SECTION 377:10-13-113. Mail

(a)   A juvenile shall have daily access to writing materials and may send and receive mail without limitation, censorship, or prior reading, subject only to the limitations necessary to maintain facility security.

(b)   Written correspondence between residents, courts, or legal representatives shall be unopened and uncensored, provided that incoming mail from courts or legal representatives may be opened to check for contraband.

(c)   Delivery of incoming mail and posting of outgoing mail shall occur within 24 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. Staff may not read or censor correspondence. However, staff may inspect incoming packages for contraband. If mail is opened for inspection, the resident shall open his or her mail in the presence of the designated staff member. The staff member shall document the incident.

(d)   Staff shall not limit correspondence to or from the resident's attorney and committing court officials. Staff shall not open or inspect correspondence to the Office of Juvenile Affairs officials, including the advocate defender and staff.

(e)   The facility shall not be obligated to purchase or subscribe to publications for individual residents. Staff shall give the juvenile any publications which:

(1)   are received through the mail; and

(2)   do not interfere with rehabilitative efforts.

(f)   The facility shall have written policy to provide indigent juveniles with a specified postage allowance.

[Source: Added at 15 Ok Reg 771, eff 10-2-97 (emergency); Added at 15 Ok Reg 2682, eff 7-1-98]