Frequently Asked Questions About Secure Facilities
Can I visit and/or call my son/daughter?
As a parent you do have the right to have contact with your child by phone, letters, and visitation as allowed by facility or program rules. By maintaining contact with the Case Manager, these areas can be negotiable with the Facility Administrator. Most facilities allow phone calls to parents at least once a week, or any time in an emergency.
What is the visiting policy?
Parents and/or guardians are encouraged to visit—in fact, it is a right to visit for parents/guardians, clergy, attorneys, and caseworkers.
- Parents/Legal Guardians are allowed to call in and visit at the pre-designated times. All calls and visits are subject to safety and security issues and may be reduced and/or restricted.
- Visits will only be permitted during the designated times. Visitors that “show up” will not be allowed.
- Visitors will be required to state their relationship to the residents. Visitors must show a valid picture ID.
- Visitors are requested to leave purses, parcels and other material outside the facility.
- Visitors who give contraband (cigarettes, drugs, weapons, etc.) to the residents may have their visits restricted and the visitor will be prosecuted.
- Facility staff may terminate the visit if it is deemed to be inappropriate or detrimental to the residents.
- Mail may not be passed to or from parents during visits.
- Visits may be restricted to a specific time limit based on the number of residents allowed visits.
- Visitors may not bring in gifts, books, letters or cards.
- Youth will be strip-searched after each visit.
Can youth receive mail at the facility?
Yes, youth can receive mail. All mail must follow these rules:
- Incoming and outgoing mail will be viewed by staff for appropriate content. (For example, no gang writing or drawing, etc.)
- All incoming mail will be opened in front of staff. Any items, in addition to the letter, that are inside the envelope will be given to staff. Items may be held until youths leave the facility.
- Youth may not send or receive mail from others in Adult Corrections/Juvenile Justice Services’ facilities, placements or who are under the jurisdiction of Adult or Juvenile Justice Services.
- Magazines, junk mail, record or book clubs, and subscriptions are prohibited.
- Residents cannot accept gifts or packages through the mail. These items will be placed in their file and provided when leaving the Secure Facility.
- Mail may not be passed to or from parents during visits.
What can I do as a parent to help?
Parents can be supportive of their child by being involved in the treatment process and by keeping in contact with him/her. The parents should let the youth be accountable and responsible for his/her behavior and the consequences of the behavior. The parents can help by cooperating with the Case Manager who will need assistance in collecting medical, social, and educational information to help better understand the youth and develop an individualized treatment plan.
Do youth have an opportunity for recreation?
Youth are provided with numerous opportunities for exercise and recreation. Participation is based on safety, security and health issues.
What types of activities do youth do in secure care?
For more information about activities provided in a specific facility, click on the links below or call the facility.