SOP 209.11: Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|
|Policy Number: 209.11|Effective Date: 04/11/16|Page Number 1 of 20|
|Authority:
Bryson/Ward|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

I. Introduction and Summary:

It is the policy of the Field Operations Division to protect staff and offenders from
juvenile offenders whose violent acts have been repetitive and serious and to confine
in the most appropriate restrictive option, juvenile offenders who present a serious
threat of escape from a guarded perimeter.

The Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation
(RHA-JOAS) Program is established to protect staff, offenders, and the public from
juvenile offenders, who commit or lead others to commit violent, disruptive,
predatory, or riotous actions, or who otherwise pose a serious threat to the safety and
security of the institutional operation. The RHA-JOAS Program is a part of a
comprehensive facility-wide stratification plan that will manage the institutional
conduct and programmatic needs of the assigned population. The purpose of creating
an effective stratification plan is to enhance staff’s ability to safely and efficiently
manage juvenile offenders in designated beds, buildings and during movement. The
maximum length of time that a juvenile offender can be assigned to the RHA-JOAS
Program until they reach the age of eighteen years old.

This RHA-JOAS policy establishes the criteria and guidelines for assigning juvenile
offenders into the program. This program is a juvenile offender management process
and is not a punishment measure.

II. Authority:

Board of Corrections Rules: 125-2-4-.03, 125-3-1, 125-3-2, 125-3-3, 125-4-1, 125-43, 125-4-4, 125-4-5, 125-4-6-.01, and 125-4-8-.01.

Georgia Department of Corrections Standard Operating Procedures:
(203.03) IIA04-0002 - Incident Report;
(205.07) IIA07-0007 - Post Orders;
(227.03) IIA14-0001 - Access to Courts;
(214.01) IIA15-0001 - Operation of C&T Programs;
(227.05) IIB01-0005 - Visitation of Offenders;
(222.10) IIB01-0006 - Security Procedures during Transport of Offenders;
(227.01) IIB01-0007 - Inmate/Probationer Access to Telephones;
(226.01) IIB01-0013 - Searches, Security Inspections, and Use of Permanent
Logs;
(209.03) IIB02-0004 - Disciplinary Isolation;
(207.04) IIB03-0004 - Offender Work Details;

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|
|Policy Number: 209.11|Effective Date: 04/11/16|Page Number 2 of 20|
|Authority:
Bryson/Ward|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

(206.01) IIB06-0001 - Offender Personal Property Standards;
(228.01) IIB01-0018 - Safety/Sanitation Inspections;
(209.01) IIB02-0001 - Offender Discipline;
(209.04) IIB08-0001 - Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control;
(209.05) IIB08-0005 - Stripped Cells and Temporary Confiscation of Personal;
Property;
(209.06) IIB09-0001 - Administrative Segregation;
(211.05) IIB16-0001 - Procedures for Housing Offenders Under 18 Years of Age

(Juveniles) in GDC Custody;
(220.04) IIB18-0001 - Offender Orientation;
(219.01) IIB18-0002 - Case Management-Records Maintenance;
(220.02) IIC02-0002 - Security Classification;
(220.03) IIC02-0004 - Classification Committee;
(222.01) IIC05-0001 - Inter-Institutional Transfer;
(318.00) IIIB03-0001 - Case Management and Documentation;
(107.05) VB01-0008 - Programs Management;
(508.01) VG01-0001 - MH/MR Organization and Administration;
(508.15) VG31-0001 - MH/MR Evaluations;
(508.20) VG40-0001 - MH/MR Rounds in Isolation/Administrative Segregation
Units;
(508.27) VG67-0001 - Time Out, Seclusion and Physical Restraint;
(508.28) VG68-0001 - Managing Potentially Suicidal, Self-Injurious & Aggressive
Behavior;
(508.29) VG69-0001 - Suicide Precautions;
(508.30) VG70-0001 - MH/MR Acute Care Unit;
(507.04.33) VH30-0009 - Health Evaluation of Inmates/Probationers in Segregation/

Disciplinary Isolation;
(507.04.35) VH30-0011 - Examination Following Use of Force; and
(220.08) IIA18-0001 - Security Threat Groups;

ACA Standards: 2-CO-4B-06, 4-4307, 4-4308, 4-4249, 4-4250, 4-4251, 4-4252,
4-4253, 4-4254, 4-4255, 4-4256, 4-4257, 4-4258, 4-4259, 4-4260, 4-4261, 4-4262,
4-4263, 4-4264, 4-4265, 4-4266, 4-4267, 4-4268, 4-4269, 4-4270, 4-4271, 4-4272, and
4-4273.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|
|Policy Number: 209.11|Effective Date: 04/11/16|Page Number 3 of 20|
|Authority:
Bryson/Ward|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

III. Definitions:

A. Classification Committee: For purposes of the RHA-JOAS Program, the

Classification Committee will consist of the RHA-JOAS Program Unit Manager,
RHA-JOAS Program OIC, assigned counselor, and as applicable, the assigned
Mental Health counselor.

B. Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative

Segregation Program: Long Term Administrative Segregation stratification plan
that manages the institutional conduct and programmatic needs of juvenile
offenders assigned to the program.

C. Moderated Cells: Designated cells in RHA-JOAS Program, Phase I, that are the

most restrictive cells designed to house assaultive juvenile offenders who are
violent, aggressive, and refuse to comply with the RHA-JOAS Program conduct
requirements.

D. Offenders under Transition (O.U.T.) Program : Cognitive Behavioral Program

utilized in the RHA-JOAS facility which is designed to enhance a juvenile
offender’s motivation to change problem behaviors, criminal thinking, and provide
pro-social skills. The curriculum is based on the cognitive behavioral treatment
model and motivational interviewing techniques.

E. Offenders on the Mental Health Caseload: The mental health program utilized in

the RHA-JOAS facility is designed to focus on those with chronic mental illnesses
and those who are diagnosed with a Principal Diagnosis. The goals are based upon
the Comprehensive Mental Health Treatment Plan and are focused on minimizing
or eliminating the clinical symptoms.

F. Juvenile Offender: An offender under eighteen (18) years of age sentenced by

Superior Court to Georgia Department of Corrections custody, or an offender under
eighteen (18) years of age being housed by GDC at the request of the Department
of Juvenile Justice.

IV. Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:

The RHA-JOAS Program will consist of a multi-phased approach that joins together
functional security procedures with effective program support. While the primary
mission of a Facility is security, effective programs are essential to the daily
management of juvenile offenders’ behavior and the ultimate goal of preparing
juvenile offenders for reentry into society. The RHA-JOAS establishes an incentive

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|
|Policy Number: 209.11|Effective Date: 04/11/16|Page Number 4 of 20|
|Authority:
Bryson/Ward|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

program-based level of privileges for demonstrating appropriate juvenile offender
behavior and program compliance. The goal is for a juvenile offender to make the
appropriate adjustments so that the offender may be returned to a general population
housing assignment.

A. RHA-JOAS Program Overview:

1. A juvenile offender assigned to the RHA-JOAS is given the opportunity to

progress through Phases 1, 2, and 3 of the program based upon their
behavior and ability to adjust. Movement between the Phases is based upon
the juvenile offender meeting or failing to meet the goals outlined in the
juvenile offender’s individualized case plan.

2. As the juvenile offender successfully progresses through the RHA-JOAS

Program, the offender is reviewed for reassignment up to and including
general population, based upon the Facility’s Stratification Plan and
Housing Guidelines.

3. Juvenile offenders who cannot return to general population because they

pose a serious threat to the safety and security of the institutional operation
shall remain in Phase 3. This may include, but is not limited, to juvenile
offenders who have documented STG activities and involvement, notoriety
of crimes, high level of supervision requirements, and juvenile offenders
who have been threatened with bodily harm. Juvenile offenders will be
reviewed every thirty (30) days to determine their assignment status.

B. Criteria for Admission:

Placement in the RHA-JOAS Program is the result of a Classification Committee
decision that is approved by the Warden. To be eligible for placement in RHAJOAS Program, a juvenile offender must have at least one of the following at the
time of the request to assign the juvenile offender:

1. The juvenile offender is noted as a threat to the safe and secure operation of

the Facility. This may include, but is not limited, to juvenile offenders who
have documented STG activities/involvement, notoriety of crimes, high
level of supervision requirements, and juvenile offenders who have been
threatened with bodily harm;

2. Escape(s) and escape attempt(s) during the previous three (3) years;

4. Failure in any Administrative Segregation Unit to obey the rules;

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|
|Policy Number: 209.11|Effective Date: 04/11/16|Page Number 5 of 20|
|Authority:
Bryson/Ward|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

5. Participation or leadership in a major disruptive event, major disturbance or

riot, or directing the assault or homicide of another offender during the
previous five (5) years;

6. Possession of a firearm or an explosive device during the previous five (5)

years;

7. Two or more disciplinary infractions for possession of a weapon within the

past year;

