Section 2603.180  Telephone

a)         Introduction

Use of the telephone to talk with family members, friends, and concerned persons aids the child in maintaining a personal touch with family functions and tends to reinforce family ties.

b)         Minimum Standards

1)         Telephone Communication

Each child shall be given an opportunity to make a reasonable number of telephone calls upon admittance.

2)         Telephone Program

A scheduled program to permit each child to place at least one call daily to parents, guardians or friends shall be established.  Calls to an attorney, probation officer or social worker shall not count against allotted calls, but they must be at reasonable hours.  The shelter care facility is not required to provide funds for toll calls.

A)        At least 15 minutes shall be allotted for each personal phone call.

B)        Telephone calls shall not be monitored or otherwise listened to by staff members in any manner; however, verification of the party called may be required.

3)         Incoming Telephone Calls

Children shall be allowed to receive telephone calls daily from parents or guardians, clergy, and friends, provided they are at reasonable hours.  Attorney, probation officer, and social worker calls shall not be limited in number.  At least 15 minutes shall be allowed for each incoming personal call.

4)         Violation of Telephone Rules

Violation of shelter care rules governing the telephone program may result in suspension of telephone usage for personal calls for a designated period of time for the individual; however, telephone calls to an attorney or court personnel shall never be denied.

(Source:  Amended at 12 Ill. Reg. 12405, effective October 1, 1988)