Standards
These standards are under review and not the official standards of ACTSAS until they are approved by members.
1) There should be a clear policy against corporal punishment.
2) No physical restraint (unless temporarily and according to safety guidelines to subdue the child if they are harming themselves or others)
3) No form of deprivation is to be used as punishment for bad behavior (food, sunlight, social, sleep,contact with parents)
4) Residents shall be given a healthy, balanced diet, at least 8 hours of sleep per night, and regular opportunities to exercise.
5) The program must have a clearly defined therapeutic model, and the credentials and licensing of those implementing it, if it calls itself a “therapeutic” program.
6) Must have a thorough background check on all staff and anyone who can come in contact with the kids on campus.
7) No kids with violent tendencies, fire starters, sexual predators or those committed for sexual crimes are to be included among the general population.
8) Minimum one hour per week one-on-one with a trained, licensed counselor or therapist if they are calling themselves a “therapeutic program”.
9) If kids will be expected to work for the program in any capacity, other than cleaning up for themselves or general chores, as a requirement of their enrollment or “therapy” — work such as food service, domestic service outside of the program, construction, fundraising, singing at church services, selling things or making things to sell, etc. — these activities and the expected duties and hours should be clearly identified in advance to the parents before they sign an enrollment contract.
10) Programs must not accept kids with serious psychological issues (including suicidal tendencies) or kids taking mood altering drugs, unless a medical doctor or psychologist regularly sees the resident.
2) No physical restraint (unless temporarily and according to safety guidelines to subdue the child if they are harming themselves or others)
3) No form of deprivation is to be used as punishment for bad behavior (food, sunlight, social, sleep,contact with parents)
4) Residents shall be given a healthy, balanced diet, at least 8 hours of sleep per night, and regular opportunities to exercise.
5) The program must have a clearly defined therapeutic model, and the credentials and licensing of those implementing it, if it calls itself a “therapeutic” program.
6) Must have a thorough background check on all staff and anyone who can come in contact with the kids on campus.
7) No kids with violent tendencies, fire starters, sexual predators or those committed for sexual crimes are to be included among the general population.
8) Minimum one hour per week one-on-one with a trained, licensed counselor or therapist if they are calling themselves a “therapeutic program”.
9) If kids will be expected to work for the program in any capacity, other than cleaning up for themselves or general chores, as a requirement of their enrollment or “therapy” — work such as food service, domestic service outside of the program, construction, fundraising, singing at church services, selling things or making things to sell, etc. — these activities and the expected duties and hours should be clearly identified in advance to the parents before they sign an enrollment contract.
10) Programs must not accept kids with serious psychological issues (including suicidal tendencies) or kids taking mood altering drugs, unless a medical doctor or psychologist regularly sees the resident.