Rule 5180:2-9-17 | Child's money.
(A) Who owns the money a child earns or receives while in a residential facility?
Any money provided to or earned by a child is considered to be the child's money and not funds belonging to the staff or the residential facility.
(B) How should the facility manage and protect a child's money?
A residential facility is to ensure that any child having the opportunity to receive or earn money has an account either at an established financial institution or in the residential facility for the safe keeping of such money.
(C) If the facility holds the child's money, what record keeping is required?
(1) A written record of the current balance, deposits, withdrawals, and any interest earned is to be provided upon request.
(2) At least every three months or at the time of discharge a written report of the current balance, deposits, withdrawals, and any interest earned is to be provided to the child.
(3) A copy of the written report is to be maintained in the child's record.
(D) Can the facility give the child something other than cash to use in-house?
A residential facility may issue credit script to children, in lieu of legal tender, for use within the facility.
(E) When is the facility return a child's money?
(1) At the time of a planned discharge.
(2) Within ten days if the discharge is not planned.
(F) Can the facility charge a child for things they are supposed to receive?
A residential facility is not to charge a resident for an item recommended to be provided to the resident as outlined in Chapter 5180:2-9 of the Administrative Code unless the resident is learning life skills as part of an independent living program pursuant to rules 5180:2-42-19 and 5180:2-42-19.1 of the Administrative Code.
Last updated August 13, 2026 at 8:25 AM
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