Learn About The Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
Prior to the opening of a facility, the board of directors shall establish written program standards and policies and procedures, approved by the Division of Juvenile Facilities that address and include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) A staffing number and pattern that meets the special behavior, supervision, treatment, health, and educational needs of the population described in this chapter. Staff shall be qualified to provide intensive treatment and services and shall include, at a minimum:
(1) A project or clinical director, a psychiatrist or psychologist, a social worker, a registered nurse, and a recreation or occupational therapist.
(2) A pediatrician and a dentist, and a licensed marriage and family therapist or a licensed professional clinical counselor, or both of those professionals, on an as-needed basis.
(3) Educational staff in sufficient number and with the qualifications needed to meet the population served.
(4) Child care staff in sufficient numbers and with the qualifications needed to meet the special needs of the population.
(b) Programming to meet the needs of all wards admitted, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
(1) Physical examinations on admission and ongoing health care.
(2) Appropriate and closely monitored use of all behavioral management techniques.
(3) The establishment of written, individual treatment and educational plans and goals for each ward within 10 days of admission and which are updated at least quarterly.
(4) Written discharge planning that addresses each ward's continued treatment, educational, and supervision needs.
(5) Regular, written progress records regarding the care and treatment of each ward.
(6) Regular and structured treatment of all wards, including, but not limited to, individual, group and family therapy, psychological testing, medication, and occupational, or recreational therapy.
(7) Access to neurological testing and laboratory work as needed.
(8) The opportunity for regular family contact and involvement.
(9) A periodic review of the continued need for treatment within the facility.
(10) Educational programming, including special education as needed.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - California Code, Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 5696.5 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/welfare-and-institutions-code/wic-sect-5696-5/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)