§ 1352. Classification.

The facility administrator shall develop and implement written policies and procedures on classification of youth for the purpose of determining housing placement in the facility.

Such procedures shall:

(a) provide for the safety of the youth, other youth, facility staff, and the public by placing youth in the appropriate, least restrictive housing and program settings. Housing assignments shall consider the need for single, double or dormitory assignment or location within the dormitory;

(b) consider facility populations and physical design of the facility;

(c) provide that a youth shall be classified upon admittance to the facility; classification factors shall include, but not be limited to: age, maturity, sophistication, emotional stability, program needs, legal status, public safety considerations, medical/mental health considerations and sex of the youth;

(d) provide for periodic classification reviews, including provisions that consider the level of supervision and the youth's behavior while in custody; and,

(e) provide that facility staff shall not separate youth from the general population or assign youth to a single occupancy room based solely on the youth's actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, mental or physical disability, or HIV status. This section does not prohibit staff from placing youth in a single occupancy room at the youth's specific request or in accordance with Title 15 regulations regarding separation.

HISTORY

1. New section filed 3-6-97; operative 4-5-97 (Register 97, No. 10).

2. Amendment filed 1-11-2001; operative 2-10-2001 (Register 2001, No. 2).

3. Amendment of section and Note filed 12-2-2013; operative 4-1-2014 (Register 2013, No. 49).

Note

Note: Authority cited: Sections 210 and 885, Welfare and Institutions Code. Reference: Section 209, Welfare and Institutions Code.