Montgomery County Youth Center

GOAL!

Handcuffs

Handcuffs are to be used only to control behavior that represents a clear and present danger. They are used after all other alternative methods of behavioral control have failed.

Room Confinement

Room confinement may be necessary as a last resort when other methods of behavioral control have failed and a clear and present danger existis for the resident, other residents, or staff. Room confinement is not to be used as a disciplinary measure or routine privilege restriction. Room confinement cannot exceed 8 hours in a 48 hour period without a signed court order.

Physical Restraint

When handling a disruptive resident, counseling staff are instructed to always use the least restrictive measure first. When necessary, only appropriate restraint holds are to be used.

Restrictive Procedures

A) Physical Restraint

B) Room Confinement

C) Handcuffs

D) Reporting Restraints on pregnant females

Montgomery County Youth Center

Supervision Policy

• The red notes and group write up should be reviewed before the start of each shift.
• Supervising staff are to be physically present in the same areas as the residents at all times during waking hours, maintaining a six to one ratio.
• During the school day a staff member will be placed in classroom to be accessible if a teacher needs assistance.
• In the dining room, staff are required to be seated at the tables with residents. Silverware is to be counted at the conclusion of each meal and if any are missing, an immediate search is to be conducted.

Living Unit safety precautions

After the intake process the newly admitted resident will be given a room. The appropriate bedding will be supplied and this is where the youth will sleep. The door has a one way lock, as well as a deadbolt.

Points to remember

• If a resident is placed on SP it is imperative that they be given ankle socks and a SP blanket and pillow. A bedsheet and pillow case will not be supplied.
• Resident's footwear is always placed in thier bin, outside of their room.
• If a resident is deemed to be a run risk, a room with a courtyard view be given.
• Be sure to throw the bolt of a room afer a youth is securely inside for safety purposes.
• If a resident is placed on SP, five minute room checks will be conducted. If SP is not required, checks will be performed every fifteen minutes.

Admission to Secure Detention

The admissions process is the first detention experience a juvenile will have upon admittance to the Youth Center. It is essential to the safety and security of the Youth Center that each resident be subjected to a search of their person and property by a secure detention counselor. All belongings must be documented and stored in a personal locker.

Points to remember

• Assess if there is any medical attention required upon admission
• Perform partially clothed search in intake locker area
• Shower youth
• Administer suicide lethality assessment

Safety and Security in juvenile detention. How do secure detention counselors provide this?

Mission Statement

The mission of the Montgomery County Youth Center is to provide a safe and secure enviorment for the residents in our care, while ensuring the protection of the community. The needs of the residents are met by an array of individualized services in a climate of respect and dignity.