HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0076) M&C 19-0361City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 12/03/19 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 19-0361
LOG NAME: 80STANDARDSOFCARE-2020
SUBJECT
Conduct Public Hearing and Adopt Ordinance Establishing Standards of Care for Youth Programs in the City of Fort Worth for 2020 (ALL
COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
(PUBLIC HEARING - a. Report of City Staff: David Creek; b. Citizen Presentations; c. Council Action: Close Public Hearing and Act on M&C)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council conduct a public hearing and adopt the attached ordinance establishing the Standards of Care for Youth
Programs in the City of Fort Worth for 2020.
DISCUSSION:
This Mayor and Council Communication (M&C) is requesting that City Council adopt the attached ordinance establishing Standards of Care
(Standards) for Youth Programs in the City of Fort Worth for 2020. The Standards set requirements for supervision of programs for youth ages 5
through 13.
In 1995, the Texas Legislature amended Section 42.041 of the Human Resources Code to exempt elementary aged (5 through 13 years)
municipal youth recreation programs from the State's licensing requirement under certain conditions. This law requires that a city annually adopt
standards by ordinance after a public hearing. Adopted standards must be provided to the parents of each program participant and must include,
at a minimum: staffing ratios, minimum staff qualifications, minimum facility, health and safety standards and mechanisms for monitoring and
enforcing the adopted local standards. State law also requires that parents be informed that the program is not licensed by the State and that the
program may not be advertised as a child care facility.
The Standards are intended to be minimum standards by which the City of Fort Worth Park & Recreation, Neighborhood Services, and other
potentially affected departments will operate the City's youth programs. In accordance with the current Standards, the director is required to make
an annual report on the overall status of the youth programs and their operation relative to compliance with the adopted Standards.
The items listed below provide information regarding the prior year's activities:
1. Youth programs were offered at 20 community centers and four mobile sites providing services to
2,410 youth.
2. Average ratio of participants to staff during these programs was 15:1.
3. All Staff received a tuberculin test.
4. All Staff members at each facility were certified in First Aid and CPR/AED.
5. All Staff received training on the Standards of Care.
6. Safety inspections were completed at each facility on a weekly basis during youth programming.
The Standards of Care are in place year round. In accordance with the legislation, the Standards of Care and Ordinance must be submitted for
adoption to the City Council on an annual basis. The 2020 Standards have six minor modifications highlighted in the attached policy, including:
Administration section I (N), page 2, eliminate need to refer to another section in facility definition; Staffing section III (D), page 4, update to
reflect current City of Fort Worth policy on drug testing of camp leaders; Activities section III (A2), page 7, allow for printed list of participants on
field trips; Health & Safety section I (A10), page 12, added language about notification process for illness; Health & Safety section V (A),
page 15, update to reflect that the child nutrition program is contracted to an outside agency; and, Health & Safety section VIII (E), page 16,
added cleanliness standards for before and after meals.
At its November 13, 2019 meeting, the Park & Recreation Advisory Board reviewed and endorsed staffs recommendations to the City Council to
adopt these standards.
The Standards affect programs in ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that this action will have no material effect on City funds.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by. Fernando Costa 6122
Originating Business Unit Head: David Creek 5704
Additional Information Contact: David Creek 5704