Juvenile Detention Services
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Education Program I. PURPOSE To establish a formal education program for minors detained at the Kagman Juvenile Detention and Correctional Facility. To comply with federal requirements of equal educational opportunities for all. II. POLICY A. Minors will not attend any school programs outside the facility. B. The Public School System shall provide educational programs meeting the requirements of the relevant Educational Code(s). (1) The Public School System shall provide an annual certification pre Policy Statement 1.06V. (2) The school program shall be year around. C. Minors under 16 years of age who have not completed the 8th grade shall attend school. D. Minors (regardless of age) who were attending school prior to being detained shall be allowed to continue the educational process absent significant discipline problems in the school program. (1) Minors with court mandated attendance conditions that exhibit significant discipline problems is to be immediately referred to the court for a modification of the order. E. Minors who have a mandatory school attendance condition imposed by the court shall attend school, except as noted in D (1). F. Minors 16 years of age and older who have dropped out of school and who do not have court ordered school attendance conditions may be allowed to participate in the school program with the permission of school staff and the Social Worker. (1) These minors may opt to enroll in a GED course provided by the Northern Marianas College and delivered in the facility. (2) The Social Worker shall arrange for enrollment, provision of any required materials and instruction. (3) These minors shall sign a contract requiring them to complete the GED program even if released. a. This contract shall be made a condition of probation, monitored and reported to the Juvenile Court as to compliance by the Juvenile Probation Officer providing supervision after release. III. PROCUDURE Collaborative Effort with the CNMI Public School System A. Course of study shall be determined by the Education Code(s) and the Board of Education Regulations and at a minimum include: (1) Language arts (reading and writing) (2) Social Studies/CNMI History (3) Science/Health Science (4) Mathematics (5) Physical Education (6) Computer B. Minimum school day (1) Should be at least 360 minutes, which is less than PSS requirements but needs to meet the security and schedule of the facility. C. Additional Educational programs: Coordinated through outreach services, residents are provided the opportunity to participate in the following as educational components: (1) Arts and crafts (2) Music (3) Cultural awareness (4) Direct Instruction programming (5) Alternative High School (6) Career Exploration & Employment Skills Preparation IV. CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE The staff is an important component of the behavior modification and daily point systems. Each day after, the teacher(s) shall enter the points earned by each minor during the day on the point sheet. The staff shall be apprised of any significant information regarding safety, security, potential disruptive behavior, illness, etc., each morning prior to school and as the information is developed during the day. A. Classroom management techniques along with adequate security shall provide an environment conducive to learning. B. There shall be at least one child supervision staff member in each classroom at all times instruction is being delivered. C. Child supervision staff shall provide security during all outside school activities (PE, etc.). D. Minors removed from class for disruptive behavior shall not be given assignments that day. E. Minors may be suspended for specified behaviors noted in the Board of Education Regulations. (1) Suspensions must follow PSS due process procedures and are not subject to the facility grievance process. (2) The facility Social Worker, acting in loco parents shall act for the minor in any disputed suspension. (3) Minors suspended from school are considered "unexcused" and are not entitled to make up work while in their rooms. a. Minors placed on room restriction initiated by the facility shall be entitled to schoolwork provided in their rooms, with security and safety concerns being met. V. SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS A. Educational instruction of minors restricted to high security/special housing units shall be provided the opportunity to continue working of their schoolwork in their room. B. Any student with an active Individual Education Plan shall have those specific goals addressed as part of the education provided in the facility. C. Every effort shall be made to provide course work in the minor's native language if that minor does not speak English. (1) Instruction may be provided in the vernacular if all students can understand the particular language. VI. EDUCATONAL SCREENING A. Minors shall start attending school on their second day in detention. B. All students shall be processed by teaching staff per PSS standards to determine educational skill level: (1) Transcripts shall be obtained from the minor's home school; (2) Minors shall be provided work at skill level, not necessarily at grade level. VII. EDUCATIONAL REPORTING A. A grade report shall be provided to: (1) Parents on a regular basis corresponding to a quarter reporting system. (2) To the home school upon the release of the minor B. PSS schools shall