22.1-16.3 - Cooperation with other state agencies regarding students placed in group homes or residential facilities having educational programs.

§ 22.1-16.3. Cooperation with other state agencies regarding students placedin group homes or residential facilities having educational programs.

A. In addition to the requirement to cooperate with other state departmentsin licensing and certification of residential schools for students withdisabilities, the Department of Education shall cooperate with other statedepartments in fulfilling their respective licensing and certificationresponsibilities and in reducing and simplifying the regulations involved inthe licensing and certification of group homes and residential facilities forchildren when such homes or facilities include an educational program. TheBoard shall promulgate regulations allowing the Department of Education to soassist and cooperate with other state departments.

B. The Board's regulations shall address the services required to be providedin such homes and facilities as it may deem appropriate to ensure theeducation and safety of the students. In addition, the Board's regulationsshall include, but shall not be limited to (i) specifications for thestructure and accommodations of such homes or facilities according to theneeds of the children to be placed; (ii) rules concerning allowableactivities, local government and home- or facility-imposed curfews, andstudy, recreational, and bedtime hours; and (iii) a requirement that eachhome or facility have a community liaison who shall be responsible forfacilitating cooperative relationships with the neighbors, the local schooldivision, local law enforcement, local government officials, and thecommunity at large.

(2005, cc. 358, 471.)