Alabama Department of Youth Services updates several policies

The Alabama Department Youth Services (DYS) board approved a set of five policies at its meeting  Friday that outlines how the department  will operate and the control center will function.

Board members updated policies earlier in the day, which dealt with use of outside sources and agencies, communication between staff and youth, disseminating information to the public, and how youth can file medical grievances.

“It is part of the annual review, but we are also looking to make sure that everything is up to date with what we are currently doing,” said Steven P. Lafreniere, executive director of DYS.

The Youth Services Policy Review Committee voted to recommend the update prior to the full board approving the updates en masse.

Some of the details relate to the responsibilities of staff and specific procedures for various circumstances.

The policy related to interacting with outside sources and agencies, for example, requiring the legal department to review contracts and agreements that personnel hired by the agency as part of the contract are informed in writing about its policies and confidentiality requirements.

The updated policy requires staff to communicate with youth in the custody of the department at least once per month. It also states that youth are assigned to a member of the staff, that staff must be available to speak with youth in their custody and that youth always have access to staff.

As for the policy about giving information to members of the media, the public information officer for the department will authorize people to speak with the media. The person may consult with the agency’s legal division when the public requests information.

The department also updated its policy regarding youth filing medical grievances.

“Every grievance should be forwarded promptly without alteration, interference or delay to the party responsible for receipt and investigation,” the policy states. “A written report as to the final disposition of each grievance should be prepared and filed by the party responsible for receipt and investigation.”