8270 Youth Camping Services — Day and 24-Hour
CPS November 2006
Youth camps have the general characteristics of a day camp, resident camp, or travel camp. They are used primarily for recreational, athletic, religious, or educational activities. The property or facility must accommodate five or more children under 18 who spend all or part of at least four days there.
Health and Safety Code, §141.002, Youth Camps, Definitions
Youth camps are not wilderness camps that offer residential treatment services.
Before a Contract Is Signed
Current License
Before signing a contract with DFPS, a youth camp must have a current license from the Texas Department of Health, or the appropriate licensing entity if the camp is located outside Texas.
Exceptions
CPS may purchase services from a camp whose license for the previous year has expired if the camp has applied for but not yet received a license for the current year. DFPS may also contract with other state agencies, municipalities, or independent school districts that are not subject to TDH licensing requirements.
8271 Authorizing Service
CPS November 2006
A worker may authorize youth camp services to:
• improve a child's social skills, self-image, and self-esteem through a group-learning experience;
• provide respite for a caregiver of a child; or
• develop a child's skills in a specific activity (examples: athletics, music).
A worker must follow procedures to obtain the approval needed in various situations, such as approving out-of-state travel or travel that will exceed 72 hours. See:
6470 When a Child Travels.
When a Child or Youth in CPS Conservatorship Travels Resource Guide
8272 Identifying Available Services
CPS November 2006
The Youth Camping Services available by contract may include:
• 24-hour camping; or
• day camping.
8273 Determining Eligibility
CPS November 2006
To be eligible for youth camping services, a child must be:
• be 18 years old, or younger;
• be recorded in open IMPACT case; and
• be referred by CPS for camping services.
8274 Referring Clients
CPS November 2006
For complete referral instructions, see 8161.1 Active Cases — Authorizing, Extending, or Terminating Direct Services.
8275 Contracting with Youth Camps
CPS November 2006
Youth camps are licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Before signing a contract with DFPS, a youth camp must have a current license from DSHS or the appropriate licensing entity if the camp is located outside Texas.
Exceptions:
• CPS may purchase services from a camp whose license for the previous year has expired, if the camp has applied for but not yet received a license for the current year.
• DFPS may contract with other state agencies, municipalities, or independent school districts. (State agencies, municipalities, and independent school districts are not subject to DSHS licensure.)
8276 Using IMPACT
CPS November 2006
To authorize services, workers must enter the following details into the IMPACT system:
IMPACT Field |
IMPACT Entry |
|---|---|
Stage |
FPR, SUB, FSU, FRE, ADO |
Category |
Camping |
Service |
Youth Camping |
Unit of Service |
Day/Day (24-hour) |
Service Code |
81G |
In 24-hour camps, the unit of service is one 24-hour day. In day camps, the unit of service is one day of camping. To determine the daily rate for a camp that charges by the session (two or more days charged at one cost), divide the cost of the session by the number of days the session lasts.
8276.1 When IMPACT is Unavailable
CPS November 2006
If the IMPACT system is not functioning or the worker is otherwise unable to access it, the worker may authorize youth camping services by submitting a paper copy of Form 2054, Service Authorization.
For complete instructions on, see:
8164 Manual Authorization — Submitting a Paper Form
8286 Adding, Extending, or Terminating Services
To authorize additional units of service, or to extend or reauthorize the service, see 8161.1 Active Cases — Authorizing, Extending, or Terminating Direct Services.
If the youth camping service is being terminated before the end date on Form 2054, Service Authorization, see 8161.1 Active Cases — Authorizing, Extending, or Terminating Direct Services.