8. Three or more disciplinary charges and/or incident reports within the

previous 12 months that involve assaultive or excessive disruptive behavior
of either Great or High severity level as defined in the Offender Discipline
SOP (209.01) IIB02-0001;

9. Juvenile offenders with an assaultive history; Note: This only applies to

juvenile offenders in GP status and juvenile offenders who are MH Level II.
MH Level III must be screened and recommended by MH staff before
consideration for placement in Restrictive Housing Assignment - MH
Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation. No MH Level IV juvenile
offenders are eligible for consideration to the RHA-JOAS Program;

10. Excessive destruction of state property; or

11. Possession of or attempting to introduce or trafficking of cellular devices,

drugs, tobacco, or any illegal contraband;

C. Process for Assignment:

1. Prior to placement in the RHA-JOAS Program, the juvenile must receive a

thorough evaluation conducted by an Upper Level Provider (Psychologist,
psychiatrist, or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) to determine
suitability for placement and ability to sustain extended lockdown.

2. The Classification Committee will review all recommendations for

assignments of a juvenile offender to the RHA-JOAS Program and submit a
recommendation based upon the eligibility criteria cited above in VI.B.114. This recommendation will be submitted directly to the Warden or
Designee for approval/disapproval. (Refer to Attachment 1)

3. Per SOP (507.04.33) VH30-0009 (Health Evaluation of
Inmates/Probationers in Segregation/Disciplinary Isolation), upon

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|
|Policy Number: 209.11|Effective Date: 04/11/16|Page Number 6 of 20|
|Authority:
Bryson/Ward|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

placement of a juvenile offender in segregation, correctional staff will
notify a medical provider as soon as possible. An in-person physical
assessment is not required unless review of the health record or
communication from the officer indicates that the juvenile offender may
have a health condition that requires an immediate evaluation, a use of force
or an incident of self-harm has occurred, or the juvenile offender has been
involved in an assault or fight resulting in injuries not requiring outside
medical attention. In the event of a use of force a complete health
evaluation will be conducted in accordance with (507.04.35) VH30-0011
(Examination Following Use of Force).

4. When the juvenile offender is assigned to the RHA-JOAS Program, the

Classification Committee will hold an Administrative Segregation Hearing
within 96-hours in accordance with GDC SOP (209.06) IIB09-0001 –
Administrative Segregation. (Refer to Attachment 1(a))

5. The Warden/Designee will review for approval/disapproval all
Classification Committee recommendations for assignment to the RHAJOAS. The process for approval or denial of the request must be completed
within seven (7) business days.

6. Upon the Warden’s/Designee’s approval, the Warden will notify, via

electronic copy, the respective Regional Director of the juvenile offender’s
assignment in the RHA-JOAS. The juvenile offender will be served with a
copy of this action, and it will be documented in SCRIBE. (Refer to
Attachment 2)

7. The juvenile offender may exercise his or her due process rights by

appealing the assignment to the RHA-JOAS by submitting written
objections (via attachment 3) to the Director of Field Operations or their
Designee within three (3) business days from receipt of the notice. The
juvenile offender must include detailed information in his or her appeal of
the assignment. The juvenile offender’s rebuttal and request for relief must
be legibly written in the space provided on the appeal form and one
additional page may be attached. The juvenile offender may not write on the
back of the appeal form and may only write on one side of the extra page.
The juvenile offender shall submit the appeal to the assigned counselor for
processing by the RHA-JOAS Program Unit Manager:

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|
|Policy Number: 209.11|Effective Date: 04/11/16|Page Number 7 of 20|
|Authority:
Bryson/Ward|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

a. The Director of Field Operations or Designee will complete the

review of the juvenile offender’s appeal. This review must be
completed within fourteen (14) business days upon receipt of the
appeal.

b. The Director of Field Operations’ final decision will be sent via

electronic transmittal to the respective Warden for distribution with
an electronic copy to the respective Regional Director.

8. In emergency situations, the Warden/Designee may authorize the immediate

assignment of a juvenile offender to the RHA-JOAS. The Warden will then
inform the respective Regional Director of this action as well as complete
all necessary assignment paperwork for formal placement.

D. Warden’s Review of Juvenile Offenders Assigned to the RHA-JOAS: Following

assignment to the RHA-JOAS, the juvenile offender’s assigned counselor shall
review the juvenile offender’s well-being and mental status every seven (7) days,
and report their findings to the Warden and summarize this report in a SCRIBE
case note. The counselor need not convene a formal hearing for this review and
report, since this constitutes a review of the juvenile offender’s status for the
Warden only. A weekly MH assessment/screen will be conducted on all juveniles
to include security’s input on the behavior of the juvenile in the RHA-JOAS
Program to determine any signs or symptoms that would contra-indicate
continuation in the RHA-JOAS Program.

