NCJ Number
102416
Date Published
Unknown
Length
30 pages
Annotation
Questionnaires sent to agencies in the 50 States responsible for licensing residential child care facilities yielded information on licensing mandates and procedures.
Abstract
Twenty-nine of the States do not license or monitor some types of children's facilities. Of these 29, only 10 of the public child welfare licensing agencies regulate juvenile correctional facilities, and only 9 regulate juvenile detention facilities. A number of different State agencies are involved in regulating various types of child care residential facilities. Respondents were confused over terminology pertaining to licensing, control, and types of children's institutions. Where States regulate both public and private facilities, licensing requirements and procedures are generally the same, although sanctions vary greatly. Sanctioning for noncompliant public facilities is generally lax and ineffective. The licensing of public child care facilities is increasing, but licensing agencies are apparently unfamiliar with the roles of other regulatory bodies responsible for monitoring the conditions and services of children's facilities. Names, addresses, and phone numbers are listed for State licensing personnel to contact regarding residential child care licensing.