Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann must adhere to strict rules involving dress code and time restrictions when visiting their son KJ Biermann at Atlanta’s Metro Regional Youth Detention Center — where he is awaiting a court hearing on sodomy and sexual battery charges.
According to the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, youth detainees are guaranteed at least two visits per week, with each session lasting a minimum of one hour. One of those visits must take place on a Saturday or Sunday, according to the state’s visitation policy.
Visitations are allowed “reasonable visitation” with “biological and adoptive parents, legal guardians, foster parents, children of the detained youth, kinship caregivers, grandparents, godparents, mentors, teachers, clergy” and other who “support the youth.”
Inmates are allowed up to five visitors at a time. Video visitation is an option if the family is unable to make it to the facility in person.
The state’s policy includes specific provisions for youth facing charges of sexually harmful behavior — a critical detail following KJ’s Aug. 17 arrest for aggravated sodomy and aggravated sexual battery.
The policy states that a Juvenile Detention Counselor must ensure that an alleged victim is not included on the approved visitation list unless a court order allows it or the DJJ’s victim advocate grants special approval.
Visitations are at risk of being “temporarily limited” due to “overriding security considerations,” as well as canceled for “disturbances or emergency situations.”
Once approved, visitors still have to clear security before they can see the teen. Everyone entering the facility must pass through a metal detector and may be subjected to additional searches, including a pat-down or a hand-held detector check.
Zolciak even has to adhere to a dress code when visiting her son, as loved ones are entirely banned from wearing thin straps, tube, tank or halter tops, sheer or transparent fabrics, bare midriffs, and any shorts, skirts or ripped pants that sit above the knee.
Personal belongings are searched before visitors enter the visitation area. Strollers, baby carriers, baby slings or diaper bags are prohibited, while outside food and drinks are also banned unless approved by the facility director.
Families are allowed to bring up to $20 in quarters to use in the vending machines in a clear plastic bag. Whatever snacks they buy must be consumed before the visit ends.
KJ will also face security protocols, as the policy requires youth to be frisk-searched before entering the visitation area and strip-searched at the conclusion of each visit.
Page Six exclusively reported on KJ’s day-to-day inside the facility.
Glenn Allen, director of communications for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, told Page Six in a statement, “Youth at our detention centers follow a daily schedule that provides structure, accountability, education and chances for positive growth.
“While schedules may vary by facility, programming needs, and security, each day is arranged to maintain a safe, structured environment that supports education and rehabilitation.”
Allen described that a “typical day” for youth detainees starts with morning hygiene, cleaning rooms and eating breakfast, and an educational lesson — all of which are mandatory.
Allen continued, “After lunch, they continue with classroom instruction in the afternoon. The rest of the day usually includes recreation, dinner and individual/group counseling sessions that focus on treatment, life skills, behavior or personal development [before ending] the evening with personal hygiene and preparing for bedtime.”
Inmates are also able to participate in worship services, mentoring, music and creative arts, life-skills sessions and group counseling.
KJ requested to be released earlier this week, citing good character, strong academics and football achievements.
A lawyer for KJ argued in court papers obtained by Page Six, “He is a high school student in good standing who has demonstrated strong academic achievement and regularly participates in extracurricular and community-based activities. He is an accomplished football player who has received scholarship offers based upon his athletic ability.”
He was officially indicted on 7 counts, including aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy, aggravated sexual battery, three counts of aggravated sexual battery against a child under 16 and false imprisonment on Thursday. The charges stem from KJ’s alleged acts against a victim under the age of 16 on April 23.
Zolciak released a statement to Page Six, denying the “reckless and deeply troubling” allegations against her son.
KJ is due in court on Sept. 8.
Read the full article here
