§ 1361. Grievance Procedure.

The facility administrator shall develop and implement written policies and procedures whereby any youth may appeal and have resolved grievances relating to any condition of confinement, including but not limited to health care services, classification decisions, program participation, telephone, mail or visiting procedures, food, clothing, bedding, mistreatment, harassment or violations of the nondiscrimination policy. Policies and procedures shall include provisions whereby the facility manager ensures:

(a) a grievance form and instructions for registering a grievance, which includes provisions for the youth to have free access to the form;

(b) the youth shall have the option to confidentially file the grievance or to deliver the form to any child care supervision staff working in the facility;

(c) resolution of the grievance at the lowest appropriate staff level;

(d) provision for a prompt review and response to grievances within a specified time limit;

(1) The youth may elect to be present to explain his/her version of the grievance to a person not directly involved in the circumstances which led to the grievance.

(2) Provision for a staff representative approved by the facility administrator to assist the youth.

(e) provision for a written response to the grievance which includes the reasons for the decisions; and,

(f) a system which provides that any appeal of a grievance shall be heard by a person not directly involved in the circumstances which led to the grievance.

Whether or not associated with a grievance, concerns of parents, guardians, staff or other parties shall be addressed and documented in accordance with written policies and procedures within a specified timeframe.

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 subsection (a), new subsection (b), subsection relettering and amendment of newly designated subsection (d) filed 6-18-2007; operative 7-18-2007 (Register 2007, No. 25).

4. 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.