31 Miss. Code. R. 9-3.7

Current through January 14, 2025
Rule 31-9-3.7 - Visitation
1. The facility permits youth to visit with those individuals approved by the facility administrator or his/her designee or the youth court judge.
2. The facility establishes a process to ensure that undocumented family members who are otherwise approved for visitation may visit their children.
3. Facility shall employ policies which clearly describe:
a. who may visit youth;
b. the mode and manner of visitation;
c. if and when contact visits may be available;
d. how to request a contact visit;
e. how to request a special, non-posted visit;
f. if the visit requires special arrangements; and
g. the approval procedure for visitors.
4. Family visiting occurs on several days of the week, including weekdays and weekends. Staff post a schedule of visiting hours and rules.
5. Facility allows family members to schedule visits at non-posted times with permission from the facility administrator or his/her designee. Written policies clearly describe procedures for special visits.
6. Visits are at least thirty minutes in length. Contact visits are encouraged.
7. Staff shall not deprive youth of visitation as a punishment, including youth on disciplinary status. Youth on disciplinary status may participate in visitation with family members unless such visits would pose an immediate threat to the safety and security of the facility.
8. Visitation area(s) are to be supervised by facility staff, but conversations are not routinely monitored, absent a reasonable suspicion that a crime or threat to safety or security may occur, or subject to court order.
9. Staff are to use the least intrusive measure when searching youth after a visit to protect against the introduction of contraband into the facility.
10. Facility shall post search policies, so visitors are aware of the facility's policies regarding searches.
11. Visitors are permitted to ask questions or register complaints about the treatment of youth. Staff or the facility administrator or his/her designee shall promptly respond to such questions or complaints within the limits of confidentiality prescribed by these regulations, professional ethical rules or state and federal law.

31 Miss. Code. R. 9-3.7

Miss. Code Ann. §§ 43-21-901 to 43-21-915 (Rev. 2016).
Amended 12/28/2019