(a) If a TWP conducts individual or separate components for children as part of the therapeutic process, the organization shall have and follow written policies and procedures.
(b) If a child is in the custody of DFS and placed in a wilderness program, prior approval for the solo experience must be obtained from the DFS Director or designee.
(c) The policies and procedures shall, at a minimum, require: - (i) A written plan including, but not limited to:
- (A) Individual Solo Plan. The goals, methods, techniques to be used and time frames shall be listed for each participant;
- (B) Ability. There shall be consideration of the maturity level, health and physical ability of the child;
- (C) Preparation. The child shall be instructed on the solo experience, which shall include expectations, restrictions, communication, environment, and emergency procedures; and
- (D) Back-up Plan. Instruction on a back up plan in case the primary plan does not work.
- (ii) A designated staff member responsible for coordinating and implementation of the plan.
- (iii) Staff familiar with the site chosen to conduct solos shall include, but not limited to:
- (A) Pre-site Investigation. A pre-site investigation shall be conducted prior to the solo;
- (B) Hazardous Conditions. Any hazardous conditions are to be considered prior to selection of a solo site; and
- (C) Supplies. Arrangements shall be made prior to the solo for medication, food and water drop-offs if needed.
- (iv) Plans for supervision shall be in place during the solo and shall include, but are not limited to:
- (A) Assigned Staff. The assignment of a specific staff member responsible for the supervision of the solo participant;
- (B) Observation. There shall be a predetermined procedure for:
- (I) Placing children at a distance from each other and the central staff site to allow for appropriate supervision and emergency communication; and
- (II) Placing children requiring special attention closer to the central staff site.
- (C) Clearly defining boundaries;
- (D) Instructing children to not participate in potentially dangerous activities;
- (E) Notification and check in systems;
- (F) Visual checks shall be conducted at least every six (6) hours or more frequently based on the child's maturity, experience, and other relevant factors;
- (G) Checking the child's emotional and physical condition daily; and
- (H) The solo experience shall be debriefed immediately by field staff with the child and also with other field staff.
- (v) In addition to the requirements of Section 20 of this Chapter, solo emergency plans shall include, but are not limited to:
- (A) Instructing the child on the safety and emergency procedures, including evacuation routes;
- (B) Providing each child with signaling capabilities for emergency notification;
- (C) Instruction of other children on how to respond if the emergency notification system is put into use; and
- (D) Provide a check-in system should an emergency occur.
049-12 Wyo. Code R. § 12-14