Section 801.470  Physical Plant

 

a)         General Requirements

 

1)         The facility shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101) and with the regulations implementing Title I and Title II of that Act.

 

2)         The facility shall conform to applicable building and fire safety codes. A fire alarm and automatic detection system shall be required as approved by the State Fire Marshal.

 

3)         Compliance with fire safety codes shall be documented by the State Fire Marshal prior to occupancy by secure care youth and a copy of such documentation shall be maintained at the facility.

 

4)         There shall be documentation by a qualified inspector that the interior finishing materials in youth living, activity, and program areas, exits, and places of public assembly are in accordance with building and fire codes.

 

5)         Physical plant design shall facilitate personal contact and interaction between staff and youth and promote continuous, unobstructed supervision, communication, and control.

 

6)         The facility design and its security features shall be approved by the Licensing Administrator prior to licensure.

 

7)         The facility's potable water source and supply, whether owned and operated by the public water department or the facility, shall be  approved by the independent outside source having jurisdiction and shall be in compliance with jurisdictional laws and regulations.

 

8)         The facility shall have a waste disposal system which is in accordance with local services approved by the appropriate regulatory agency.

 

9)         Renovation or remodeling that will change the use or the structure of a facility shall be approved by the Licensing Administrator and the State Fire Marshal.  Failure to do so may result in revocation of the license or termination of the permit or expedited permit.

 

10)         When a new facility is to be constructed or an existing facility is to be expanded, a needs-evaluation study shall be completed and submitted for review and approval by the Department.  No new construction or expansion shall be undertaken without prior written approval of the Deputy Director.

 

b)         Residential Housing

 

1)         The facility shall provide at least 35 square feet of unencumbered floor space for each occupant of a sleeping room.

 

2)         Sleeping rooms shall normally be designated for single occupancy.

 

A)        Multiple occupancy or dormitory sleeping rooms may be permitted in existing buildings provided there is at least 35 square feet of floor space per occupant.  Youth placed in multiple occupancy sleeping rooms shall be screened based on safety, security, and administrative concerns.

 

B)        Single occupancy sleeping rooms shall be required for any new facility or expansion of an existing facility.  The design shall include an electric locking system that can be remotely operated and an interactive intercom system that permits either party to initiate a call.

 

3)         Each sleeping room shall have at a minimum:

 

A)        A rigidly constructed bed bolted to the floor, with a flatbed surface for the mattress.  Mattresses shall have no inner-springs, shall have a staph-check type of cover, and shall meet the requirements of Section 31-5 of the National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code 101, 1991 edition.

 

B)        Access to a washbasin with piped hot and cold water.  A supply of disposable drinking cups shall be provided if the washbasin is not drinking-fountain equipped.

 

C)        Access to a toilet.  Access may be controlled by staff for toilets other than in a single occupancy room.

 

D)        Illumination of at least 20 foot-candles.  Light fixtures shall be secure and tamper-proof.  There shall be a night light.

 

E)         A secure door with a viewing window, lock, and security hinges.

 

i)          The viewing window shall provide for unobstructed continuous visual observation of the room and its occupants.

 

ii)         Doors, frames, hinges, and locks shall be of sufficient strength to safely contain the occupants and permit controlled entry and exit.

 

F)         A storage space.

 

G)        A desk securely attached to the wall.

 

H)        A secure access-protected exterior window and natural light in the room.

 

I)          Electrical outlets which are Ground Fault Interrupted (GFI).

 

J)         Intercom or other approved communication capabilities.

 

4)         Sleeping rooms shall be located above basement level.

 

5)         In coeducational facilities, separate sleeping rooms and wings shall be provided for male and female youth.

 

6)         Rooms or housing units to be used by youth with disabilities shall provide for integration with the general population.

 

c)         Dayrooms

 

1)         Dayrooms with space for varied youth activities shall  be situated immediately adjacent to the sleeping areas, but shall be separated from them by a floor-to-ceiling wall.

 

2)         Dayrooms shall be:

 

A)        Of a sufficient size to provide a minimum of 35 square feet of unencumbered space per youth for the maximum number expected to use the dayroom at one time.

 

B)        Contain fixtures and recreation equipment which are suitable for the security requirements of the group.

 

C)        Provided with bulletin boards to facilitate access to daily posted information.

 

D)        Designed for continuous supervision which may be accomplished through use of surveillance and monitoring equipment.

 

E)         Secured with controlled access and egress.  Windows shall be secured and protected from damage.

 

F)         Furnished with sufficient seating and writing surfaces for each youth using the dayroom at one time.  Furnishings shall be consistent with the security needs of the assigned youth and are subject to approval of the Department.  Televisions, electronic games, table games, and other recreational features shall be under staff control with secure storage available.

 

d)         Personal Hygiene

 

1)         Youth shall be provided adequate access to toilets.

 

A)        Access to toilets other than those in individual youth rooms shall be staff-controlled and locked when not occupied.

 

B)        A minimum ratio of one toilet for every 12 youth in male facilities and one toilet for every eight youth in female facilities shall be provided. Urinals may be substituted for up to one-half of the toilets in male facilities.

 

C)        All housing units with five or more youth shall have a minimum of two toilets.

 

D)        Toilet types shall be selected consistent with individual security requirements and are subject to approval by the Department.

 

E)         Staff-activated water shut-off valves shall be provided for all youth-accessible toilets.

 

2)         Youth shall be provided adequate access to washbasins with hot and cold running water.

 

A)        In the housing units, a minimum ratio of one washbasin for every 12 occupants shall be provided.

 

B)        Hot water temperatures shall range from 100 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

C)        Staff-activated water shut-off valves shall be provided for all youth-accessible washbasins.