E. Conditions and Privileges:

1. At a minimum, the following administrative segregation policies will apply

to juvenile offenders assigned to the RHA-JOAS:

a. All cells must be equipped and furnished in a manner consistent

with cells designated as RHA-JOAS cells;

b. Each juvenile offender must be provided the opportunity for

personal hygiene three (3) times per week;

c. Food provided to juvenile offenders must be the same quality and

quantity as that provided in the general population;

d. If a juvenile offender is placed in a moderated-cell/strip-cell, current

GDC SOP (209.05) IIB08-0005 and Post Orders will govern what
bedding supplies are provided;

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|
|Policy Number: 209.11|Effective Date: 04/11/16|Page Number 8 of 20|
|Authority:
Bryson/Ward|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

e. Daily contact of juveniles receiving mental health services will occur

by a MH Counselor to determine if lockdown is contra-indicated
due to an increase in psychiatric symptoms.

f. Juvenile Offenders will receive the services of a counselor and a

Mental Health counselor as appropriate/required with a minimum of
one monthly MH Counselor contact out-of cell, and weekly out-of
cell groups, based on the treatment plan and availability of security
staff;

g. Juvenile Offenders will be offered a minimum of five (5) hours per

week of exercise. This exercise must be outside the cells, unless
security, safety or inclement weather considerations dictate
otherwise;

h. All telephone calls will be in accordance with limitations outlined

by phase assignments;

i. The Unit Manager, assigned counselor, or chaplain will deal with

emergency telephone calls on a case by case basis. The highestranking official present may authorize an emergency call for a
serious illness or death of a family member if the Unit Manager is
not available. After hours and on weekends, the Duty Officer will
authorize the emergency call. The staff member who authorizes the
call must verify and document that the situation warrants an
emergency call;

j. If eligible, visitation in the RHA-JOAS Program, will be limited as

follows: Phase One (1) : 1 monthly, contact visit with a maximum
of two (2) visitors for up to two (2) hours in duration; Phase Two
(2) : up to 2 contact visits per month with a maximum of two (2)
visitors for up to two (2) hours; Phase Three (3) : up to 3 contact
visits per month with a maximum of two (2) visitors for up to two
(2) hours. The Warden/Designee may make adjustments to visitation
privileges based on institutional needs and space availability;

k. All juvenile offenders in the RHA-JOAS must be allowed legal

access as provided in SOP (227.03) IIA14-0001 – Access to Courts;

l. Subject to the facility’s interests in maintaining security and order,
offenders may individually pray or individually engage in religious

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|
|Policy Number: 209.11|Effective Date: 04/11/16|Page Number 9 of 20|
|Authority:
Bryson/Ward|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
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Access|

practices in their assigned cells or by their assigned beds. All offenders
may have access to Chaplaincy visits as scheduled.

m. Privileges for juvenile offenders who must remain in Phase 3
because of the safety and security of the institutional operation are
outlined on Attachment 4 of this policy;

n. As deemed necessary by the Warden or Designee, all of the above

conditions and privileges are subject to modification due to
extenuating operational circumstances;

o. Juvenile offenders shall not be assigned in a housing unit in which

they will have sight, sound, or physical contact with any adult
offender through use of a shared dayroom or other common space,
shower area, or sleeping quarters;

p. The housing unit shall not be open dormitory; and

q. In areas outside of housing units juvenile offenders will maintain

sight and sound separation from adult offenders, or there will be
direct staff supervision when juvenile offenders and adult offenders
have sight, sound, or physical contact.

F. Progression through the Program:

1. Upon assignment of a juvenile offender into the RHA-JOAS Program, the

assigned counselor will use the juvenile offender’s existing case plan in
SCRIBE to manage the juvenile offender.

