Sec. 3.5. Group homes for adolescents diagnosed with autism.

252 words·~1 min read·/il/chapter-225/act-10/3-5

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(a)Subject to appropriation, the Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Division, shall provide for the establishment of 3 children's group homes for adolescents who have been diagnosed with autism and who are at least 15 years of age and not more than 18 years of age. The homes shall be located in 3 separate geographical areas of the State. The homes shall operate 7 days per week and shall be staffed 24 hours per day. The homes shall feature maximum family involvement based on a service and support agreement signed by the adolescent's family and the provider. An eligible service provider:

(i)must have a minimum of 5 years experience serving individuals with autism residentially and have successfully supported individuals with challenging behaviors;

(ii)must demonstrate that staff have equal experience in this regard; and

(iii)must have a full-time Board-Certified Behavior Analyst on staff.

(b)The provider shall ensure that the staff at each home receives appropriate training in matters that include, but need not be limited to, the following: behavior analysis, skill training, and other methodologies of teaching such as discrete trial and picture exchange communication system.

(c)The homes shall provide therapeutic and other support services to the adolescents being served there. The therapeutic curriculum shall be based on the principles of applied behavior analysis.

(d)An agreeable rate shall be established by the Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Division.