Section 2603.60 Release Procedures

Section 703

Section 2603.60  Release

Procedures

a)         Introduction

1)         The legal authority for release is the court.

2)         The release of youth should be an orderly process.  Shelter

care staff must be familiar with documentation required before a child is

permitted to leave a shelter care facility, whether for a temporary period or

final release.

b)         Minimum Standards

1)         Identification

Positive

identification shall be made by a staff member before transfer or release of a

child.

A)        When a child is transferred or released to the custody of

another person, a record shall be made of the date, time, and authority.

B)        The parents/guardian shall be notified of the time of release,

when applicable.

2)         Physical Inspection

Prior to final

release, each child shall receive a physical inspection by a person of the same

sex.

3)         Personal Property

All personal

property and funds placed in the safekeeping of the facility, other than those

legally confiscated, shall be returned to the child.

A)        Items shall be carefully inventoried, or otherwise accounted

for, with the releasing staff member and the child signing the form.

B)        A copy of the itemized and signed receipt shall be maintained

by the shelter care facility as a permanent record.

C)        The staff member releasing a child must assure that the child

does not take property belonging to another.

4)         Child Alleging Family Abuse

When a child

refuses to return home due to alleged parental or guardian abuse or neglect,

the superintendent or his designee shall report such facts to the court.

Suspected abuse shall also be reported to the Illinois Department of Children

and Family Services. The superintendent shall file a written report of such

allegations with the court and place a copy in the child's case folder.