Section 2603.80 Housing

Section 703

Section 2603.80  Housing

a)         Introduction

When shelter

care admission procedures are completed, children must be assigned appropriate

quarters.  Every child has a right to live in a homelike atmosphere where

individual needs can be met.

b)         Minimum Standards

1)         Sleeping Rooms

A maximum of

four children shall be assigned to any multiple occupancy sleeping room.

A)        A minimum of 60 square feet of floor space per bed shall be

provided in multiple occupancy rooms.  Beds shall be at least three feet apart.

B)        Bunk-type beds are prohibited.

C)        Single occupancy rooms must have at least 60 square feet of

floor space.

2)         Room Equipment

Children

housed in individual or multiple occupancy rooms shall be provided with:

A)        A comfortable bed.  Each child shall sleep one to a bed.

B)        A closet for storage of clothing and personal items.

C)        A desk or locker capable of being locked in order to secure

personal items.  If an item of furniture is provided which can be locked, a

table may be substituted for a desk.

D)        A lamp and chair.

E)        Illumination to ensure a comfortable reading level (30

foot-candles at desk level).

F)         A night light.

G)        A shelf for storage of toiletry items or other articles.

H)        A rack or hook to hang towels/washcloths.

3)         Room Level

Rooms shall be

located above ground level.

4)         Living Area

A living area

containing no less than 30 square feet per child must be provided for each age

group.

A)        Each living area shall be equipped with tables and chairs.

Seating shall be provided for each child.

B)        A radio and television shall be provided.

C)        A bulletin board shall be provided.

D)        A cold water drinking fountain shall be provided.

E)        One toilet for each six occupants shall be provided.

F)         One shower head or tub for each six occupants shall be

provided. Water for showers shall be thermostatically regulated

irs.

Seating shall be provided for each child.

B)        A radio and television shall be provided.

C)        A bulletin board shall be provided.

D)        A cold water drinking fountain shall be provided.

E)        One toilet for each six occupants shall be provided.

F)         One shower head or tub for each six occupants shall be

provided. Water for showers shall be thermostatically regulated.

G)        One washbasin with piped hot and cold water for each six

occupants shall be provided.

H)        Each washbasin shall be provided with a mirror.

5)         Dangerous Conditions

Any condition

constituting potential for injury must be corrected, e.g., frayed electrical

cords must be replaced.

6)         Door Hardware

Doors on

sleeping rooms, wash rooms, and toilet rooms shall not be equipped with a lock.

7)         Toilet Stalls

Toilet stalls

shall be provided with privacy panels and doors.

8)         Heating and Ventilation

The building

must be comfortably heated and cooled according to the season.

9)         Variances

Variances

connected with physical requirements may be granted by the Director of the

Department for existing facilities. Variance expiration dates will be

determined at the time granted.  Variance requests of an administrative nature

will not be granted.  In determining whether to grant a variance, the

Department will consider, among other factors, the nature of the standard,

previous noncompliance, the cost, the population, the alternative means of

complying with the intent of the standard, the length of time requested for the

variance, the consequences if the variance is not granted, and the safety and

security of the facility or individuals.

A)        The variance request must be in writing and pertain to a

specific standard

factors, the nature of the standard,

previous noncompliance, the cost, the population, the alternative means of

complying with the intent of the standard, the length of time requested for the

variance, the consequences if the variance is not granted, and the safety and

security of the facility or individuals.

A)        The variance request must be in writing and pertain to a

specific standard.  The request must describe the reasons for the variance; the

period of time for the variance; any hardship the facility might experience by

complying with the standard; plans to be implemented to eventually comply with

the particular standard; and a statement that the variance would not adversely

affect the health and safety of children.  All these criteria will be

considered in arriving at a decision.

B)        The approval or denial of a variance request will be returned

by letter to the requesting governmental agency.

C)        The Director of the Department, at his discretion, may grant a

renewal of the variance provided documentation is received from the governing

body which indicates a good faith effort on their part to effect necessary

actions to comply with the standard in question.

D)        A permanent variance, depending on the circumstances, may be

granted.

10)         Compliance

A)        All requirements of a physical nature shall be complied with by

January 1, 1986 for facilities existing in 1980.

B)        Facilities constructed after 1980 and those currently under

construction must comply.  However, if the Department has previously given

written approval for final architectural plans for new construction or

remodeling, new standards of a physical nature will not be enforced.

C)        Those noncompliances relating to physical conditions which

adversely affect the treatment of children with respect to their health and

safety may be considered for further action under the provisions of the Unified

Code of Corrections [730 ILCS 5/3-15-2(b)].