Title 9 Part 7415

As used in this Part, the following definitions shall apply to the terms listed below:

OCFS staff that provides case management services will coordinate the gathering of information, assessments, referrals, and case coordination.

OCFS staff with case management responsibilities shall ensure that the necessary documentation is recorded at least monthly in the resident’s file.

Counseling sessions shall address issues relevant to the needs of the resident or group, and allow for the development of positive social norms for each resident.

Counseling in either individual or group settings shall be provided for each resident at a minimum of two hours per week. The duration of the individual or group sessions shall be subject to each resident’s needs. Each secure facility shall establish provisions to allow each resident to request counseling sessions on an as-needed basis or in the case of an emergency.

Counseling sessions shall be held in locations which are reasonably free from distraction caused by outside interference. Such locations shall be of an adequate size.

OCFS staff members who provide or are present for counseling shall record the content of each counseling session in accordance with OCFS policy.

Each secure facility shall provide residents access to mental health counseling, psychiatric and crisis intervention services, or other special needs counseling on an as-needed basis. Staff providing special needs counseling shall share relevant information and coordinate their efforts with appropriate facility staff.

OCFS staff that provides case management or counseling at secure facilities shall be assigned to the position based on education, training, and experience. OCFS staff that provides counseling or case management at secure facilities shall be periodically trained or retrained in the field of case management and counseling.