214 R.I. Code R. 214-RICR-60-00-1.6

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 214-RICR-60-00-1.6 - General Administration

A. The Department of Children, Youth and Families is the governing authority for the Division of Juvenile Corrections.

B. The Division of Juvenile Corrections maintains the Training School as required by statute to meet the rehabilitation and community safety needs of male and female youth placed by order of the Family Court.

C. All Training School employees, and all contractors and consultants who do business at or in any of the components of the Training School, must undergo criminal background checks and must submit to the following criminal background checks every fifth (5th) year of their employment or contractual/consultant relationship with the Training School.

1. Such background checks are conducted during the anniversary month of the employee's date of hire or assignment to the Training School. In the case of contractors/consultants, such background checks are conducted during the anniversary month of the start of that individuals work with the Training School.

2. Five-year criminal background checks are done using State Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) checks.

3. For employees covered by this policy, failure to submit to these checks may be used as cause for disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from employment with cause.

4. For consultants and contractors covered by this policy, failure to submit to these checks may be used as cause for termination with cause of any and all agreements for consulting or contracting with the Department, with the consultant/contractor forfeiting any and all future payments within their contract for services with the Department.

5. Any criminal information found in these checks are subject to administrative review and appropriate disposition.

D. The Superintendent and administrators of the Training School ensure that all employees and/or vendors providing services to residents are licensed and/or certified and/or qualified as required by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, the Department of Health, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

E. R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-28 requires the establishment of a district wide coordinated school health and wellness subcommittee chaired by a full member of the school committee.

1. The RI Training School convenes a Wellness Committee that is composed of, at the minimum: an administrator, a representative from the kitchen, a physical education/health teacher and/or culinary arts teacher, a clinical team member, youth, parents/guardians, and community members when available. Members of the public, students, and community organizations are encouraged to attend these public meetings.

2. This committee will meet no less than four times during the school year.

F. Residents of the Training School confined to any facility must be provided with the following:

1. A room equipped with lighting sufficient for a resident to read by until time designated for "lights out" within the training school;

2. Sufficient clothing to meet seasonal needs;

3. Clean bedding, including blankets, sheets, pillows, and pillow cases;

4. Personal hygiene supplies, including soap, toothpaste, towels, toilet paper, and a toothbrush;

5. A change of undergarments and socks daily;

6. Minimum writing materials, paper, and envelopes;

7. Prescription eyeglasses, if needed;

8. Equal access to all books, periodicals and other reading materials located at the training school, and daily access in their rooms to their own books, periodicals, and other reading materials;

9. Reasonable access to phones to contact parent(s) and attorney;

10. Daily showers;

11. Daily recreational activities;

12. General correspondence privileges;

13. Visitation;

14. Education, counseling, psychological and psychiatric services which are court ordered and/or part of the resident's Comprehensive Assessment/Individual Treatment Plan are provided in designated areas; and

15. Three meals a day and regular access to canteen services. Residents are prohibited from storing food in his or her room.

G. Subject to budget appropriation, the Department establishes an account into which earnings of the residents are placed, monitored, and disbursed.

1. No individual, including family members, can contribute funds to residents in person during visits or through mail.

2. Residents are not permitted to carry cash at any time.

H. Residents are provided the ability to practice preferred religious services on a voluntary basis.

1.6.1Resident Handbook

A. Within 24 hours of a resident's admission, facility staff provide each resident a copy of the Resident Handbook and discuss the rules governing conduct at the institution, including chargeable offenses and the range of penalties and disciplinary procedures and incentives for good behavior.

1. The Resident Handbook includes information for youth on their rights and PREA safeguards and includes information on how to report sexual harassment and/or sexual abuse, and a place for the youth to sign acknowledging that the youth has received such information.

2. When a literacy or communication problem exists, a staff member assists the resident. Interpreters are available, as required. Staff or interpreters communicate with the resident in a manner that he/she understands.

214 R.I. Code R. 214-RICR-60-00-1.6