Rule 290-2-20-.02 - ProgramActivities within the Home should be developed in such a way as to assure the unmarried mother as much freedom as possible.
(a) Regulations. 1. The Maternity Home should define for the girls in residence the requirements which are essential in a group living situation and for orderly maintenance of a Home.2. Regulations shall not infringe on the unmarried mother's privilege of writing and receiving uncensored mail and visits from her family. Visits from her family may be limited, if it seems to be wise from a casework basis.(b) Recreation. 1. A recreational program shall be provided which will meet the need for individual activities, as well as for group participation. It is desirable to encourage unmarried mothers interested in community activities to participate in them.2. Ample yard space which provides privacy and which is equipped with comfortable outdoor furniture shall be available.3. It is desirable for the recreation program in the Home to be planned and developed by workers trained and experienced in the field of group work and recreation. Carefully selected volunteer workers supervised by professional leadership can be used quite effectively in providing recreational activities.(c) Education. 1. Educational activities should be planned in accordance with the treatment plan for the individual unmarried mother.2. Formal academic instruction shall be available for those whose education has been interrupted. Arrangements should be made with the local board of education to insure that credit will be given for work completed under a qualified teacher. Safeguards are necessary to assure that information about the girls will be kept confidential when credits are transferred.3. Vocational training should be available for those who wish to participate on a voluntary basis.4. Informal educational activities should include instruction in arts and crafts, discussion groups on subjects of current interest to the residents, and health education. Health education instruction should be under the supervision of qualified nursing or medical staff.(d) Work Program. 1. Residents should not be considered as substitutes for employed staff.2. Work assignments shall be planned as part of the treatment program and should be geared to the physical health and emotional well-being of the prospective mother.3. Assignments which could augment emotional problems shall be avoided. An unmarried mother shall not be permitted to work in the nursery except on a planned casework basis.(e) Religious Services. 1. The Maternity Home program should offer opportunities for religious activities and for development of ethical standards and spiritual values.2. Residents should be encouraged but not forced to participate in religious services. Unmarried mothers should not be denied the privilege of attending the church of their choice, however, religious services should be available in the Maternity Home for those who wish to attend there.3. An unmarried mother wishing consultation with her pastor shall be provided the opportunity.4. A religious counselor assigned to the Maternity Home is desirable, however, clergymen of all the major faiths should be available.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 290-2-20-.02
Ga. L. 1963, pp. 81-121; Ga. L. 1972, pp. 1015, 1046, 1048. Effective November 10, 1974.
Original Rule was filed on October 21, 1974; effective November 10, 1974.