Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Corrections
Chapter DOC 347 - SECURED RESIDENTIAL CARE CENTERS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Subchapter II - Facility and Physical Environment
Section DOC 347.10 - Physical environment

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง DOC 347.10

Current through August 26, 2024

(1) TRAUMA-INFORMED. Trauma-informed principles shall be considered in the physical environment of the facility.

(2) FURNITURE AND FIXTURES. Furniture and fixtures used in a facility shall be of detention strength materials or be of secure type to ensure safety for staff and youth.

(3) YOUTH HOUSING.

(a) Sleeping rooms.
1. Except if par. (b) applies, each room shall be designed and used only for single occupancy.

2. Except if par. (b) applies, each room shall have a floor area of at least 35 square feet of unencumbered space. The distance between the floor and ceiling may not be less than 8 feet, and the distance between opposite walls may not be less than 6 feet.

3. Each room shall have a bed.

(b) Double sleeping rooms.
1. A facility may use rooms for double occupancy.

2. Youth assigned to a double room shall meet the criteria under s. DOC 347.13(1) (b).

3. Each double occupancy room shall have all of the following:
a. Floor area of at least 50 square feet of unencumbered space. The distance between the floor and ceiling may not be less than 8 feet, and the distance between opposite walls may not be less than 6 feet.

b. A bed for each youth.

(c) Dayrooms.
1. All sleeping rooms and dormitories shall be provided with one or more dayrooms in their immediate vicinity that are accessible to youth.

2. Dayrooms shall provide a minimum of 35 square feet per youth.

3. Each dayroom shall have tables and seating for the number of youth that have access to the dayroom.

(d) Dormitories.
1. Youth assigned to a dormitory shall meet the criteria under s. DOC 347.13(1) (b).

2. Each dormitory shall have a minimum floor area of 35 square feet of unencumbered space per youth for sleeping purposes.

3. In addition, each dormitory shall have a minimum floor area of 35 square feet per youth for the purpose of a dayroom.

4. Each dormitory shall have a floor to ceiling height of not less than 12 feet.

5. Each dayroom shall have tables and seating for the number of youth.

6. A bed shall be provided for each youth.

7. An area for personal property shall be provided for each youth.

8. Each dormitory shall provide showers, toilets, and washbasins for youth. Each dormitory shall have hot and cold running water.

(e) Toilets, washbasins, and showers.
1. The facility shall provide toilets, washbasins, and showers accessible for youth that meet all of the following conditions:
a. The washbasin and toilet may be combined in one unit.

b. The washbasin and shower shall have hot and cold running water.

c. The washbasin area shall include a mirror that is not removable.

2. The number of showers and toilets provided shall be in compliance with the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code under chs. SPS 361 to 366.

3. Toilets and showers shall provide for individual privacy.

(f) Lighting. Light fixtures shall provide at least 10 foot-candles of illumination, 30 inches above the floor. The facility shall have the ability to reduce lighting to allow for comfortable sleeping while remaining adequate for wellness checks.

(4) RECEIVING ROOMS.

(a) All receiving rooms shall be designed and used for single occupancy.

(b) Each receiving room shall have a floor area of at least 35 square feet of unencumbered space. The distance between the floor and ceiling may not be less than 8 feet, and the distance between opposite walls may not be less than 6 feet.

(c) Each receiving room shall have all of the following:
1. A bed.

2. A toilet and washbasin with hot and cold running water.

3. Light fixtures that provide at least 10 foot-candles of illumination, 30 inches above the floor. The facility shall have the ability to reduce lighting to allow for comfortable sleeping while remaining adequate for wellness checks.

(5) HOLDING ROOMS.

(a) A holding room shall have a minimum floor area of at least 50 square feet with an additional 10 square feet for each occupant above 5.

(b) Each holding room shall have all of the following:
1. Seats or benches.

2. A toilet and washbasin with hot and cold running water.

3. Light fixtures that provide at least 10 foot-candles of illumination, 30 inches above the floor.

(6) MULTIPURPOSE ROOMS.

(a) Each facility shall provide dedicated space for programming and services.

(b) Multipurpose rooms shall be of sufficient size to accommodate a variety of programming and services and shall have a minimum combined floor area of 300 square feet.

(7) CLASSROOM SPACE.

(a) Each facility shall provide dedicated classroom space to meet the educational needs of the youth population.

(b) Classroom space shall be designed in conformity with any state and local educational requirements.

(8) QUIET SPACE.

(a) Each facility shall provide a dedicated quiet space that promotes a positive behavior adjustment opportunity for a youth.

(b) The quiet space shall not be locked or used for discipline.

(9) INDOOR RECREATION SPACE.

(a) Each facility shall provide a dedicated space for indoor exercise and recreation.

(b) The indoor recreation space shall be of sufficient size to accommodate a variety of individual and group aerobic and large-muscle exercise activities and physical education.

(10) OUTDOOR RECREATION SPACE.

(a) Each facility shall provide a dedicated space for outdoor exercise and recreation.

(b) The outdoor recreation space shall be of sufficient size to accommodate a variety of individual and group aerobic and large-muscle exercise activities and physical education.

(c) The outdoor recreation space must ensure the privacy of the youth and the perimeter shall be secured.

(11) HEALTHCARE SPACE.

(a) Each facility shall provide dedicated space for healthcare.

(b) There shall be sufficient space, equipment, and supplies for the performance of health care services in a confidential manner.

(12) FOOD SERVICE SPACE. A facility that prepares meals on-site shall have dedicated food service space.

(13) RECEIVING SPACE.

(a) Each facility shall provide dedicated space for youth privacy during searches, showering, and processing.

(b) There shall be sufficient space for storage of clothing and property.

(14) VISITATION SPACE. Each facility shall provide dedicated contact visitation space.

(15) EXTERIOR WINDOWS. All of the following apply to windows that lead to the exterior of the facility or to an area outside the secure perimeter of the facility:

(a) Each window shall have security glass of sufficient strength to resist breakage and maintain safety and security to prevent youth from harming themselves and others and to prevent escape.

(b) Each window shall be mounted in a detention strength frame and designed to prevent escape and the passage of contraband.

(c) Each window shall prevent persons outside the secure perimeter from entering the facility or observing youth.

(16) EXTERIOR DOORS AND APPROACHES.

(a) Every door exit that leads to the exterior of the facility or to an area outside the secure perimeter shall have detention strength framing and a threshold designed to prevent the introduction of contraband.

(b) Every door entering into the secure perimeter shall be of detention strength. Each of these doors shall have a vision panel or other means of observation to permit identification of individuals before they enter an area within the secure perimeter of the facility and to allow observation of an area before entering it.

(c) Each entry into and from the secure perimeter shall include a sally port system.

(d) The exterior of the facility and approaches to the facility shall be well lighted at night to permit observation of persons approaching the building.

(17) WALLS.

(a) Exterior walls shall be constructed of reinforced concrete or fully grouted concrete block at least 8 inches thick, or the walls shall be constructed of materials of similar strength that provide equivalent security.

(b) Interior walls shall be constructed of reinforced concrete or fully grouted concrete block at least 6 inches thick, or the walls shall be constructed of materials of similar strength that provide equivalent security.

(c) Interior walls between youth housing areas are to be constructed tight to the structure.

(18) CEILINGS. Ceilings in areas accessible to youth shall be constructed of high impact detention strength materials that are escape resistant, resist damage or breakage to prevent youth from harming themselves and others, and prevent passage of contraband.

(19) ACCESS TO CONTROLS. Youth shall not have unauthorized access to plumbing, wiring, vents, thermostats, or facility controls. Any youth accessible outlets shall be under facility control.

(20) NATURAL LIGHT.

(a) Youth shall have access to natural light and exterior views.

(b) All youth housing areas shall provide youth with access to natural light.

(c) Artificial light may not be used as an alternative to the natural light requirements pursuant to the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code, chs. SPS 361 to 366.

(21) INTERCOM. Two-way audio communication capability shall be provided between any remotely controlled security gate or door and its control point.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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