What are Lewis Academy’s hours of operation? Lewis Academy operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with staff on duty at all times to provide supervision, structure, and support. Phone calls can be made Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
 

What is the daily schedule like for the youth? Youth follow a structured daily routine. Monday through Friday, they attend on-site school from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Evenings include treatment activities, chores, and supervised recreation. Weekends focus on recreation and the “Parent Project” program on Sundays.

 

How long is the program, and can it vary by individual? The program is typically 90–120 days. Length of stay can vary depending on the youth’s progress, behavior, and treatment needs. All youth must complete at least 90 days in the program.
 

What are the goals or levels of the program? The goal of the program is to help youth develop the skills and habits they need to become successful, responsible members of their communities. The program has three phases—Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3—each with specific requirements. Youth must meet expectations in their current phase before advancing to the next.
 

What happens during orientation or intake? During intake, youth are introduced to the program structure and rules. They receive a haircut, shower, and hygiene items. Staff complete an intake interview, and youth watch an educational PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) video as part of required orientation.
 

What are the rules and expectations for new youth? All youth are expected to follow program rules. Staff understand that new youth will not know all expectations on the first day, but they should make active efforts to listen, learn, and follow instructions as they adjust to the program.
 

How can my child make phone calls, and how often are they allowed? Youth may make phone calls to court-approved contacts only on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, as long as they have not lost that privilege due to behavior or rule violations.
 

Can youth call friends, or only family members? Youth may only call individuals who are on their court-approved contact list. Friends or unapproved individuals cannot be contacted.

 

Are phone calls monitored or supervised? Yes. All phone calls are monitored and recorded to ensure safety, compliance, and accountability.
 

Can youth send or receive letters or emails? Yes. Youth may send and receive letters unless their probation officer has placed restrictions. All mail must follow facility guidelines and will be inspected for safety.
 

How do I contact staff or a case manager if I have questions? You may contact staff by calling the number listed on the facility’s contact page and following the extensions to reach the Lewis Academy Program Manager or the appropriate personnel.
 

How do I schedule a visit with my child? To schedule a visit, families must call Lewis Academy in advance and set an appointment with staff.
 

Who is allowed to visit (parents, guardians, siblings, girlfriend/boyfriend, extended family)? Only court-approved family members may visit. Siblings 12 years old and younger may visit if they are also approved. Girlfriends/boyfriends and unapproved individuals are not allowed.
 

Are there age limits or approval processes for visitors? Yes. All visitors must be approved through the court before they can visit, and only siblings 12 and under may participate in visitation.
 

How often can we visit, and for how long? Visits can be held once a week and last for a one-hour session. All visits must be scheduled in advance and follow facility rules.

 

What are the visitation rules and dress code? Visitors must follow all facility rules while on campus. Appropriate, modest clothing is required. No revealing, see-through, low-cut, overly tight, or offensive clothing. No hats, bandanas, or sunglasses. Visitors may not bring personal belongings, bags, or cellphones into visitation. Physical contact must always remain appropriate, and staff may end a visit if rules are not followed.
 

Can visits take place off campus or only on-site? Visitations can only happen at Lewis Academy in the visitation room provided.
 

What happens if a visit needs to be canceled or rescheduled?  If a visit must be canceled due to illness, transportation issues, or emergencies, the family should call as soon as possible to inform staff. Visits may be rescheduled depending on availability, but same-week rescheduling is not guaranteed.
 

What personal items is my child allowed to have? Youth are allowed basic hygiene items, facility-issued clothing, and approved personal items such as letters, limited photos, and certain books. Items must be inspected and approved by staff before being given to the youth.
 

Can youth have money or receive allowances? No. Youth are not allowed to have money at any time while in the program. All financial transactions or needs are handled by staff. Youth cannot receive or hold money, and no cash should be brought or sent to the facility.
 

Can they have a cellphone, tablet, or other electronic devices? No. Youth are not permitted to have cellphones, tablets, gaming systems, or any other electronic devices while in the program. All personal electronics are considered contraband and must be kept at home.
 

Are youth allowed to keep a religious medallion, cross, or other personal faith items on them at all times? Youth may have certain religious items, but they must be small, safe, and approved by staff. Items are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure they do not pose safety concerns.
 

