Chapter DOC 346

DOC 346.11(3)(g) (g) A rigidly constructed shelf-type table and seat that are bracketed to the wall or bolted to the floor shall be provided in each cell.

DOC 346.11(3)(h) (h) Except if sub. (4) applies, 2 or more non-removable, collapsible, detention-strength clothing and towel hooks shall be provided in each cell.

DOC 346.11(3)(i) (i) All facilities shall have a system for emergency unlocking of individual or all cell doors from a single point outside the confinement area.

DOC 346.11(3)(j) (j) There shall be no exposed heating pipes, radiators, or controls in cells.

DOC 346.11(3)(k) (k) Light fixtures shall be detention strength and shall provide at least 30 foot-candles at 30 inches above the floor. Lights shall have a dimming capability or there shall be a nightlight to allow for comfortable sleeping. There shall be enough illumination for observation of juveniles during security checks.

DOC 346.11(4) (4) Double celling.

DOC 346.11(4)(a) (a) A secure detention facility may use cells for double occupancy. This section does not apply to a juvenile portion of a county jail.

DOC 346.11(4)(b) (b) If, based on all criteria under s. DOC 346.13, a secure detention facility determines that placement of a juvenile in a double cell may jeopardize the health or safety of the juvenile, other juveniles in the facility, staff or the community, the juvenile may not be placed in a double cell. If, based on all the criteria under s. DOC 346.13, a secure detention facility determines that placement of 2 particular juveniles in a double cell may jeopardize the health or safety of either juvenile, other juveniles in the facility, staff or the community, those juveniles may not be placed together in the double cell.

DOC 346.11(4)(c) (c) In addition to the requirements for single occupancy cells under subs. (2) and (3) and before a cell may be used for double occupancy, all of the following conditions shall be met:

DOC 346.11(4)(c)1. 1. ‘Minimum floor area.’

DOC 346.11(4)(c)1.a. a. In secure detention facilities that are constructed or substantially remodeled on or after October 1, 1994, a cell shall have a minimum floor area of 70 square feet. 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.

DOC 346.11(4)(c)1.b. b. In secure detention facilities that were constructed before October 1, 1994, and have not been substantially remodeled after October 1, 1994, a cell shall have a minimum floor area of 54 square feet. 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.

DOC 346.11(4)(c)2. 2. ‘Receiving cells.’ Receiving cells may not be used for double occupancy.

DOC 346.11(4)(c)3. 3. ‘Single occupancy cells.’ Each secure detention facility shall maintain a minimum of 2 cells which are designed and used for single occupancy only.

DOC 346.11(4)(c)4. 4. ‘Double occupancy cells.’ A secure detention facility may not exceed 75 percent double occupancy of the total number of cells, excluding receiving cells and holding rooms.

DOC 346.11(4)(c)5. 5. ‘Clothing hooks.’ Each cell shall contain a minimum of two nonremovable, collapsible, detention-strength clothing and towel hooks for each occupant.

DOC 346.11(5) (5) Dormitories.

DOC 346.11(5)(a) (a) A secure detention facility may use dormitories in addition to cells for the secure detention of juveniles. Each dormitory shall be designed for a minimum of 3 and maximum of 8 juveniles. If a secure detention facility contains one dormitory, it shall have a minimum of 2 cells designed and used for single occupancy. If more than one dormitory is built, the number of dormitory beds may not exceed 50 percent of the rated bed capacity of the secure detention facility.

DOC 346.11(5)(b) (b) If, based on all the criteria under s. DOC 346.13, a secure detention facility determines that placement of a juvenile in a dormitory may jeopardize the health or safety of the juvenile, other juveniles in the facility, staff or the community, the juvenile may not be placed in a dormitory.

DOC 346.11(5)(c) (c) Each dormitory shall have all of the following:

DOC 346.11(5)(c)1. 1. A minimum combined sleeping area and adjacent day room space of 70 square feet per juvenile based on rated bed capacity of the dormitory, excluding toilets, showers, and lavatories.

DOC 346.11(5)(c)2. 2. A minimum floor to ceiling height of 8 feet.

DOC 346.11(5)(c)3. 3. Non-locking doors on sleeping rooms, if separate sleeping rooms are provided.

DOC 346.11(5)(c)4. 4. Unrestricted, physical access to the day room, lavatories, and toilets.

DOC 346.11(5)(c)5. 5. A rigidly constructed metal bed with the frame bracketed to the wall or bolted to the floor for each juvenile based on the rated bed capacity of the dormitory.

