Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes a private, non-profit therapeutic wilderness camp to obtain a license upon meeting certain standards.

Highlights:

• Requires the Director of Job and Family Services to issue a renewable 5-year license to a “private, nonprofit therapeutic wilderness camp” that applies for a license and meets the following requirements (Sec. 1):
• The camp cooperates with any request from the director for an inspection or for access to records or written policies; and 
• The camp develops and implements a written policy on certain topics, including, but not limited to, the following:
• Standards for hiring, training, and supervising staff;
• Standards for emergency and disaster preparedness; and
• Standards that ensure the protection of children’s civil rights.

• Defines “private, nonprofit therapeutic wilderness camp” as a structured, alternative residential setting for children who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, moral, social or learning difficulties at home or school, and where the following requirements are met (Sec. 1):
• The children spend the majority of their time either outdoors or in a primitive structure;
• The children are placed there by their parents or another relative having custody; and
• The camp accepts no public funds for use in its operations. 

• Prohibits private, nonprofit therapeutic wilderness camp from operating without a license (Sec. 1).

• Requires administrators and employees of private, nonprofit therapeutic wilderness camps to immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect to a county children services agency or a peace officer (Sec. 1).

• Exempts private, nonprofit therapeutic wilderness camps from being included in the existing definitions of “associations” and “institutions” (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text