give minors credit for all course work completed while in the facility upon receipt of the grade report. VIII. PROCEDURE FOR STAFF A. The team approach shall be used in the classroom with teachers, assistants, and facility staff working together to help the students attain success. A quiet learning environment should be maintained during times when students are working on individual assignments. Staff's priority is supervision and security. B. In the event that a student is disruptive, the minor will receive a time out and be escorted to their room by facility staff. The student will not return to school until s/he has completed the time out and the teacher and staff feel the student is ready to work and can act in an acceptable manner. C. If a student must leave class to see the Social Worker, attorney, doctor/dentist, or take medication staff should tell the minor quietly so other students are not disturbed. The student shall return to class upon completion of his/her business. (1) Since visits are often emotional, staff should evaluate and provide appropriate counseling before sending the student back to class D. If a student is on restricted activity or taking medication that causes drowsiness, teaching staff shall be notified. Vocational Training VOCATIONAL TRAINING: I. PURPOSE To establish a vocational training program for minors detained at the Kagman Juvenile Detention and Correctional Facility. II. POLICY To attain the goals of the Program Philosophy as outlined in Policy Statement 9.01, particularly returning minors to the community as productive members of society the facility shall: A. Identify and define those skilled trades that are or might become needed in the general community; B. Identify journeyman level practitioners or training providers in the community who commit to the program; C. Interface with the Public School System and/or Northern Marianas College for certification of these training courses. D. Vocational training shall not be in lieu of formal education unless the minor is exempt from mandatory school attendance. III. PROCEDURE A. Prior to starting any vocational training program each minor shall be tested for: (1) Career interest (2) Actual predisposition toward various career choices (3) Entry level skills requisite for any given career choice. a. Prerequisite education/training shall be provided prior to or during the actual vocational training depending on the needs of the minor and demands of the skill. B. Minors shall not be assigned but shall volunteer for any vocational training program. C. Minors and their parent/guardian shall sign a contract to complete the training course: (1) The contract shall be made part of any release planning and shall be monitored for compliance by the assigned Juvenile Probation Officer and reported to the court. D. Each training course shall have defined goals, objectives and skills proficiency testing. IV. CONFIDENTIALITY A. Tradesmen or instructors who present vocational training for minors in the custody of or under the supervision of the Division shall understand and sign the confidentiality of information form. B. Minors selected for any vocational training program that is presented outside the facility and their parents/guardians shall: (1) Understand the practical limits of maintaining any level of confidentiality; (2) Read, understand and sign a document releasing the facility, its employees and the Division of any liability resulting from identification as being a detainee or under the supervision of the Division while participating in any vocational training program. Religious Program I. PURPOSE To insure a minor and their parent's religious rights are met while being detained in the Kagman Juvenile Detention and Correctional Facility. II. POLICY A. By law, all Kagman Juvenile Detention and Correctional Facility employees are obligated to protect the rights of minors in custody as to their freedom of religion. B. Because detained minors are actually a captive audience groups or individuals who come into the facility for religious programs do not have the right to pressure, push or persuade minors to their beliefs (proselytize). C. Facility employees shall remain neutral at all times in relation to religion. Staff shall keep their personal religious beliefs from intruding on their job function. D. Religious groups do not have a right to provide services; they are invited into the facility. E. Minors have an absolute right not to attend religious instruction or activities. F. Minors on segregated housing status shall be provided an opportunity to participate in religious services within safety and security guidelines. G. Minors will be provided reasonable alternative activity if they decline to attend religious services or instruction. H. No minor will be placed on any type of room rest as an alternative to attending religious activities. III. PROCUDURE A. The Facility Social Worker II shall be responsible to arrange religious service(s) in the facility. (1) Regular services shall be scheduled each week and must accommodate the religions of each minor in custody. B. All persons providing any programming in the facility, but especially those providing religious services shall be thoroughly screened prior to providing such services or programming: (1) Each person shall present a current Department of Public Safety Police Clearance; (2) Each person presenting religious services shall provide credentials recognizing professional standing with the clergy. C. A minor