R21-7-228. Property and Personal Searches

A. If the licensee permits a property search of a child in care, the licensee shall have a written policy that conforms to the requirements in this Chapter and approved by the Department. The written policy shall describe the conditions warranting a property search and the procedures for conducting the search, including the use of electronic scanning devices or metal detectors. B. The licensee shall not search a child in care unless the licensee has a reasonable belief that the child is concealing an object that places themselves or others at risk or harm, including a weapon, an illegal substance, or a cell phone which is being used inappropriately. 1. When searching a child, staff shall use the minimum amount of physical contact required to determine if the child has a weapon or illegal substance. 2. The licensee shall not use any instruments to search a child except approved metal detector or electronic scanning devices. 3. The licensee shall not conduct a strip search. 4. The licensee shall not conduct an internal body cavity search on a child. 5. Unless a licensed medical professional is searching a child, a person of the same gender as the child shall do the search.