Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 950-3-1 — Committed Youth Release Policy

950 Alabama Department of Youth Services

Ala. Admin. Code r. 950-3-1-.01 Statement of Policy

(1) It is the policy of the Department that committed youth (other than at short term facilities) shall be reviewed by a review committee or team prior to release from any DYS facility. Only upon concurrence with release recommendations by the committee or team will youth be released. This chapter applies to youth in DYS operated facilities. A contract facility program director, or designee, may facilitate a release review for committed youth in contract facilities.

(2) Committed youths’ release shall be facilitated by the Administrator of Institutional Services and designated staff representing various areas of residential life. The committee shall review youths’ progress toward release.

(3) The committee meets at regularly scheduled times, for example on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at Mt. Meigs Campus, on second and fourth Wednesday at Vacca.

(4) Proposed releases shall be submitted with written justification to the committee at least ten (10) days prior to proposed release date.

History

• Author: Department of Youth Services
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§44-1-24(6), 44-1-36(d); Title 44.
• Amended: Filed November 6, 2018; effective December 21, 2018. Amended: Published October 31, 2023; effective December 15, 2023.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 950-3-1-.02 Procedure For Release

(1) Request for review of a youth being considered for release along with written justification/documentation should be forwarded to the committee or team in advance of the proposed release date.

(2) The following materials and written information may accompany the request for release review:

(a) Academic achievements including pre and post-testing along with educational recommendations from teacher or principal. (If youth has not been involved in academic training, this may be noted.)

(b) Vocational achievement and recommendation if youth has been placed in this training area.

(c) Behavioral changes which reflect youth's adjustment in respective programs. Data may report both positive and negative response to program assignments, approved temporary absences, disciplinary reports, AWOL'S, out of assigned area, escapes, relationship to peers and staff, health/mental health status, etc.

(d) Aftercare recommendations or plans for youth upon release, plans for employment and living arrangements, school enrollment, etc., should be included, if known.

(3) Upon receipt of the written justification by the committee, a release hearing date will be established to review the request and to discuss all factors relating to the release. Release hearings will be held at regularly scheduled times, for example at Mt. Meigs Campus on the second and fourth Thursday of each month and at Vacca on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

(4) When a youth is determined by the professional staff assigned to the youth to have substantially completed his or her individual service plan, staff determines whether the youth is eligible for release consideration.

(5) A letter must be received by the committing court at least ten (10) days in advance notifying the court of release. The Administrator of Institutional Services reviews each youth before release. A justification for release and certificate of completion is sent to the committing court prior to the release date. No youth shall be released unless notice is received by the Court at least ten (10) days in advance.

(6) Upon appearing before the committee and receiving approval to proceed with release, the youth’s release documentation is submitted for processing to the Deputy Director of Institutional Services prior to the date of release.

(7) After notice to the committing court, the subject youth is immediately released into the aftercare of the committing court. The committing court may determine terms and conditions of aftercare. When a committed youth has fulfilled his period of commitment, he or she shall be discharged from the department's custody, and any recommitment to the department must be based on a new offense and a new hearing.

(8) When the director determines that a particular youth has gained optimal rehabilitation from the programs of the department, such youth may be discharged without aftercare. The youth will not be received again by the department under the original commitment order.

History

• Author: Department of Youth Services
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§44-1-2(1); 44-1-24(6); 44-1-36(d); 44-1-36(f); 12-15-1(2); Title 44.
• Amended: Filed November 6, 2018; effective December 21, 2018. Amended: Published October 31, 2023; effective December 15, 2023.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 950-3-1-.03 Statutory Authority.

Title 44, Code of Ala. 1975, §44-1-24 (6); Title 44, Code of Ala. 1975, §44-1-36 (d).

History

• Author: Department of Youth Services
• Authority: Title 44, Code of Ala. 1975, §44-1-24 (6); Title 44, Code of Ala. 1975, §44-1-36 (d).
• Amended: Filed November 6, 2018; effective December 21, 2018.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 950-3-1-.04 Effective Date

The revised Committed Youth Release Policy and Procedure is effective immediately.

History

• Author: Department of Youth Services
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975
• Amended: Filed November 6, 2018; effective December 21, 2018.