2. 30-day Review:

a. At the end of the initial 30-day period, a formal face to face meeting

between the juvenile offender and the RHA-JOAS Program
Classification Committee will be completed. (Refer to Attachment
5) This is a culmination of the previous informal 7-day contacts and
any other contacts that were completed as part of the routine case
management practices by the assigned counselor and, if applicable,
by the Mental Health counselor. The RHA-JOAS Program
Classification Committee will review the recommendation of the
juvenile offender’s assigned counselor and, if applicable, Mental
Health counselor based on the ongoing daily and weekly
assessments and progression of treatment plan goals.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|
|Policy Number: 209.11|Effective Date: 04/11/16|Page Number 10 of 20|
|Authority:
Bryson/Ward|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

b. This recommendation is to determine if the juvenile offender will

be:

1) Transitioned from the current Phase to the next Phase;

2) Retained in the current Phase or reassigned to a previous

Phase until the next 30-day review;

c. The RHA-JOAS Program Classification Committee may meet with

the assigned General Population Counselor/Mental Health
Counselor if positive/negative extenuating circumstances exist
regarding the behavior of the juvenile offender.

d. The RHA-JOAS Program Classification Committee will consider

the following factors when formulating a recommendation for
progression or regression in the program:

1) Length of time in current Phase;
2) Continued facility risk;
3) Number, type, and frequency of disciplinary reports;
4) Progress in RHA-JOAS Program Offender Management

Plan as noted in SCRIBE Case Notes;
5) Active participation in the O.U.T. Program: If appropriate,

the offender must successfully complete the program prior to
release from RHA-JOAS;
6) Demeanor with staff in the RHA-JOAS living areas and at

periodic reviews; and
7) Performance Sheet documentation.

e. This review must be documented on the 30-day Review Form

(Attachment 5) and in a SCRIBE case note. The RHA-JOAS
Program Classification Committee shall give specific reasons for its
recommendation. The juvenile offender shall be served with a copy
of this action along with an appeal form and this action shall be
documented in SCRIBE. (Refer to Attachment 6)

3. The juvenile offender may exercise his or her due process rights by

appealing the RHA-JOAS 30-Day review and submit written objections (via
attachment 7) to the Warden within three (3) business days from receipt of
the notice. The juvenile offender must include detailed information
appealing the assignment. The juvenile offender’s rebuttal and request for

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|
|Policy Number: 209.11|Effective Date: 04/11/16|Page Number 11 of 20|
|Authority:
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relief must be legibly written in the space provided on the appeal form and
one additional page may be attached. The juvenile offender may not write
on the back of the appeal form and may only write on one side of the extra
page. The juvenile offender shall submit his or her appeal to his or her
assigned counselor for processing by the RHA-JOAS Program Unit
Manager:

a. The Warden/Designee shall complete the review of the juvenile

offender’s appeal. This review must be completed within seven (7)
business days upon receipt of the appeal.

5. Release from RHA-JOAS Program:

a. The offender must be actively participating in the O.U.T. Program

(Offenders under Transition). If appropriate, the offender must
successfully complete the program prior to release from RHAJOAS.

b. Offenders shall be assigned to Administrative Segregation upon

completion of the RHA-JOAS Program, if approved, as part of their
reorientation to a less restrictive environment. The juvenile offender
shall be monitored, in Administrative Segregation, for up to thirty
(30) days before his or her release to general population.

c. Fifteen (15) days prior to the Offender being released from RHA
JOAS and before the offender is assigned to Administrative
Segregation, the following shall be completed:

1) The RHA-JOAS Program Unit Manager shall review the

potential releases in SCRIBE following the criteria below
and forward his or her recommendations, electronically, to
the Warden and Regional Director. This recommendation
shall be documented in SCRIBE;

a. Disciplinary Reports the juvenile offender received

since being housed in the RHA-JOAS Program;
b. Profiles (Non association);
c. Alternative entrée meal profiles;
d. Case notes;
e. Security Threat Group History;

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Policy Number: 209.11|Effective Date: 04/11/16|Page Number 12 of 20|
|Authority:
Bryson/Ward|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

f. Incident Reports involved in (Location of enemies

and associates);
g. Review of Progress notes;
h. Movement history;
i. Mental Health Status;
j. Personal History Sheet;
k. Medical Profile and schedule appointments;
l. Court Production Orders; and
m. County of Conviction and Residence.

2) The Warden and Regional Director shall review the

recommendations. If recommended for release, the name of
the juvenile offender shall be forwarded, electronically, to
the Criminal Investigations Unit STG Coordinator.

3) The Criminal Investigations Unit Security Threat Group

(STG) Coordinator shall investigate the juvenile offender for
any documented Security Threat Group
Activities/Involvement. The Statewide STG Coordinator will
be responsible for contacting the Criminal Investigations
Division in order to ensure there are no active criminal
investigations or involvement in any criminal activities. The
STG investigations shall be completed within 10 (ten)
business days of notification. The STG Coordinator is
responsible for advising the Regional Director and the RHAJOAS Program Manager, electronically, of any information
pertinent to the retention or release of a juvenile offender.

