Perf-Based Stds, Adult Corr. Inst. 5th ed March 2020

Performance Standard 7D: Mail, Telephone, and Visiting

5-ACI-7D-16 (Ref. 4-4499-1)

Written policy, procedure, and practice provide that inmate visiting facilities permit informal communication, including opportunity for physical contact. Devices that preclude physical contact are not used except in instances of sub- stantiated security risk.

Comment : The degree of informality of inmate visiting facilities should be consis- tent with the institution’s overall security requirements.

Protocols : Written policy and procedure.

Process Indicators : Inmate interviews. Visiting policy.

Extended and Special Visits

5-ACI-7D-17 (Ref. 4-4500)

Written policy and procedure govern special visits.

Comment : Special visits may include visits from persons who have come long dis- tances, visits to hospitalized inmates, visits to inmates in disciplinary status, and vis- its between inmates and their attorneys, clergy, social service agency representatives, and so forth. Policy and procedure should specify the conditions of such visits.

Protocols : Written policy and procedure.

Process Indicators : Visiting policy. Visiting logs and records.

5-ACI-7D-18 (Ref. 4-4500-1)

Written policy, procedure, and practice require that an inmate is informed in a timely manner of the verifiable death or critical illness of an immediate family member. In case of the critical illness of an immediate family member, the inmate is allowed, whenever statutes and circumstances allow, to go to the bedside under escort or alone. Comment : Classification, status, geography, security level, and other specified cri- teria should determine eligibility. Immediate family is usually defined as parent, spouse, child, sibling, grandparent, or legal guardian.

Protocols : Written policy and procedure.

Process Indicators : Visiting policy. Visiting logs and records.

5-ACI-7D-19 (Ref. 4-4501)

Where statute permits, written policy, procedure, and practice provide for ex- tended visits between inmates and their families.

Comment : Policy and procedure should provide specific guidelines for determin- ing which inmates are permitted extended visits with family, the length of the visit, where the visit should take place, and other conditions. Inmates with appropriate se- curity classifications should be permitted furloughs home of up to three days. Also, if permitted by statute, the institution should provide suitable private accommoda- tions for extended visits between inmates and their families on institutional grounds.

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