What are my Legal Rights if I am placed in Pathway?

What if I believe my rights have been violated?

What are my responsibilities in Pathway?

What are the rules about phone calls?

How about visitors?

Will I make Home Visits?

What do I have to wear?

Will I be searched?

Where will I go to school?

Juvenile's Legal Rights when ordered to stay at Pathway Residential facility:

• Juveniles shall not be subject to discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, creed or handicap.
• The provision of a safe and healthful environment includes:
  1. Twenty-four (24) hour supervision by trained, professional staff and/or volunteers,
  2. Clean and orderly surroundings,
  3. Toilet, bathing, and hand washing facilities,
  4.  Lighting, ventilation, and heating, and
  5.  Clean clothing, bedding and mattresses.
• Participation in educational and recreational activities
• Participation in religious services of the juvenile's choice on a voluntary basis, subject to the safety, security and control needs of the facility.
• The right to determine the length and style of their own hair, including facial hair, if desired, except where such restrictions are deemed necessary for health or safety reasons.
• Procedures for the possession and use of personal items.
• Juveniles shall not be subject to corporal or unusual punishment, mental abuse, or the punitive restriction of daily living needs.
• Procedures for the reporting of any allegation of youth abuse or neglect to the state youth abuse/neglect hot line for the independent investigation of any such complaints
• Written grievance procedures provided to the juvenile upon admission to the facility. (top)

Grievance

The Grievance procedure is a structured process in which residents have the opportunity to file a formal complaint anytime they feel their rights have been violated.  Grievances are reviewed the Pathway Program Manager.  The Program Manager meets with the resident filing the grievance and attempts to resolve the problem.  If the problem cannot be resolved, the grievance is reviewed through the chain of command until a resolution is reached. (top)

Responsibilities

The following rules are general. If you are admitted to Pathway, you will be informed of the specific behavior requirements.

1. You are responsible for not discriminating against other residents or staff and not using words or behaving in a way that is prejudiced or discriminating.
2. You are responsible for not threatening, hitting, cursing staff or residents. You are responsible for following the directions of all staff.
3. You are responsible for keeping your living area clean and neat.
4. You are responsible for informing staff of medical or dental care if you need it.
5. You are responsible for following the rules during visits.
6. You are responsible for keeping your clothes and hair clean.
7. You are responsible for telling staff if you think your rights have been violated.
8. You are responsible for following the procedure to file a grievance.  You should tell Detention Supervisors about anything you witness that is against the rules. (top)

Phone Calls

Residents may telephone their attorney at any time during business hours provided the resident’s behavior is under control at the time and it is not during a scheduled treatment group. Residents have a right to make a telephone call to parents or guardians upon admission.  Residents will also be able to telephone parents on Tuesdays or other days with permission from staff and provided their behavior is under control. (top)

Visitation

Visits are held on Sundays from 1:30   p.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Only those persons identified on the on the admission list will be able to visit.  No one under 21 years of age is allowed without special permission from the Manager.  If a resident arrives on Friday, he will be allowed a parental/guardian visit on Sunday. (top)

Home Visits

The residents earn home visits after completion of the initial phase of the program depending on their behavior and, again, considering the home situation and risk to other family and community members. (top)

Clothes

Residents wear their own clothes at Pathway. They are responsible for washing their own clothes on the weekend, or take them home to wash if they have weekend visits. (top)

Searches

Each resident will be assigned a lock and locker.  The combination number will be assigned to each youth.  Each youth is responsible for keeping his own combination number.  The number will be kept by the secretary and the manager.  Each locker is subject to random searches by staff. (top)

Educational Opportunities

Each resident will attend the Jackson School.  This school is operated by the Kansas City, Missouri School District.  They provide a Certified Learning Disabilities General Studies Teacher and a teacher’s assistance.  Those youth with an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) will receive those services.  Students utilized the NOVA Net Program. 

A study hour will be provided each day.  If you wish or need additional study time, provisions will be made.

Tutoring services are available through the Court Volunteer Services Department, De La Salle, or Project Illiteracy. (top)