 

3)         Youth shall have supervised and controlled access to showers with temperature-controlled hot and cold running water.

 

A)        A minimum ratio of one shower shall be provided for every eight youth.

 

B)        Hot water temperatures shall range from 100 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

C)        All showers shall have staff-controlled access and be capable of surveillance by staff of the same sex.

 

e)         Confinement Rooms

 

1)         Where security confinement rooms are provided that are separate from the youth's sleeping room, they shall be equipped with secure plumbing fixtures, lighting, windows, and furniture.

 

2)         Confinement rooms shall have the capability for continuous visual surveillance and communication.  Rooms shall be equipped with interactive intercom or other approved communication capabilities and locking devices.

 

3)         Room design shall be subject to the approval of the Department.  Approval shall be based on the safety and security of the facility or of any person.

 

f)          Lighting

 

1)         Lighting of at least 20 foot-candles shall be provided at desk level and in the personal grooming area.

 

2)         Other lighting requirements for the facility shall be determined by the tasks to be performed.

 

3)         An alternative means of lighting shall be available in the event of an emergency such as a power failure.

 

g)         Temperature Control and Ventilation

 

1)         Heating, cooling, and ventilation systems shall be staff-controlled to ensure healthful and comfortable living and working conditions for youth and staff.

 

2)         An alternative means of ventilation shall be available in the event of an emergency such as a power failure.

 

3)         Ventilation systems shall be tamper-proof.

 

4)         The operation of security windows and screens shall be staff-controlled.

 

5)         Temperatures in indoor living and work areas shall be appropriate to the summer and winter comfort zones:  68 degrees in winter and 75 degrees in summer.

 

h)         Program and Service Areas

 

1)         All program and service areas shall be capable of being secured with staff-controlled access and egress and shall be capable of continuous visual surveillance, communication, and supervision.

 

2)         The total indoor activity area, which may include gymnasium, multipurpose rooms, library, arts and crafts rooms, and all other leisure areas outside the living unit shall have an aggregate space equivalent to a minimum of 100 square feet per youth.

 

3)         Outdoor exercise areas for youth shall be provided.

 

A)        The design of the outdoor recreational area shall address the proximity of the perimeter or containment to the existing structures and provide for emergency access.

 

B)        Selection of recreational equipment and control of potential breaching aids shall be incorporated into the design.

 

4)         Adequate space shall be provided for a youth visiting room or area.

 

A)        Space shall be provided to permit the screening and searching of both youth and visitors prior to entry and upon exit.

 

B)        Space shall be provided for the proper storage of visitors' coats, handbags, and other personal items not allowed into the visiting area.

 

C)        The design of the visiting area shall provide for staff-controlled access and egress and continuous visual surveillance and supervision.

 

D)        Private interview space shall be provided for attorney visits or other interviews with youth which may require privacy as determined necessary by the Chief Administrative Officer.

 

5)         Classrooms shall be designed to conform with federal, State, and local educational requirements.

 

A)        Classrooms shall have the capability for staff-controlled access and egress and provide for visual observation into the classroom from corridors.

 

B)        Communication capability from a central control shall be provided.

 

6)         A dining room for group dining shall be provided.

 

A)        There shall be at least 15 square feet of floor space per person expected to use the dining room or dining area at any one time.

 

B)        The dining room shall have staff-controlled access and egress and be designed to provide continuous surveillance and supervision.

 

C)        The dining room shall be capable of being secured from the food preparation area during meals.

 

7)         The food preparation area shall conform to local codes and public health requirements.

 

A)        The area shall have adequate space for food preparation based on population, type of food preparation, and methods of meal service.

 

B)        There shall be adequate storage and loading areas and garbage disposal facilities.

 

C)        All storage areas shall be designed with doors that lock upon closure.

 

D)        All storage doors shall have a view panel for visual observation into the storage areas.

 

E)         The food preparation area shall be capable of being secured from the dining room during meals.

 

8)         Adequate space shall be provided for janitorial closets accessible to the living and activity areas.

 

A)        Janitorial closets shall be equipped with a sink, cleaning implements, and a system of ventilation.

 

B)        All janitorial closets shall have a secure door which locks upon closing and be equipped with a viewing panel to permit visual observation into the closet.

 

i)          Storage Areas

 

1)         Adequate space shall be provided to receive inventory and to store and issue clothing, bedding, cleaning supplies, and other items required for daily operations.  Such areas shall be secured by a door which locks upon closing and shall have a viewing panel to permit visual observation into the storage room.

 

2)         Space shall be provided for the safe and secure receipt, processing, inventory, and storage of personal property of youth.

 

3)         Separate and adequate space shall be provided for electrical and mechanical equipment.  The access doors or panels to these areas shall lock when closed.

 

j)          Administrative and Staff Areas

Adequate space shall be provided for administrative, security, professional, and clerical staff.  This shall include a conference room, storage room for records, public lobby, and toilet facilities.  All administrative areas shall be capable of being secured by staff.  Areas where youth routinely have access shall have viewing panels or windows for visual observation from hallways, corridors, or other office areas into the work space.

 

k)         Control Room

Space shall be provided for a secure control room with capabilities for monitoring and coordinating the facility's security, safety, and communications systems on a 24-hour basis.

 

l)          Perimeter

 

1)         The design of the facility perimeter shall provide the capability for containment, emergency vehicle access, and control of access and egress.

 

2)         The perimeter design, surveillance and detection systems, perimeter alarms, escape barriers, barbed tape obstacle wire, and other design features shall be subject to approval by the Department.  Approval shall be based on the safety and security of the facility or of any person, including the adequacy and appropriateness to the level of security required.