12 Colo. Code Regs. § 2512-2-12.202.4

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 1, January 10, 2025

Section 12 CCR 2512-2-12.202.4 - Residential Domestic Violence Advocacy Services Requirements [Rev. Eff. 10/1/18]

A. in addition to the requirements in sections 12.202.1 and 12.202.2, funded all programs funded wholly or in part by DVP that offering residential domestic violence advocacy programs services shall:

1. Notify DVP of intent to open a new or relocate a residential facility to include documentation of compliance with this section;

2. Notify DVP of the permanent or temporary closure of a residential facility;

3. Screen for appropriate access to a for residential facility services based on the client's need for safe, temporary accommodations and/or fit for communal living;

4. Offer to develop a safety plan to minimally include the client's safe contact with formal and informal support systems while in shelter receiving residential services;

5. Encourage but not mandate participation in supportive services, advocacy, or counseling as a condition of residency receiving residential services;

6. Maintain quality living conditions to address normal wear and tear to the residential facility, equipment, and furnishings; and,

7. Maintain safe living conditions of the residential facility to minimally include:

a. Locking doors and windows;

b. Appropriate lighting;

c. Mechanisms or devices for contacting emergency assistance; and,

d. Compliance with applicable fire and safety codes.

B. All programs funded wholly or in part by DVP shall have minimal residential services staffing by employees or volunteers trained in accordance with Section 13-90-107, C.R.S., to include:

1. An adequate number of employees or volunteers to ensure the health and safety of residential services clients including those at a residential facility or staying in other accommodations such as a motel;

2. Residential services intake availability twenty-four (24) hours per day;

3. Twenty-four (24) hour access for residential services clients to trained employees or volunteers to offer safety planning, advocacy services, support, or assistance, consistent with residents' schedules and needs in-person whenever feasible; and,

4. If not providing in-person twenty-four (24) hour staffing at a residential facility, a DVP-approved written plan to respond to residential program clients' needs to minimally include employee or volunteer coverage and how clients can access emergency services in the event employees or volunteers are not physically present.

C. All Programs funded wholly or in part by DVP that offer residential services shall have the following:

1. Separate bedrooms for each family, whenever feasible;

2. Private space for bathing and personal hygiene needs;

3. Space or rooms designated for quiet time, whenever feasible;

4. Free food, clothing, toiletries, hygiene products, and other basic needs whenever feasible;

5. Unrestricted functioning telephone access for the purposes of reaching emergency assistance, securing resources, and maintaining social support;

6. Laundry facilities;

7. Access to residential services for victims with service animals;

8. Assistance with facilitating access to safe housing accommodations for victims with pets or other domesticated animals;

9. Marked and posted evacuation routes and exits, posting of fire extinguisher locations, and documentation of performance of regular fire drills; and,

10. Functioning heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.

D. Programs funded wholly or in part by DVP that offer residential services shall have the following written policies and procedures to minimally include:

1. Admission and eligibility criteria for residential services including provisions for referrals when unable to accommodate an individual or family;

2. Expectations of residential client conduct while receiving services;

3. Residents' voluntary provision of housekeeping, food preparation, or other chores;

4. Residents' voluntary participation in supportive services such as support groups;

5. Established involuntary exit criteria for residents;

6. Provision of locked storage of personal valuables and legally prescribed medication to minimally include:

A. Granting residents unrestricted access to personal valuables and prescribed medication; and,

B. Employees or volunteers refraining from possessing or dispensing medication to residents unless they are licensed to do so as a health care professional.

7. Client use of legal substances including tobacco products, alcohol, and marijuana while on the residential facility property;

8. Safety protocol and procedures to minimally include a response to safety threats, availability of a First Aid kit, and documentation of performance of regular safety drills; and,

9. Universal precautions for infectious disease.

12 CCR 2512-2-12.202.4

38 CR 23, December 10, 2015, effective 1/1/2016

40 CR 11, June 10, 2017, effective 7/1/2017

41 CR 17, September 10, 2018, effective 10/1/2018

42 CR 01, January 10, 2019, effective 2/1/2019

44 CR 13, July 10, 2021, effective 8/1/2021