6.2 Programs, Recreation and Exercise Pursuant to Section 1371

Chapter 6
Section 6.2
Subject Programs, Recreation and Exercise Pursuant to Section 1371
Effective Date 1/18/2024 12:00 AM
  1. The Juvenile Hall shall provide programs, recreation and exercise for all youth. The intent is to minimize the amount of time youth are in their rooms or their bed area. 
    1. The staff is to provide an opportunity for programs, recreation and exercise a minimum of three hours a day during the week and five hours a day each Saturday, Sunday or other non-school days, of which one hour shall be an outdoor activity, weather permitting.
    2. A youth’s participation in programs, recreation and exercise may be suspended only upon written finding by the Supervising Deputy Probation Officer that a youth represents a threat to the safety and security of the facility.
    3. Such program, recreation and exercise schedule shall be posted in the living units.
    4. There will be a written annual review of the programs, recreation and exercise to ensure content offered is current, consistent and relevant to the population.
  2. Programs
    1. All youth shall be provided the opportunity for at least one hour of daily programming to include, but not be limited to, trauma focused, cognitive, evidence-based, best practice interventions that are culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate, or pro-social interventions and activities designed to reduce recidivism. 
      1. These programs should be based on youth’s individual needs as required by Sections 1355 and 1356 of Title 15.
      2. Such programs may be provided under the direction of the Chief Probation Officer or the County Office of Education and can be administered by county partners such as Behavioral Health agencies, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations or Probation staff.
      3. Programs may include but are not limited to:
        • Cognitive Behavior Interventions
        • Management of Stress and trauma
        • Anger Management
        • Conflict Resolution
        •  Juvenile Justice System
        • Trauma-Related Interventions
        • Victim Awareness
        • Self-Improvement
        • Parenting Skills and Support
        • Tolerance and Diversity
        • Healing Informed Approaches
        • Interventions by Credible Messengers
        • Gender Specific Programming
        • Art, Creative Writing or Self Expression
        • CPR and First Aid Training
        • Restorative Justice or Civic Engagement
        • Career and Leadership Opportunities
        • Other Topics Suitable to the Youth Population
  3. Recreation
    1. All youth shall be provided the opportunity for at least one hour of daily access to unscheduled activities such as leisure reading, letter writing and entertainment (Edovo tablets, television, movies and games).  Activities shall be supervised, include orientation and may include coaching of youth. 
  4. Exercise
    1. All youth shall be provided the opportunity for at least one hour of large muscle activity each day.
      1. The Superintendent shall insure there is sufficient exercise and/or sporting equipment to satisfactorily address sporting and fitness needs of all youth.  
      2. Youth on Room confinement are to have an opportunity for a minimum one hour of large muscle activity.  That one hour of large muscle activity is suspended only upon a written finding by the facility Superintendent that the youth represents a threat to the safety and security of the facility and other youth.  Copies of the written finding shall be distributed to the following: youth’s Juvenile Hall file; youth’s assigned Deputy Probation Officer. 
    2. There should be at least two Juvenile Services Officers supervising youth during outdoor recreation unless an SDPO deems one Officer is appropriate to safely supervise smaller groups of youth (less than 5).
    3. The Superintendent may suspend, for a period not to exceed 24 hours, access to recreation and programs. The Superintendent shall document the reasons why suspension of recreation and programs occurs.