Fla. Admin. Code R. 65C-46.009 (2026)

(1) The child-caring agency shall have written policies on discipline and behavior management which shall be provided to each child, parent or guardian, child-placing agency staff, and the Department. The policies for discipline and behavior management shall emphasize positive, instead of punitive, methods and shall include the following:

(a) Means for teaching children which emphasize praise and encouragement for exhibiting self-control and desirable behavior;

(b) Methods for protecting children or others when a child is out of control and the child’s behavior is likely to endanger him or herself, other persons or property.

(2) If separation from others is used as a control measure, the facility shall have an unlocked, lighted, well-ventilated room of at least 50 square feet and within hearing distance of a staff member. The time limit for isolation shall not exceed 15 minutes.

(3) The child-caring agency must ensure staff use the behavior management techniques, including crisis management and passive physical restraint, in accordance with the training completed by each staff.

(4) The child-caring agency staff must ensure all children are provided with placement free from:

(a) Harassment. Staff shall not ridicule, intimidate, humiliate, or bully children.

(b) Mistreatment. Staff must not threaten a child with removal from the child-caring agency; engage in discrimination prohibited by state or federal law; deny the child of basic necessities, medical treatment, therapeutic services, or contacts with family, case manager or legal representatives as a form of punishment; or assign excessive exercise or work duties that are inappropriate to the child’s age or development.

(c) Abuse. Children shall not be physically, mentally, emotionally, or verbally abused or administered chemical or mechanical restraints.

(d) Inappropriate discipline. Staff shall not use physical punishment, inflicted in any manner on the body.

Rulemaking Authority 409.175(5)(a) FS. Law Implemented 409.175(5)(a)1., 13. FS. History–New 7-1-87, Formerly 10M-9.030, Amended 10-20-16, Formerly 64C-14.021, Amended 7-9-26.

Effective: 7/9/2026.