Home Policy Areas Children's Services OCYF Releases Proposed Regulations for Residential Services for Children and Youth

OCYF Releases Proposed Regulations for Residential Services for Children and Youth

Apr 15, 2026

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Having fun at a child therapy session — Shot of a smiling little boy sitting in a white chair and holding his teddy bear while talking to a child psychologist

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF) has released #14-559: Residential Services for Children and Youth proposed regulations.

The Department is proposing to update the licensure requirements for children and youth facilities by revising Chapter 3800 to clarify that it does not apply to child residential facilities, secure residential facilities, or secure detention facilities for youth. Instead, the Department is proposing three new, updated regulatory licensure chapters for children and youth facilities: Chapter 3900 (relating to child and youth facility requirements), Chapter 3910 (relating to child residential facilities), and Chapter 3920 (relating to secure residential and secure detention facilities for youth). The purpose of the rulemaking is to update the requirements to strengthen and improve the minimum health and safety standards for these facilities to protect the health, safety, and well-being of children and youth receiving care.

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) will be accepting public comments for the proposed regulation until July 7, 2026. RCPA will convene a regulatory review team to analyze the proposed regulatory package and prepare public comments. Please contact RCPA Policy Associate Emma Sharp if you are interested in joining the regulatory review group.