(a) A ward confined in a facility of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Facilities, shall be encouraged to communicate with family members, clergy, and others, and to participate in programs that will facilitate his or her education, rehabilitation, and accountability to victims, and that may help the ward become a law-abiding and productive member of society. If the division or a facility requires a ward to provide a list of allowed visitors, calls, or correspondents, that list shall be transferable from facility to facility, so that the transfer of the ward does not unduly interrupt family and community communication.

(b) A ward shall be allowed a minimum of four telephone calls to his or her family per month. A restriction or reduction of the minimum amount of telephone calls allowed to a ward shall not be imposed as a disciplinary measure. If calls conflict with institutional operations, supervision, or security, telephone usage may be temporarily restricted to the extent reasonably necessary for the continued operation and security of the facility. When speaking by telephone with a family member, clergy, or counsel, a ward may use his or her native language or the native language of the person to whom he or she is speaking.

(c) (1) If a ward’s visitation rights are suspended, division or facility staff shall be prepared to inform one or more persons on the list of those persons allowed to visit the ward, if any of those persons should call to ask.

(2) The division or facility shall maintain a toll-free telephone number that families and others may call to confirm visiting times, and to provide timely updates on interruptions and rescheduling of visiting days, times, and conditions.

(3) (A) The division shall encourage correspondence with family or clergy by providing blank paper, envelopes, pencils, and postage. Materials shall be provided in a manner that protects institutional and public safety.

(B) When corresponding with a family member, clergy, or counsel in writing, the ward may use his or her native language or the native language of the person to whom he or she is writing.

(C) Blank paper, envelopes, and pencils shall not be deemed contraband nor seized except in cases where the staff determines that these items would likely be used to cause bodily harm, injury, or death to the ward or other persons, or, based on specific history of property damage by the individual ward, would likely be used to cause destruction of state property. If the staff asserts that it is necessary to seize materials normally used for correspondence, the reasons for the seizure shall be entered in writing in the ward’s file or records.

(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 522, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2009.)