OAR 419-460-0250: Outdoor Youth Programs: Solo Experiences

If an outdoor youth program conducts individual or separate components for child in care (solo experiences) as part of the therapeutic process, the program must have and follow written policies and procedures. The policies and procedures at a minimum must require all of the following: (1) Individual solo plan. Each child in care participating in a solo experience must have a plan which includes goals, methods, techniques, time frames, and takes into consideration the maturity, health, and physical ability of the child in care. (a) The child in care must be instructed on the solo experience and individual plan including expectations, restrictions, communication, environment, and emergency procedures; (b) Each child in care must have and receive instruction on a back-up plan in case the primary plan does not work; and (c) A designated staff member must be responsible for coordination and implementation of the plan. (2) Environmental requirement. Staff must be familiar with the site chosen to conduct solo experiences and must pre-investigate the site to ensure the terrain is appropriate for the skill level of the child in care and that hazardous conditions are considered. Staff must make arrangements for medication, food, and water drops if needed. (3) Supervision. Plans for supervision must be in place during the solo experience, including the assignment of a staff member responsible for the supervision of the child in care, and procedures for placement, supervision, and observation of the child in care. Supervision must include communication systems, visual checks, and regular checks of the child in care's emotional and physical condition. (4) Emergency procedures. In addition to the requirements of the Emergency Plan section of these rules (OAR 419-460-0070), solo emergency plans must include, but are not limited to: instructing the child in care on the safety and emergency procedures, establishing an effective system for emergency communication available at all times, instruction of other children in care on how to respond if the emergency notification system is put into use, and a check-in system should an emergency occur.