Section 18-7-1-X - REQUIREMENTS FOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMSThe requirements for Residential/Group Home which pertain to the care of children prescribed for residential care agencies shall be followed. In addition, there shall be compliance with the following specific requirements for wilderness programs.
Definition - A "wilderness program" means a residential child care program which provides a variety of outdoor activities in a wilderness environment. A wilderness treatment program offers activities that are designed to improve the emotional and behavioral adjustment of the resident participants. (A camp which provides short-term outdoor recreational activities is not considered a wilderness program).
A.Admission Requirements:Children under ten (10) years of age shall not be accepted for care in a wilderness program.
Applicants shall be accepted without regard for race, color, or national origin.
B.Staffing Requirements:1. Any staff member having full responsibility for supervision of residents must be at least twenty-one (21) years old.2. The wilderness program shall have at least one (1) regular staff member on duty for every five (5) residents. There shall be a sufficient number of qualified staff to give individual attention to each resident's physical and emotional needs at all times. During special activities, the ratio may need to be increased.3. Staff shall be located so that at no time are residents out of sight and/or hearing of staff.C.Training Requirements:1. Wilderness programs shall provide orientation for all new staff to include demonstration of basic skills in proper site selection, appropriate outdoor food preparation and use of tools. A new employee shall demonstrate these skills for a period of one month under supervision before assuming primary supervision of any resident.2. Written plans and procedures for meeting disasters and emergencies such as fires and severe weather shall be on file. All staff members shall be trained in the procedures for meeting disasters and emergencies.3. Written plans and procedures for water safety shall be on file. All staff members shall be trained in water safety and in procedures for meeting water activity emergencies.4. All staff shall be trained to administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).D.Physical Standards:1. A wilderness program shall be established at a location where land is properly drained.2. The location shall present no fire, health or safety hazards.3. A tent used for sleeping purposes which remains in one location for more than two weeks shall be provided with a floor which is smooth, clean and in good repair.4. Bathrooms/Showers - There shall be a minimum of one showerhead per fifteen (15) persons. Showerheads shall be spaced at least three (3) feet apart with a minimum of nine (9) square feet of floor space per unit.5. Sleeping Facilities There shall be a separate bed, bunk or cot available for every resident.6. Adequate personal storage space shall be available for each resident to separate his/her clothing or personal belongings from belongings of other residents.E.Safety Procedures:1. Fire and weather safety:a. Fire warning and fire fighting plans shall be developed which include training, briefing and drills in: i. Prevention of and actions to be taken in case of fires in structures and outdoors ii. The safe use of fires and stoves iii. Regular inspection of fire fighting equipment. b. Weather shall be treated with respect and frequent evaluation made or obtained and acted upon. Particular care shall be taken to ensure the adequacy and appropriateness of clothing and equipment.2. Water Safety: a. Prior to engaging in a water activity each resident shall be classified according to swimming ability. b. The program shall not permit a resident to participate in a water activity requiring higher skills than the resident's swimming classification, except during formal instruction.c. A method such as the buddy system shall be established and enforced during aquatic activities.d. Lifesaving equipment shall be provided during aquatic activities and shall be immediately accessible in case of an emergency. Minimum equipment shall include the following:i. A whistle or other audible signal device iii. A ring buoy, rescue tube, life jacket or other appropriate flotation device with a rope attached which is sufficient in length for the area e. Life jackets shall be worn during all boating activities.f. Prior to any extended travel in any water craft, drills will be practiced to approximate actual "man overboard" and capsize situations.