HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8043 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBER'S No. 8043
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council December 3, 1996
EXPI Subject:
STANDARDS OF CARE FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS
On May 28, 1996, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 12537 which established
standards of care for youth programs offered by the Parks and Community Services
Department. The ordinance requires that the standards be provided to parents of each
program participant and that parents be informed that the program is not licensed by the
state. The program may not be advertised as a child-care facility. Formal procedures for
operation of day camp programs are included.
This ordinance was in response to legislation passed during the 74"' session of the Texas
Legislature. Based on that legislation, municipal youth recreation programs can be
exempted from the state's day care licensing requirements if the cities comply with the
provisions of the legislation.
The Standards are intended to be minimum standards by which the City of Fort Worth
Parks and Community Services Department will operate the City's Youth Programs. In
accordance with Section 3.13 of the ordinance, "the director will make an annual report to
the City Council on the overall status of the Youth Programs and their operation relative
to compliance with the adopted Standards of Care." We will make this report each fall,
Or
providing information regarding the prior years activities.
Facts regarding compliance with the Standards include the following:
• Youth programs were offered at seventeen community centers and the Botanic
Garden from June through August, 1996.
• Average ratio of participants to staff was thirteen to one.
• All staff received a tuberculin test.
At least one staff member at each facility was trained in first aide and CPR.
This training was provided by the Risk Management and Fire departments.
• All staff received training on the Standards of Care.
Feedback regarding effectiveness of program was received from parents and staff.
Overall the parents were appreciative that standards had been set. They felt that the
standards provided the framework for an effective program that provided a safe
environment for their children as they participated in the various activities. Also, more
parents got involved in the summer Day Camp Program. Both parents and staff knew
what was expected and how it was to be accomplished.
These standards are in place year round. On an annual basis, they will be reviewed and
revised accordingly. In accordance with the legislation, the standards and ordi
st
FT WORTH,
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8043
STE
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council December 3, 1996
Page 2 of 2
Subject:
1873
STANDARDS OF CARE, FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS
be submitted to the City Council on an annual basis, for adoption. In response, the Parks
and Community Services Department will evaluate the program, and make any revisions
necessary and submit the Ordinance for Parks and Community Services Advisory Board
and City Council consideration in April 1997.
This report fulfills the requirement of the legislation and ordinance. Should you have any
questions, please feel free to contact Richard Zavala, Parks and Community Services
Depart ent, Director at 871-5704, or me.
Terre
City Manager
OFFICIAL Rinko
CITY SICIETARY
I FIT. WORK
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS