20.9.622    VISITATION AND TELEPHONE USE

(1) The facility shall adopt policies and procedures governing visitation in accordance with ACA standards including the following requirements:

(a) Youth have the right to receive visits subject only to the limitations necessary to maintain facility order and security.

(b) A facility shall permit informal communication between youth and visitors, including opportunity for physical contact. Physical contact may be restricted, on a case-by-case basis, if it is determined to compromise the facility's security.

(c) All visitors shall register their name and relationship to youth. A "search notice" sign which advises visitors of the policy provisions regarding visitation must be conspicuously posted and pointed out to all visitors.

(d) Youth must be searched after each contact visit.

(e) The visiting area must be thoroughly searched before and after each visiting period.

(f) During a visit, there must be a system for staff to observe youth and visitors at all times.

(2) The facility shall adopt policies and procedures governing telephone use which must include the following:

(a) The facility must be equipped with a telephone.

(b) Emergency telephone numbers must be posted by each telephone.

(c) Youth must be permitted reasonable and equitable access to the telephone according to the facility's policy which may establish hours of availability and time limits.

(d) Youth must have access to telephone contact with their attorneys at reasonable times at facility expense. These telephone calls must be confidential.

(e) Youth must have access to a telephone for calls made upon admission as provided in ARM 20.9.619 and for other approved calls.

History: 41-5-1802, MCA; IMP, 41-5-1802, MCA; NEW, 1999 MAR p. 121, Eff. 1/15/99; AMD, 2005 MAR p. 2665, Eff. 12/23/05.