Sec.17a-16-9. Use or receipt of mail

(a) Each institution or facility under the jurisdiction of the commissioner shall furnish writing materials and postage to any child or youth desiring them.

(b) A child or youth shall be permitted to send or receive mail to or from any individual, group or agency. However, the head of the institution or facility, or his designee, may limit the use or receipt of mail by a child or youth if he determines that communication with a particular individual, group or agency is inconsistent with the child's or youth's treatment objectives. If the use or receipt of mail is limited, this shall be explained to the child or youth and all such correspondence shall be returned unopened to the sender with an explanation signed by the head of the institution or facility, or his designee. Such limitation 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.

(c) All incoming mail shall be delivered to the child or youth unopened unless the head of the institution or facility, or his designee, has reason to believe that said mail contains contraband. In such case, the mail shall be opened by the head of the institution or facility, or his designee, in the presence of the child or youth, and any contraband removed.

(Effective February 1, 1994)