OAR 291-145-0005: Authority, Purpose and Policy

(1) Authority: The authority for these rules is granted to the Director of the Department of Corrections in accordance with ORS 179.040, 423.020, 423.030 and 423.075. (2) Purpose: The purpose of these rules is to establish Department of Corrections (DOC) guidelines for authorizing adults in custody (AIC) access to and participation in AIC group activities within a DOC facility, and appropriate supervision and management practices to ensure fiscal accountability and safeguard DOC resources. (3) Policy: (a) It is the policy of the DOC to allow AIC access to and participation in AIC group activities within DOC facilities to further rehabilitative objectives. No person shall be denied the opportunity to have access to and participate in AIC group activities on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, physical or mental disability or any other protected class. (b) Inherent limitations of resources and the need for facility security, safety, health, and good order shall take priority when considering the facilitation of AIC group activities. (c) When authorized by the department, AIC access to and participation in AIC group activities is permitted neither as a matter of right nor as a privilege of the AIC; rather, AIC access to and participation in AIC group activities may be authorized when in the judgment of the department it furthers the AIC’s programming and rehabilitation, the department’s correctional goals and mission, and is consistent with the safe, secure, and orderly management and operation of DOC facilities. (d) Approval for AIC access to and participation in authorized group religious activities shall be in accordance with the department’s rules on Religious Activities (OAR 291-143).