Visitation & Call Schedules

Approved Contacts

One challenge for new residents is adjusting to life away from criminal and addictive behaviors. Your child's JPO provides us with a list of approved contacts at the beginning of the program. They can add or remove individuals to this list at their discretion. It is our intent to honor this list by enforcing communication policies and procedures. We appreciate your cooperation in assisting us with providing a distraction-free environment that allows them to focus on rehabilitation. 

Family or other approved contacts are prohibited from assisting residents in misusing mail, phone, or video conference privileges with the intent of allowing residents to contact individuals either on a “Do Not Associate” order or those whom their JPO has not approved. 

Misuse of communication privileges either by residents or their approved contacts will result in the resident’s JPO being notified and possible changes to the resident’s Approved Contact List, including removal of specific contacts or restrictions to resident’s communication privileges.

These prohibited actions include:

• creating three-way calls or allowing other people to speak to the resident

• assisting residents with viewing or communicating on social media

• taking pictures during visitation or screenshots during video conferences

• assisting residents in receiving mail from unapproved sources

• altering clothing, hygiene, or mail that would allow prohibited items to enter the facility

Visitation Policy

The ACJDC Visitation Policy follows 37 TAC 343 standards. Policy states that visitation is limited to a resident’s adult immediate family members/legal guardian(s), attorney, JPO, minister, or counselor. Additional visitors must be at least 18 years of age and approved by the resident’s JPO. The JPO is responsible for documenting all approved visitors in the resident’s contact list. 

In addition to policy covered in the Post-Adjudication Resident Handbook: Program Privileges, the following rules apply:

• Visitors are expected to abide by the rules outlined for visitation and violation of those rules could lead to visitors’ privileges being suspended or terminated. 

• All visitors must show a valid government issued ID to staff at the main control window and sign in before being allowed to visit. 

• Only appropriate dress code will be allowed at the time of visitation. ACJDC staff reserves the right to refuse a visit if dress code is not adhered to:

  • No tank tops

  • Shorts must not be more than 3 inches above the knee 

  • No revealing, mesh or net clothing allowed 

  • No derogatory or offensive images 

  • No gang affiliation, colors or symbols allowed 

• No more than three visitors at a time will be permitted during visitation time with the resident. 

• Visitors are not permitted to smoke or use tobacco in any form while on ACJDC property. 

• No one visibly under the influence will be allowed to visit. (i.e., slurred speech, dilated pupils, swayed gait/walk, etc.) 

• No articles or packages will be allowed in visitation areas. No exchange between a visitor and a resident can take place. All residents are searched following visitations. Any contraband found after visitation will result in termination of visitation privileges with that visitor and loss of privileges for the resident. Legal proceedings may be initiated and the JPO will be advised. 

• Visitors are not permitted to bring purses, bags, briefcases, hats, or any form of jacket or cover ups in the facility. 

• No cell phones, smart watches, recording devices, or devices that can be connected to the internet are allowed in the secured visitation area(s). 

• Residents and visitors are not permitted to leave during an active visitation session. If either party leaves at any time, the visitation will conclude. 

• If at any time the resident becomes belligerent or aggressive to anyone, the visitation will be immediately terminated, and visits could be suspended if therapeutically necessary. The Clinical Program Director will review and make that determination on a case-by-case basis. 

• Any exception to the regular visitation hours must be approved by the Detention Superintendent.

• Public restrooms are available in the main entrance lobby to visitors. 

• Conduct by any visitor that is in violation of the law shall be reported to the Atascosa County Sheriff’s office. 

Communication Policy

In addition to visitation services, the Atascosa Substance Abuse Program provides residents with weekly mail and phone call services and monthly video conferences with approved contacts that exceed the standards of 37 TAC 343. 

Mail

Postage will be supplied to residents for up to three letters a week. Received letters and packages will be checked in the resident’s presence for contraband or inappropriate content. Mail/packages containing contraband or inappropriate material will be taken or destroyed. Resident mail will not be read by any staff member unless there is a reason to believe it has contraband or is a threat to the safety and security of the facility. Any envelope that is not correctly addressed or has graffiti or tagging on it will not be mailed. 

Phone Calls 

Residents are eligible to make phone calls based on their Phase and room number. Phone calls can be made to persons listed on their Approved Contact List which is approved by the Juvenile Probation Officer. 

Exceptions to the Approved Contact List are the resident’s attorney, Juvenile Probation Officer, minister, or counselor and are allowed to call the facility and speak with them outside of the phone call schedule. 

In the event of a disciplinary seclusion, phone calls will not be given or made up. 

Video Conferences 

Residents will receive monthly treatment reviews and family therapy sessions typically conducted via video call. Treatment reviews are held with the resident’s JPO. Family therapy sessions are an opportunity for residents to share their progress with loved ones and cover topics related to reentry. Parents, guardians, or other approved contacts are eligible to attend these meetings.

Care Packages

Hygiene items are provided by our facility; however, residents may prefer to have specific brands. Juvenile Probation Officers, in coordination with family, may provide residents with a monthly care package containing items such as:

• Underwear

• 3-in-1 Shampoo, Conditioner, & Body Wash

• Clear Gel Deodorant

• Travel-size Hairbrush or Comb

• Toothpaste

• Hair Gel or Product

• Skin Lotion

Residents are allowed to have one of each item in the pod at a time. Any additional items will be stored in their personal belongings locker and issued when appropriate.

Resident Shoes

Shoes are also provided by our facility; however, residents may prefer to bring in their own shoes. If family are interested in providing personal shoes for the resident, the only two requirements are that they are black and that they do not have laces. Shoes that do not meet these two criteria will not be accepted. Keep in mind that these shoes will be utilized during PT and Rec periods.