DOC 346.11(5)(c)6. 6. Detention-strength wash basins and toilets.

DOC 346.11(5)(c)7. 7. Unbreakable, detention-strength mirrors sufficient for the number of juveniles confined.

DOC 346.11(5)(c)8. 8. Detention-strength tables and seating in the day room based on the rated bed capacity of the dormitory.

DOC 346.11(5)(c)9. 9. Two nonremovable, collapsible, detention-strength clothing and towel hooks for each juvenile confined based on the rated bed capacity of the dormitory.

DOC 346.11(5)(c)10. 10. Light fixtures shall be detention strength and shall provide at least 30 foot-candles at 30 inches above the floor. Lights shall have a dimming capability or there shall be a nightlight to allow for comfortable sleeping. There shall be enough illumination for observation of juveniles during security checks.

DOC 346.11(6) (6) Day room. Each day room shall have a minimum floor area of 35 square feet for each juvenile based on the rated bed capacity of the adjacent group of cells. In addition, each day room shall have a minimum of 70 square feet of unobstructed floor area.

DOC 346.11(6)(a) (a) There shall be no exposed heating pipes, radiators, or controls.

DOC 346.11(6)(b) (b) Light fixtures shall be detention strength and shall provide at least 30 foot-candles at 30 inches above the floor.

DOC 346.11(6)(c) (c) There shall be adequate furnishings and equipment for leisure time activities as required under this chapter.

DOC 346.11(6)(d) (d) The day room shall have detention-strength tables and seating based on the rated bed capacity of the adjacent cells.

DOC 346.11(7) (7) Showers. There shall be at least one shower for every 8 persons and an adequate supply of hot and cold water so that all juveniles may shower every day.

DOC 346.11(8) (8) Multi-purpose space. Facilities shall contain multi-purpose space that shall have a minimum of 300 square feet of floor area or provide 35 square feet of floor area for the maximum number of juveniles expected to use the space at one time, whichever is greater.

DOC 346.11(9) (9) Exterior windows.

DOC 346.11(9)(a) (a) This subsection applies to all windows that lead to the exterior of the facility or to an area outside the secure perimeter of the facility.

DOC 346.11(9)(b) (b) All exterior windows shall be translucent or shall be located to prevent persons outside the secure perimeter of the facility from observing juveniles within the facility.

DOC 346.11(9)(c) (c) Each exterior window that has an opening in any direction in excess of 5 ½ inches shall be covered with security steel grills to prevent escape.

DOC 346.11(9)(d) (d) If an exterior window is accessible to juveniles and opens, the window shall be mounted in a detention-strength frame and shall be covered on the inside with a 1,600 pound per lineal inch tensile strength security screen of .047 mil. wire diameter to prevent the passage of contraband.

DOC 346.11(9)(e) (e) If an exterior window is not accessible to juveniles and opens, the window’s security screen need not meet the requirements of par. (d), but the screen shall have a tensile strength of at least 800 pounds per lineal inch and shall be made of wire of at least .028 mil. diameter.

DOC 346.11(9)(f) (f) If an exterior window does not open, whether or not it is accessible to juveniles, the security screen required under par. (d) or (e) may be omitted if the window is mounted in a detention-strength frame and the pane is security glass of sufficient strength to resist breakage and prevent the passage of contraband.

DOC 346.11(10) (10) Receiving cells.

DOC 346.11(10)(a) (a) All receiving cells shall be designed and used for single occupancy.

DOC 346.11(10)(b) (b) Each receiving cell shall have a minimum floor area of 54 square feet. 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.

DOC 346.11(10)(c) (c) Each receiving cell shall have all of the following:

DOC 346.11(10)(c)1. 1. A rigidly constructed metal bed with the frame bracketed to the wall or bolted to the floor or a bed built in masonry construction of similar strength.

DOC 346.11(10)(c)2. 2. A detention-strength, metal, institution-type wash basin and toilet. The wash basin and toilet may be combined in one unit. The wash basin shall have hot and cold running water.

DOC 346.11(10)(c)3. 3. Light fixtures that are detention strength and provide at least 30 foot-candles at 30 inches above the floor. Lights shall have a dimming capability or there shall be a nightlight to allow for comfortable sleeping. There shall be enough illumination for observation of juveniles during security checks.

DOC 346.11(11) (11) Holding rooms.

DOC 346.11(11)(a) (a) Holding rooms shall only be used for admission, release, investigative purposes, and court appearances. Holding rooms shall be located in an area that allows continuous staff observation or electronic video surveillance of juveniles.

DOC 346.11(11)(b) (b) Holding rooms may be designed and used for multiple occupancy for juveniles of the same classification.

DOC 346.11(11)(c) (c) Each holding room shall have all of the following:

DOC 346.11(11)(c)1. 1. Detention-strength, rigidly constructed seats or benches bracketed to the wall or bolted to the floor or seats or benches of masonry construction of similar strength.

DOC 346.11(11)(c)2. 2. A detention-strength, metal, institution-type wash basin and toilet.

DOC 346.11(11)(c)3. 3. A minimum floor area of 50 square feet with an additional 10 square feet for each occupant above 5.

DOC 346.11(11)(c)4. 4. Light fixtures shall be detention strength and shall provide at least 30 foot-candles at 30 inches above the floor.

DOC 346.11(12) (12) Existing facilities. Existing juvenile portions of a county jail shall continue to meet the physical requirements for adult jails established in ch. DOC 350.

DOC 346.11 History History: CR 24-065: cr. Register July 2025 No. 835, eff. 8-1-25.

subch. III of ch. DOC 346 Subchapter III — Admission and Release

DOC 346.12 DOC 346.12 Admission and screening.

DOC 346.12(1) (1) No youth may be admitted unless the facility is approved by the department.

DOC 346.12(2) (2) An approved facility shall receive youth 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

DOC 346.12(3) (3) A youth who appears to be seriously ill or injured, who exhibits significant mental or emotional distress, or who appears intoxicated or incapacitated due to controlled substance or alcohol use may not be confined in the facility unless a qualified health care professional or qualified mental health professional has treated and approved the youth for admission.

DOC 346.12(4) (4) The facility’s admission procedure shall include a process for determining if a youth is limited-English proficient.

DOC 346.12(5) (5) The facility shall have appropriate and reliable interpretation services available for limited-English proficient youth and youth who are deaf or hard of hearing.

DOC 346.12(6) (6) Upon admission, the facility shall complete a health screening under s. DOC 346.19.

DOC 346.12(7) (7) Upon admission, youth shall receive both a written and verbal or video orientation to facility rules and procedures, including the grievance procedure. Staff shall document the youth’s receipt of these materials.

DOC 346.12(8) (8) Following admission, each youth shall be provided the opportunity to shower as soon as practicable.

DOC 346.12 History History: CR 24-065: cr. Register July 2025 No. 835, eff. 8-1-25.

DOC 346.13 DOC 346.13 Classification.

DOC 346.13(1) (1) Objective classification system.

DOC 346.13(1)(a) (a) The facility shall establish and maintain an objective classification for youth for the protection and safety of youth, staff, and the community.

DOC 346.13(1)(b) (b) The classification system shall identify specific criteria for the exclusion of youth from being housed in a double occupancy room under s. DOC 346.09 (3) (b) or dormitory under s. DOC 346.09 (3) (c).

DOC 346.13(1)(c) (c) Staff completing the youth classification shall be trained on the use of the objective classification system in par. (a).

DOC 346.13(2) (2) Classification of youth. Following a youth’s admission and prior to room assignment, the facility shall do all of the following:

DOC 346.13(2)(a) (a) Complete the youth classification.

DOC 346.13(2)(b) (b) Document the classification decision.

DOC 346.13(3) (3) Reclassification of youth. Reclassification may occur when there has been a change in a youth’s behavioral management.

DOC 346.13(4) (4) Review. All classification and reclassification decisions shall be reviewed and documented by a supervisor or designee as soon as practicable.

DOC 346.13 History History: CR 24-065: cr. Register July 2025 No. 835, eff. 8-1-25.

DOC 346.14 DOC 346.14 Release. The facility shall have written policies and procedures relating to the release of youth.

DOC 346.14 History History: CR 24-065: cr. Register July 2025 No. 835, eff. 8-1-25.

subch. IV of ch. DOC 346 Subchapter IV — Staffing

DOC 346.15 DOC 346.15 Staffing. The facility shall develop, implement, and document a staffing plan that identifies and provides for sufficient staff at the facility to provide adequate and continuous supervision of youth that includes all of the following:

DOC 346.15(1) (1) There shall be no less than one officer supervising a maximum of 15 youth in the living area.

DOC 346.15(2) (2) There shall be no less than 2 officers on duty in the facility at any time when youth are present.