shall be allowed to contact a parent/guardian or facility Social Worker(s) requesting individual religious instruction: (1) Any person specifically requested shall have been the minor's priest, minister, rabbi or other religious provider prior to being detained in the facility. This information must be verified by the minor's parent/guardian; (2) The Facility Social Worker shall arrange a regularly scheduled time each week for the individual counseling sessions. (3) Minors on any type of segregated status shall be allowed to attend these scheduled sessions given proper security and safety requirements can be met. (4) These sessions shall be discontinued: a. When the minor requests them be discontinued; b. When the minor refuses to attend two sessions in a row. D. A minor may request a special diet for religious purposes. (1) The Facility Social Worker shall verify with the minor's parent/guardian that a special diet is required by a particular belief; (2) When confirmation has been received the Social Worker shall contact the dietitian directing a special menu be prepared and food delivered as soon as possible. a. Documentation of these activities shall be noted in the minor's facility file and the Housing/Living Unit logbook. b. Any delays in delivering the special diet shall be noted and explained. E. All religious material delivered by volunteer organizations is to be routed through the Social Worker prior to being provided to minors. F. Staff members are required to refer any problems with violations of a minor's religious rights to the Facility Supervisor through a Special Incident Report. G. Any immediate problems with an individual or a group of people coming in for religious programs or instructional services shall be referred to the Shift Supervisor. ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE AWARENESS I. PURPOSE Minors in the criminal justice system are statistically at risk for alcoholism and substance abuse problems in later years. This policy will provide minors detained in the Kagman Juvenile Detention and Correctional Facility an opportunity to participate in awareness programs. II. POLICY A. All minors detained in the facility shall participate in all drug and/or alcohol abuse or awareness programs offered. B. Minors identified as having a drug &/or alcohol addiction shall be provided the proper therapy by a licensed provider. C. The Facility Social Worker shall be responsible for developing Division of Youth Services and community resources to provide these programs on a regular basis. D. Parents/guardians may attend these programs with the permission of the Facility Supervisor. III. PROCEDURE A. The alcohol and drug abuse and awareness programs may utilize any of the following mediums to educate the minors: (1) Videotapes/movies (2) Guest speakers (3) Written materials (4) Discussion groups, including staff (5) Required reading with reports by residents (6) Other methods as deemed appropriate by the Facility Supervisor &/or the Social Worker(s). RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES I. PURPOSE A. Recreational programs in the facility are to provide obvious health benefits and positive means for minors to work off excess energy. Effective recreational programs also serve as educational and socializing influences, and are thus an integral part of the well-rounded program of care. This Policy Statement will establish a recreation and exercise program that encourages minors detained at the Kagman Juvenile Detention and Correctional Facility to actively participate. II. POLICY A. Recreational programming shall be equivalent for both female and male minors. B. Recreational and exercise programs shall include activities using both large and small muscle groups. C. Where appropriate minors are to be included in the planning and implementation of recreational activities. III. PROCUDURE A. Recreation and activities can be either active or sedentary and can be either indoors or outdoors as weather permits. (1) Minors shall have an opportunity to access approved reading materials, television/radio/stereo programs and board/card games. These activities shall not be used to the exclusion of outdoor recreation unless weather requires doing so. B. There shall be a minimum of three hours of recreation and exercise per day on school days. On non-school days there shall be a minimum of five hours of recreation and exercise. C. Activities shall include at least one hour outdoors weather permitting. D. Activities shall work the large muscle groups at least one hour per day. E. Participation by minors shall be voluntary however minors who refuse to participate may fail to earn Program Participation Points for that activity. F. Recreation and exercise programs shall never be used as a form of discipline or punishment. G. Staff will use reasonable health and safety practices at all times. H. Staff shall not participate in out door recreational activities without the permission of the Shift Supervisor. Safety and security shall be maintained at all times. I. Staff will ensure that all equipment is in good repair and is safe to use. Staff shall instruct minors on the use of equipment. J. Minors who are ill or physically handicapped will be provided with opportunities for recreation according to appropriate medical and capability standards for such minors. Such opportunities will be developed in conjunction with medical personnel. K. Staff will closely supervise strenuous programs to guard against injuries. L. Minors