4) The Regional Director shall advise the Warden of the

findings of the Criminal Investigations Unit. This
information along with all recommendations shall be
forwarded, electronically, to the Director of Field Operations
who will make the final decision.

5) The Director of Field Operations shall be responsible for

advising the Regional Director and the RHA-JOAS Program
Manager, electronically, of the decision. The results of the
decision may be:

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|Policy Name:Restrictive Housing Assignment – Juvenile Offender Administrative Segregation|
|Policy Number: 209.11|Effective Date: 04/11/16|Page Number 13 of 20|
|Authority:
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G. Staffing:

a. The Juvenile Offender is retained in Phase 3 and

reviewed every thirty (30) days;
b. Assigned to General Population upon completion of

the RHA-JOAS; or
c. Reassigned to the same phase of Tier II as the current

Phase of RHA-JOAS, if of age.

6) The RHA-JOAS Program Manager shall review the juvenile

offender’s record in SCRIBE, following the criteria in 5.1.am, and determine the appropriate placement of the juvenile
offender based on the Director’s decision and other
recommendations. A case note shall be entered in SCRIBE.

7) Prior to release from Administrative Segregation, the

juvenile offender is to submit a written statement notifying
the Warden and Regional Director that the offender can or
cannot reside in general population.

1. Assignment to duty in the RHA-JOAS Program is regarded as hazardous

duty. Personnel assigned are expected to deal professionally with
unpleasant and irrational behavior.

2. Because of the unusual difficulty of the work to be done, the Warden (or

Designee) must specifically approve the assignment of uniformed officers,
counselors, medical or other staff members to the RHA-JOAS Program.

H. Security in General:

1. The Unit Manager is responsible for:

a. The care, secure confinement, and control of all offenders assigned

to the RHA-JOAS Program;
b. The overall security of the RHA-JOAS; and
c. The effective accomplishment of assigned tasks.

2. The use of all available security equipment shall be assigned and utilized to

the fullest to ensure that the mission of the Department, the Facility, and the
RHA-JOAS Program are met.

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3. The Unit Manager must ensure strict compliance with SOP (209.04) IIB08
0001 (Use of Force and Restraint for Inmate Control) and all other related
SOPs.

4. Hand-held metal detectors or a suitable device must be placed in or near all

control rooms and utilized by all officers whenever a juvenile offender
leaves the RHA-JOAS living unit (i.e. yard call, call outs, visitation etc.).
There are no exceptions – all officers must follow this procedure. The handheld metal detectors must be utilized when searching items in the cell (i.e.
mattresses, pillow and shoes).

5. The Chief of Security is responsible for ensuring that a thorough security

inspection of the RHA-JOAS Program is conducted and recorded at a
minimum of once per day . All control panels, cell doors, interior of the
cell, windows, locks, and chases must be inspected. A rubber mallet must
be utilized in the inspection of all cell interiors, yard, structures, common
areas, pipe chases, exterior and interior fences See SOP (226.01) IIB010013 Searches, Security Inspections, and Use of Permanent Logs. A
complete check of all areas (cells, yards, common areas, pipe chases,
exterior and interior fences) in the Unit must be conducted every thirty (30)
days.

6. Incident Reports: When any incident occurs, the correctional officers or

employees involved must prepare an Incident Report and submit it for
review to the Shift Supervisor, Chief of Security, Unit Manager, and
Deputy Warden. The report will follow reporting procedures as outlined in
the Incident Reporting Policy (203.03) IIA04-0002. All use of force reports
must be forwarded by the Warden to Internal Investigations within 5
working days after the incident (See SOP (209.04) IIB08-0001 Use of Force
and Restraint for Offender Control).

I. Transports:

1. Juvenile offenders shall have direct transport to court, the hospital,

appointments, other facilities, or any other location requiring transport of
the juvenile offender. There shall be no adult offenders in the transport
vehicle.

2. Transport operations are governed by existing SOP (222.10) IIB01-0006 –

Security Procedures during transport of offenders.

