Sec.17a-16-8. Use of the telephone

(a) Public telephones shall be made available in appropriate locations in each institution or facility under the jurisdiction of the commissioner.

(b) A child or youth shall be permitted to make and receive telephone calls at reasonable times exclusive of regularly scheduled program activities. An incoming telephone call from the child's or youth's attorney or clergyman shall be transmitted immediately to the child or youth or, if that is not practicable, a message shall be given to the child or youth as to the caller's identity and his telephone number.

(c) The head of the institution or facility, or his designee, may restrict the use of the telephone by a child or youth when he determines that communication by the child or youth with a particular individual, group or agency is inconsistent with the child's or youth's treatment objectives. If use of the telephone is restricted, this shall be explained to the child or youth and the individual, group or agency that is subject to the restriction. Such restriction shall be noted in writing, signed by the head of the institution or facility, and made a part of the child's or youth's permanent clinical record.

(Effective February 1, 1994)