Visitation            

Agency policy states that any guests are required to follow the same guidelines as Residents regarding refraining from destroying, defacing, damaging, or removing any part of the house property while also not engaging in any criminal or drug related activity while on the premises. Agency practices state visitors are not permitted in the resident rooms and must be accompanied by a Resident at all times. All visitors must be pre-approved and scheduled by their Case Manager.  Visitors will be limited to family members/legal guardians at scheduled dates and times.  Provisions for friends to visit must be pre-approved by the youth’s probation officer, Case Manager and Program Director.

Visitation rights may be restricted by the Program Director if sufficient cause exists.  Visitors posing a threat to the safety of the resident(s) or the security of the facility will be curtailed when there is substantial evidence for such. Visitation times have been established to allow parents, guardians, or other approved visitor(s) convenient opportunities to be with each resident during the weekends. These times will not be set in conflict with the residents’ regular schedule. All family members or legal guardians who should need to schedule a visit are to make arrangements with the resident’s case manager/counselor.  Prior approval of the Program Director or his designee is required.

PROCEDURE:

• Daily visitation must be scheduled with the resident’s case manager prior to the desired visitation time. 

• Visitation is conducted each Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for parents and guardians.

•  No tobacco (vaping is included), firearms, alcohol, or drugs, bags, or cell phone is permitted during on-campus visits.

• No obscene or abusive language permitted.

• Due to space limitations, residents are allowed two (2) family members per visit.

• Parents and guardians must present a pictured ID

• Residents may earn their first Sunday visit on campus after two weeks of placement and their initial staffing.  Following this time, daily visits may be scheduled with the resident’s case manager.

• All Sunday visits must be scheduled with the Case Manager/Counselor before 4:00 p.m. on the Thursday prior to scheduled visitation dates.

• Parents/Guardians wishing to take a resident off campus during their visit must make the request at the time the visit is scheduled and must be approved by probation officer.

• Visitors to the facility who are disruptive will have their visits terminated or denied.  Staff members will calmly ask the visitor to leave the facility grounds. 

• Staff should never attempt to physically remove a visitor without assistance from the Parish Sheriff's Department, except in cases that pose immediate physical danger to residents and/or staff.

• Whenever a visitor is permanently denied access to the program, the reasons for the exclusion will be specified in a written report.  A copy of the report will be filed and provided to the resident involved, if requested.

• When a resident’s visitation rights are restricted by the Program Director, sufficient cause must exist and be documented in the resident’s case record.  The resident’s legal counsel, as well as his next of kin or responsible party must be notified in writing of any such restrictions and the reasons for the restrictions.  When the cause for any restriction ceases to exist, the resident’s full rights shall be reinstated.