9 CAR § 100-312 – Searches in secure residential facilities of youth — Policy

(a) The Division of Youth Services shall conduct searches of all youth entering a secure residential treatment facility for the purposes of:
1. (1) Security of the facility and its operations;
2. (2) Identification of youth mental or physical health concerns; and
3. (3) Prevention of injurious behavior.
(b) Searches may be conducted to:
1. (1) Find weapons, drugs, contraband, or any other items that youths or visitors may use to:
  1. (A) Hurt themselves or others; or
  2. (B) Use to engage in illegal or prohibited activities; or
2. (2) Identify mental or physical health concerns.
(c) A search under this section may include a search of:
1. (1) His or her person;
2. (2) His or her vehicle; and
3. (3) Any property he or she brings into the facility.
(d) Searches shall be conducted in a professional manner to avoid embarrassment or indignity to those being searched.
(e) Division facility staff may also conduct searches when there is reasonable suspicion to believe that a person is in possession of prohibited items.
(f) Notices of mandatory pat searches will be posted at the entranceway of all secure residential treatment facilities.
(g) Upon entering the grounds of the secure residential treatment facility, all staff, visitors, and vendors will report directly to the administration building to be searched.