The ban against reading a minor's mail does not preclude staff from opening and inspecting mail to search for contraband, cash, checks or money orders. Where there is a confidentiality privilege, as with members of the State Bar, judges, holders of public office or the Board of Corrections, the opening of mail must take place in the minor's presence. This requirement is set by case law and not subject to interpretation. Local jurisdictions need to define the form in which legal mail is to be received so that it will be recognized upon receipt. When there is no indication that a letter is legal mail, errors could occur by opening the letter.
Correspondence can be a big issue to minors.
It is easier to inform them and the public about the facility's policies than to have confrontations or lawsuits arise because of misunderstandings or lack of information. The telephone is an effective tool for reducing tension and anxiety in a detention facility. An adequate number of phones and a general use of open phone policy allow minors to maintain contact with family and the community, thereby reducing many incarceration and reentry problems. This requirement is in addition to Welfare and Institution Code Section 627 which requires minors be allowed two free telephone calls within one hour of being placed in custody. A system should be established to assure access to phones while providing for the security of the facility.