or providing social development through therapeutic group services and for the use of facilities involved. Reimbursement is not allowable for the cost of refreshments, admission fees, or transportation.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑153;

Eff. July 1, 1984;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1990;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 20, 2017.