Temporary hold over units

§ 503-a. Temporary hold over units. 1. The division may establish secure temporary hold over units at its facilities for the accommodation of youth placed with the division pursuant to article three of the family court act, who are being transported to a division facility or program, a court appearance or a home visit, where travel arrangements or the distance to be travelled requires such a holdover. No youth shall be held in these units in excess of twenty-four hours unless emergency conditions, including illness of the youth or severe weather, prevent travel.

2. Temporary hold over units may be established on a regional basis. Contact between youth who are housed in a hold over unit and residents of the facility shall be minimal. Youth staying in a temporary hold over unit shall be under supervision at all times. At least one staff on duty shall be of the same gender as the youth.

3. The temporary hold over units shall contain individual sleeping rooms, dining facilities and an area for recreation.

4. Juvenile offenders committed to the custody of the division shall not be housed in temporary hold over units at any time. Notwithstanding any other law, the division shall have the authority to house any adjudicated youth placed with the division pursuant to article three of the family court act, in a secure temporary hold over unit, subject to the provisions of this section.