Can they bring photos, books, or stuffed animals from home?  Youth may have photos and certain softcover books that do not violate program restrictions. Stuffed animals are generally not allowed due to sanitation and safety concerns.
 

What items are not allowed? Weapons, sharp objects, electronics, money, jewelry (other than approved religious items), inappropriate reading materials, and anything considered a safety risk are not permitted. Staff make the final determination on restricted items.
 

How are personal belongings stored? All youth belongings are inventoried at intake and stored securely. Youth have access to approved items, while restricted items remain locked in storage until release.
 

What medical or mental health services are provided? Youth receive routine medical care, medication management, and access to mental health services, including counseling. Outside appointments may be arranged when necessary.
 

How are medications handled? All medications are kept secured and administered by trained staff according to medical orders. Youth do not handle or store their own medication.
 

What happens if my child gets sick or injured? If a youth becomes sick or injured, staff evaluate the situation and contact medical staff/professionals as needed. Parents/guardians and probation officers are notified when appropriate.
 

What is the staff-to-resident ratio? Lewis Academy maintains a staff-to-resident ratio that meets state standards and ensures proper supervision at all times. During awake hours, the ratio is 1 staff member for every 8 youth. During sleeping hours, the ratio is 1 staff member for every 16 youth, with continuous monitoring throughout the night.
 

How is safety and supervision maintained? Staff provide constant supervision, conduct regular checks, enforce rules consistently, and maintain structured routines. The facility is secure and designed to prevent safety risks.
 

What is the policy on bullying or conflicts between youth? Bullying, harassment, and violence are strictly prohibited. Conflicts are addressed immediately through intervention, counseling, and disciplinary actions depending on severity.
 

How is discipline handled? Discipline is based on a structured, merit-based system that focuses on teaching responsibility and positive decision-making. Youth earn privileges through good behavior, participation, and meeting expectations within their phase of the program.
 

What kind of schooling or educational program is offered? Youth attend an on-site school taught by certified teachers, and the program is fully licensed through the State of Alabama, ensuring all education provided is legitimate and meets state standards. Classes focus on core academic subjects, skill development, and keeping youth on track so they do not fall behind during their stay.
 

Are credits transferable to their school? Yes. Educational credits earned while in the program transfer back to the youth’s home school system.
 

What recreational activities are available? Youth have access to structured recreation such as outdoor sports, art activities, board games, and supervised free-time options.
 

Can youth participate in sports? Yes, youth may participate in supervised sports and physical activities provided they follow program rules and safety guidelines.
 

What are the sleeping arrangements like? Youth sleep in an open dorm style room where all beds are arranged in a shared space. This area is constantly supervised by staff to ensure safety, structure, and proper monitoring throughout the night. Each youth has their own assigned bed with facility-provided bedding and basic necessities.
 

How are meals handled, and can dietary needs be accommodated? Meals are provided on a regular schedule and meet nutritional standards. Dietary restrictions, allergies, or medical needs can be accommodated with documentation.
 

Can youth attend religious services or practice their faith? Yes. Youth may participate in approved religious services, groups, or personal faith practices as allowed by the facility schedule.
 

Are special cultural or religious holidays recognized? Yes, within reason. The program acknowledges major cultural and religious holidays, and youth may participate in safe, appropriate activities related to them.
 

Can families send religious reading materials or medallions? Yes, as long as the items are appropriate and approved by staff for safety.
 

How will I know when my child is ready to be released? Release is based on progress through the program phases, meeting treatment goals, behavior, and recommendations from staff and the probation officer.
 

What support or aftercare is provided once the program ends? Aftercare may include referrals to community services, counseling, probation follow-up, and other supports designed to help the youth successfully transition home.
 

Can I be involved in the treatment or planning process? Yes. Parents/guardians are encouraged to participate in treatment planning, meetings, and discussions about the youth’s goals and progress.
 

What happens if my child doesn’t want to stay or refuses to participate? Participation is mandatory for all youth placed in the program. If a youth refuses to engage, staff and counselors work with them to address underlying issues and help them get back on track. Continued refusal may affect privileges and program length or placement.