OAR 419-450-0100: Homeless, Runaway, and Transitional Living Shelters: Grouping

(1) A child-caring agency must have and follow written policies regarding the grouping of children in care. (2) Except as provided in section (3) of this rule, an agency must place children in care in groups based on the following factors: (a) Age. (b) Developmental level. (c) Physical maturity. (d) Social maturity. (e) Behavioral functioning. (f) Cognitive level. (g) Medical concerns. (h) Individual needs. (3) A child in care with a diagnosed disability may be served in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of the child in care within the context of the program. For purposes of this section: (a) The child in care who can meet the essential eligibility requirements for a group with or without reasonable modification of rules, policies or procedures, or the provision of auxiliary aids and services may be served. (b) "Integrated Setting" means a setting that enables children in care with disabilities to interact with non-disabled persons to the fullest extent possible. (4) Placement with adults. A child-caring agency may place children in care in the same group as emancipated children in care or adults only after taking special care to assess and minimize the risk to the children in care.