Section Cor 305.16 - Chaperone Certification For Adults Accompanying Minors(a) Residents identified as requiring chaperoned visitation with minor children shall not be authorized to visit with minor children unless the adult accompanying a minor child has successfully completed the NHDOC chaperone safeguard training program.(b) To qualify for chaperone safeguard training at a NHDOC facility, prospective chaperones shall meet all requirements for visitation pursuant to this rule and be placed on the approved visitors list of the resident with whom the visit shall take place, prior to enrollment in the chaperone safeguard training program. This shall include out of state visitors who have been granted permission for a special visit.(c) Individuals who have completed chaperone training programs and submitted chaperone certifications from community-based programs prior to December 31, 2019 shall not be required to attend the NHDOC chaperone safeguard training program.(d) Information regarding the NHDOC chaperone safeguard training program offered within NHDOC locations may be obtained by contacting the NHDOC bureau of victim services.(e) The bureau of victim services may be reached by calling (603) 271-7351, or (603) 271-4979 to inquire about upcoming training schedules. Information regarding chaperone safeguard training programs which shall include but not be limited to scheduling, cancellations, and upcoming locations shall also be located on the NHDOC web page .(f) The NHDOC shall provide chaperone safeguard training to individuals free of charge.(g) Program schedules and locations shall be determined based on demand, and shall be subject to change.(h) Individuals attending the NHDOC chaperone safeguard training program shall be required to complete the following prior to enrollment:(1) The prospective chaperone shall complete and submit all requisite information required to determine eligibility for placement on a resident's approved visitors list pursuant to Cor 305.12 and Cor 305.13;(2) The prospective chaperone shall complete and submit the NHDOC "Chaperone Safeguard Training Application" at a minimum 14 days prior to a scheduled program date, by providing the following information;a. His or her printed name;b. The date in which the application has been completed;c. His or her date of birth;d. His or her current mailing address;e. His or her telephone number(s); andf. An e-mail address if applicable;(3) The prospective chaperone shall answer the following questions on the "Safeguard Training Application";a. What is your relationship to the resident;b. How long have you known the resident;c. What have you been told about the resident's crime(s);d. Do you believe that the resident is guilty of these crime(s);e. How do you feel about the resident's crime(s);f. Do you understand why you have been referred to complete the NHDOC Safeguard Training prior to bringing minor children into the NHDOC Visiting Room to visit with the resident;g. Can you tell us about any strengths that you have that will be helpful in being a chaperone for visitation between the resident and the child/vulnerable adult; andh. Can you tell us about any weaknesses or vulnerabilities that you believe you have that could prevent you from being an appropriate chaperone;(4) The prospective chaperone shall sign and date the completed application acknowledging the included NHDOC disclaimer and certifying all information supplied is factual; and(5) The NHDOC disclaimer which appears within the "Safeguard Training Application" shall read as follows and shall include a signature, as stated below: "If you are not currently an approved visitor, complete and submit all required forms to the NHDOC in accordance with NH Admin Rule Cor 305 to become approved. Upon receipt of the safeguard training application, it shall be reviewed by the victim services staff for completeness and review of responses to all questions within the application. If information within the application requires further explanation, a staff member from the bureau of victim services shall contact the applicant for clarification. All applicants shall receive a letter stating whether they have been approved or denied entrance into the chaperone safeguard training program."
a. "Applications shall be denied if applicants are not on a residents' approved visitors list, or responses to provided application questions depict an individual whom is unwilling or unable to be an effective chaperone, thus disqualify the applicant." b. "Upon approval, the applicant shall be added to a chaperone safeguard training roster and provided notification of the training date, time and location."c. "By signing below you are affirming that you have completed the application and all information provided is factual."d. Completed forms shall be mailed to the "State of New Hampshire Department of Corrections, Office of the Commissioner, attention Program Information Officer, P.O. Box 1806, Concord, NH 03302."e. Upon approval into the NHDOC chaperone safeguard training program, prospective chaperones shall be added to a chaperone safeguard training roster and provided notification of the training date, time, and location.f. Following successful completion of the safeguard training, certification shall be entered into the client ECR, and chaperoned visits may commence.N.H. Admin. Code § Cor 305.16
Derived from Volume XLI Number 6, Filed February 11, 2021, Proposed by #13154, Effective 1/5/2021, Expires 1/5/2031.