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J. Opening of Cells and Feeding/Handcuff Slot:

1. The opening of cells and the use of feeding and handcuff slots guidelines

shall follow the existing policy and Post Orders governing such operations.
Prior to the opening of cell doors the following will be adhered to:

a. A cell door must not be opened unless two (2) or more Correctional

Officers are present at the cell.

b. In all Phases, prior to being brought out of his or her cell for any

reason, a juvenile offender:

1) Shall remove all clothing,
2) Shall hand each item out to the officer,
3) Shall allow the officer to thoroughly check each item for

contraband (Hand held metal detectors shall be utilized for
checking the clothing. Clothing items shall then be
returned.), and
4) Shall be restrained with handcuffs, behind the back (A

minimum of two (2) Correctional Officers must be present
and maintain maximum control and supervision.)

c. After a juvenile offender is placed in his or her cell, an officer shall

inspect the door locking control mechanism for proper function, and
then secure the door. Only then may the handcuffs be removed and
the cuff port secured.

2. Feeding/Handcuff Slot:

a. Cell lighting shall be sufficient to ensure the safety of staff and

offenders before the feeding/handcuff slot is opened.

b. The feeding/handcuff slot of each cell door may be in the open

position only: (1) when items are actually being issued to or
received from a juvenile offender (meals, medication, commissary,
laundry, etc.); or (2) for the purpose of placing handcuffs on or
removing handcuffs from a juvenile offender.

c. Before the slot is opened, the staff member shall ensure that the cell

light is on. Staff shall order the juvenile offender to move to the
back of the cell with his or her hands visible and palms up. Staff

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shall observe whether the juvenile offender has any objects in his or
her hands.

d. When issuing items, the slot is to be opened and the items are to be

placed in the opening. The staff member is then to step back from
the cell door far enough to ensure that the juvenile offender cannot
grab him/her through the slot.

e. Upon the juvenile offender taking the item from the opening, the

juvenile offender shall be instructed to step away from the door.
When the juvenile offender has moved away from the door, the
officer shall then close the slot.

f. When receiving items from a juvenile offender, the slot is to be

opened and the staff member is to step back from the door. The
juvenile offender is then instructed to approach the door, place the
item in the opening, and then step back away from the door. The
staff member may approach the door and take the item only after the
juvenile offender has stepped away from the door. The officer shall
then close the slot.

g. The RHA-JOAS Program OIC/Designee shall be notified any time a

juvenile offender refuses to comply with the above requirements.

K. Cell Searches:

1. A thorough search of the cell and locking mechanism shall be completed

whenever the juvenile offender is removed from the cell during showers,
medical exams, etc. (Attachment 8) A rubber mallet must be used during
these searches.

2. All shift supervisors are responsible for ensuring the continuous

shakedowns of cells.

3. The Chief of Security is responsible for ensuring that a shakedown of the

building occurs every thirty (30) days.

4. All cell searches must be documented in the logbook. Any deficiencies

detrimental to security must be immediately reported to the shift OIC and
logged by the reporting officer.

L. Property Control:

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1. Property Control operations are governed by existing SOP (206.01) IIB06
0001 - Offender Personal Property Standards. An exception may arise
when a juvenile offender is placed in a moderated cell due to disruptive
behavior that threatens or is potentially detrimental to the safety of staff or
welfare of the facility. Only State-Issued Property excluding offender boots
(replaced by shower shoes) will be issued.

2. When assigned to a moderated cell, the juvenile offender’s property is

limited to basic issue to include limitations of foot gear. Examples of
reasons why a juvenile offender may be temporarily placed in a moderated
cell setting include, but are not limited to:

a. Juvenile offender projecting items/ bodily fluid;
b. Juvenile offender refusing to allow tray flap to be closed;
c. Juvenile offender refusing to be cuffed for staff to enter or offender

to leave cell;
d. Juvenile offender is assaultive towards staff;
e. Juvenile offender flooding cell/ breaking sprinkler head;
f. Juvenile offender damaging cell / damaging state property/

damaging items within his or her cell;
g. Juvenile offender setting fire to his or her property or cell; or
h. Continuous violations of policy, rules, & regulations while assigned

to RHA-JOAS Program.

3. Property may be confiscated from any juvenile offender who is abusing the

property or fashioning it in such a way that it becomes a threat to security or
safety.

M. Security Inspections:

1. The Unit Manager and Chief of Security must ensure compliance with SOP

(226.01) IIB01-0013 (Searches, Security Inspections and Use of Permanent
Logs).

2. The Unit Manager and Chief of Security must ensure that a thorough

security inspection of the RHA-JOAS Unit is conducted and recorded at
least once a day.

3. Shift Supervisors or their designees must conduct daily living and work area

inspections using the Security Inspection Form.

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a. Utilizing the same daily inspection form, each Monday the Shift

Supervisors must send a weekly security inspection report to the
Chief of Security.

N. Safety/Sanitation Inspections:

1. The highest possible standards of cleanliness, sanitation and safety must be

maintained in the RHA-JOAS Program as outlined in SOP (228.01) IIB010018, Safety/Sanitation Inspections.

