California Law (Last Updated: March 4, 2014) |
Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC |
Division 2. CHILDREN |
Part 1. DELINQUENTS AND WARDS OF THE JUVENILE COURT |
Chapter 2. Juvenile Court Law |
ARTICLE 1.5. Youth Bill of Rights |
Section 224.71.
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It is the policy of the state that all youth confined in a facility of the Division of Juvenile Facilities shall have the following rights:
(a) To live in a safe, healthy, and clean environment conducive to treatment and rehabilitation and where they are treated with dignity and respect.
(b) To be free from physical, sexual, emotional, or other abuse, or corporal punishment.
(c) To receive adequate and healthy food and water, sufficient personal hygiene items, and clothing that is adequate and clean.
(d) To receive adequate and appropriate medical, dental, vision, and mental health services.
(e) To refuse the administration of psychotropic and other medications consistent with applicable law or unless immediately necessary for the preservation of life or the prevention of serious bodily harm.
(f) To not be searched for the purpose of harassment or humiliation or as a form of discipline or punishment.
(g) To maintain frequent and continuing contact with parents, guardians, siblings, children, and extended family members, through visits, telephone calls, and mail.
(h) To make and receive confidential telephone calls, send and receive confidential mail, and have confidential visits with attorneys and their authorized representatives, ombudspersons and other advocates, holders of public office, state and federal court personnel, and legal service organizations.
(i) To have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or HIV status.
(j) To have regular opportunity for age-appropriate physical exercise and recreation, including time spent outdoors.
(k) To contact attorneys, ombudspersons and other advocates, and representatives of state or local agencies, regarding conditions of confinement or violations of rights, and to be free from retaliation for making these contacts or complaints.
(l) To participate in religious services and activities of their choice.
(m) To not be deprived of any of the following as a disciplinary measure: food, contact with parents, guardians, or attorneys, sleep, exercise, education, bedding, access to religious services, a daily shower, a drinking fountain, a toilet, medical services, reading material, or the right to send and receive mail.
(n) To receive a quality education that complies with state law, to attend age-appropriate school classes and vocational training, and to continue to receive educational services while on disciplinary or medical status.
(o) To attend all court hearings pertaining to them.
(p) To have counsel and a prompt probable cause hearing when detained on probation or parole violations.
(q) To make at least two free telephone calls within an hour after initially being placed in a facility of the Division of Juvenile Facilities following an arrest.