on Security Risk or other disciplinary status limiting their activities will be afforded the opportunity for recreation and exercise. Such opportunity will be conducted in a safe and protected manner, and approved by the Shift Supervisor. Any program for these minors that will not meet the minimum requirements for extreme safety and protections needs must have the review and approval of the Facility Supervisor: (1) Segregated minors shall be given at least one hours of large muscle group exercise each day; (2) This recreation time shall be when regular programs are underway in other parts of the facility; (3) Groups of segregated minors may be exercised as a group with the approval of the Shift Supervisor providing all security requirements can be met. M. All recreational activities shall be pre-approved by the Shift Supervisor and noted in both the Housing/Living Unit logbook and the Master Security Logbook. N. Staff shall follow all security classification issues noted in Policy Statement 4.20 when allowing minors to participate in outdoor recreation activities. SOCIAL AWARENESS PROGRAMS I. PURPOSE To promote and provide social awareness programs for minors detained at the Kagman Juvenile Detention and Correctional Facility. II. POLICY A. Programs designated to promote social awareness and reduce recidivism shall be provided to all minors detained in the facility. B. Awareness programs shall take into consideration the needs of both male and female minors. C. The Facility Supervisor and/or Social Worker shall provide direction for these programs. (1) Programs in place within the Division of Youth Services and the Public School System shall be the basis of this process. (2) Other agencies will be encouraged to participate and/or lend their expertise in programs such as: a. Victim awareness b. Conflict resolution c. Anger management d. Parenting skills e. Self-esteem f. Juvenile justice g. Effective decision making skills h. Cultural awareness issues i. Other topics as the needs of minors dictate. WEEKEND COMMITMENT PROGRAM I. PURPOSE To establish guidance to Kagman Juvenile Detention and Correctional Facility staff on the treatment of a minor assigned to the Weekend Commitment Program. II. POLICY D. Court will sentence minors to the Weekend Commitment Program. All weekend commitments must report on Friday between 1600 and 1800 hours. Release will be on Sunday after 1700 hours. E. Prior to being processed at the Kagman Juvenile Detention and Correctional Facility for the minor’s first weekend, the minor will be required: 1. To have proof/documentation of full physical examination within the last 90 days and a current health/immunization card. 2. If the minor does not have proof of a current physical examination and up to date immunizations record, the minor will not be admitted. C. Minors will be required to submit to a standard admission procedure each time they are admitted into the facility and their parents/guardians will be required to sign an Authorization for Physical Examination, Treatment and Reports form, either each time or with specific extended authorization. D. The minor’s can sign the abbreviated admissions form (allowed after the minor’s initial processing). The minor will be given 1930 bedtimes. E. Minors on the Weekend Commitment Program (weekenders) will be treated the same as minors already in custody and will be allowed to participate in the facilities scheduled programs. F.Weekenders will usually be classified as “Level 1”. Room assignments are allowed with minors already in custody but staff must ensure that all criteria of the Policy Manual “Classification” are followed. Minors can only be released to the person on the minor’s Release Form. GENERAL EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (GED) I. PURPOSE To establish an alternative education program for minors detained at the Kagman Juvenile Detention and Correctional Facility. The GED program offers people who did not earn regular high school credentials an alternate route to success. The GED program is jointly sponsored by the American Council on Education and state, provincial, and territorial departments of education. II.POLICY A. Minors under 16 years of age who have not completed the 8th grade shall attend school. B. Minors (regardless of age) who were attending school prior to being detained shall be allowed to continue the educational process absent significant discipline problems in the school program. (1) Minors with court mandated attendance conditions that exhibit significant discipline problems is to be immediately referred to the court for a modification of the order. (2) Minors who have a mandatory school attendance condition imposed by the court shall attend school. (3) Minors 16 years of age and older who have dropped out of school and who do not have court ordered school attendance conditions may be allowed to participate in the school program with the permission of school staff and the Social Worker. (4) These minors may opt to enroll in a GED course provided by the Northern Marianas College and delivered in the facility. (5) The Social Worker shall arrange for enrollment, provision of any required materials and instruction. C. These minors shall sign a contract requiring them to complete the GED program upon released. D. This contract shall be made a condition of probation, monitored and reported to the Juvenile Court as to compliance by the Juvenile Probation Officer providing supervision after release. (After Care) |