2. The Unit Manager, Chief of Security, and Shift OIC are responsible for

compliance with Safety/Sanitation Inspections SOP (refer to Attachment 1
of that policy, (228.01) IIB01-0018 - Safety/Sanitation Inspections).

3. The Unit Manager is responsible for the direction, coordination and

supervision of all activities associated with maintaining high standards of
sanitation, safety and security in the RHA-JOAS Program.

O. Staff Inspection Visits:

1. The RHA-JOAS Unit must be inspected on a regular basis. These

inspections enable responsible officials to observe and evaluate conditions
of confinement and speak with juvenile offenders.

2. These inspection visits shall be conducted at least as often as listed in the

following schedule:

a. The correctional shift supervisor in charge shall conduct visits once

during each shift;
b. Health Care officials shall conduct an initial medical round or visit

within the first 24 hours after placement in RHA-JOAS Program and
then three times per week excluding weekends and holidays;
c. A Psychologist or Psychiatrist shall conduct visits when requested

by staff or as described in the MH policy;
d. The General Population Counselor/Mental Health Counselor shall

conduct visits at a minimum of once per week;
e. The Chief of Security shall conduct visits daily, excluding weekends

and holidays;
f. The Unit Manager shall conduct visits daily, excluding weekends

and holidays;
g. The Institutional Duty Officer shall conduct visits daily;

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h. The Deputy Warden shall conduct visits daily, excluding weekends

and holidays; and
i. The Warden shall conduct visits at a minimum of twice per week.

3. Documentation of rounds – It shall be the responsibility of each individual

to document in the appropriate colored ink so as to provide a clear record of
who has visited the RHA-JOAS Unit. Wardens and Supervisors shall
document in red ink. Health Care staff shall document in green ink.
Counselors shall document in blue ink, and Officers shall document in
black ink. This documentation is for the sign in log and all the RHA-JOAS
flow sheets.

P. Record Keeping:

1. The shift supervisor will ensure that all required documentation is

completed on his or her shift.

2. When a juvenile offender is assigned to RHA-JOAS Program, the floor

officer will complete a Cell Check Form (Attachment 8) prior to placement
in and movement from an assigned cell.

3. Upon placement of the juvenile offender in the cell, the “30-Minute/15
Minute Watch Form/Observation Record” (Attachment 10) of this SOP
must be used. The 30-minute/15-minute checks will be documented when
they occur and not at the end of the shift.

4. Individual records shall document daily activities and be maintained for

each juvenile offender in the RHA-JOAS Program. (Attachment 9) They
must:

a. Record all activities such as showering, exercise, medical and

chaplaincy visits;
b. Be signed by the officer in charge of each shift; and
c. Cite medical observations/visits.

5. Staff shall maintain a cumulative record of all juvenile offender activities

for the duration of a juvenile offender’s confinement in the RHA-JOAS
Unit, and shall record any deviations from the norm along with the
explanations and reasons on the Performance Recording sheet. (Refer to
Attachment 11)

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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6. Accountability Log: The housing unit officer shall maintain an

accountability log accurate to the minute, making it possible to give an
accountability of the whereabouts of each juvenile offender assigned to that
housing unit. This log shall include the juvenile offender’s cell number, bed
number, name, identification number, race, in or out time, assignment, and
destination of the juvenile offender.

V. Attachments:

Attachment 1: RHA-JOAS Program Assignment Recommendation
Attachment 1(a): RHA-JOAS Program Initial Segregation Review
Attachment 2: RHA-JOAS Program Assignment Memo
Attachment 3: RHA-JOAS Program Assignment Appeal Form
Attachment 4: RHA-JOAS Program Handout
Attachment 5: RHA-JOAS Program 30-Day Review
Attachment 6: RHA-JOAS Program 30-Day Review Memo
Attachment 7: RHA-JOAS Program 30-Day Review Assignment Appeal Form
Attachment 8: RHA-JOAS Cell Check Sheet
Attachment 9: RHA-JOAS Checklist
Attachment 10: RHA-JOAS Checklist – 30-Minute and 15-Minute Watch
Form/Observation Record
Attachment 11: RHA-JOAS Program Performance Recording Sheet

VI. Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:

Attachments 1 -3 and 5-11 of this SOP shall become part of the juvenile offender’s
case history file and shall be retained according to the official records retention
schedule of that file.

Attachment 4 – There is no retention schedule for this form as it is a handout to the
juvenile offenders.