§44-1-27. Standards for programs and youth detention facilities; licensing and inspection of youth detention and foster care facilities.

(a) The Department of Youth Services shall establish and promulgate reasonable minimum standards for the construction and operation of detention facilities, programs for the prevention and correction of youth delinquency, consultation from local officials, and subsidies to local delinquency projects. The standards shall include, but not be limited to, reasonable minimum standards for detention facilities, foster care facilities, group homes, and correctional institutions.

(b) No county, city, public or private agency, group, corporation, partnership, or individual shall establish, maintain, or operate any detention facility or any foster care facility for youths found delinquent or in need of supervision by a juvenile court without a license from the department. A license shall be required on an annual basis or as determined by the department. The department shall revoke the license of any city, county, or public or private agency, group, corporation, or individual conducting, operating or acting as a detention facility or foster care facility caring for children and youths alleged or adjudged to be delinquent or in need of supervision that fails to meet the standards prescribed by the department. The department may visit and inspect any public or voluntary detention facility, foster care facility, or group home as it deems necessary.

(Acts 1973, No. 816, p. 1261, §9; Act 98-392, p. 782, §2.)