Agency Setting

(1) General (a) The facility must be in compliance with state and local fire, health, safety, and building requirements, and there must be a statement or certificate of compliance from each agency prior to admitting its first residents. (b) The runaway house agency must be located in easy access of public transportation and appropriate social service and community facilities, e.g., schools, churches, medical facilities. (c) The building must be in such a state of repair that it assures the safety of the residents in the home. (d) Each resident must be provided with an individual place to keep his/her individual clothes and personal possessions separate from the possessions of others in the agency. (e) Adequate laundry facilities must be provided, (f) Separate areas or separate floors must be maintained for male and female residents. (2) Heat, Space, Light and Ventilation (a) Rooms must be comfortably heated in winter. The rooms must be free from dampness and have adequate ventilation. (b) Sleeping rooms must be properly ventilated. (c) At least 50 square feet of space per child must be provided in bedroom for children. (3) Kitchen STANDARDS FOR RUNAWAY HOUSE AGENCIES CHAPTER 0250-4-10 (a) All kitchens must be adequately equipped for the proper washing and sterilization of dishes and cooking utensils. (b) There must be adequate facilities for refrigeration and for garbage disposal. (c) Kitchens must meet the standards required by the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment (d) Adequate hand washing facilities approved by the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment must be provided. (4) Dining Area (a) Appropriate dining facilities must be provided. (b) The dining area must be clean, well lighted, and ventilated. (c) The dining area must meet the standards required by the Tennessee Department of Health Environment. (5) Storage Space (a) Cooking and eating utensils must be kept in storage space which is protected from dust, vermin, and pests. (b) Secured space must be provided for the storage of all corrosives or poisons. (6) Sanitary Facilities (a) Toilet and bathing facilities must be approved by the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment. (b) There must be one toilet, one shower, and one lavatory for each six (6) residents for which an agency is approved. (c) Bathrooms and facilities must be kept clean. (d) All garbage must be placed in tightly covered containers and disposed of in a sanitary manner. (7) Emergency Capacity. An agency may exceed its licensed capacity in an emergency situation where a child seeks admission during those hours when traditional social agencies are not in operation and may provide overnight sanctuary while alternative plans are made to reduce the number of residents within the agency maximum. Provided, however, that maximum occupancy of the agency shall not, at any time, exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of its licensed capacity. It is essential in all cases that adequate sleeping facilities be provided for all residents in the agency. (8) Recreation (a) A recreational plan, including both spectator and active recreation activities, must be developed by the agency. STANDARDS FOR RUNAWAY HOUSE AGENCIES CHAPTER 0250-4-10 (b) Activities away from the agency must be planned whenever possible to allow the residents to continue as part of the overall community and not experience isolation of contact by being restricted to the agency facility.