Yes own clothes, strings and shoe laces (some places) removed.

I usually stay 5 days. It's usually based on insurance in my cases. They want to milk it.

I just got out of a place where they check on you in the shower by yelling over the door. The bathroom door at this place was cut at the top so they can look in if they have to. But they didn't for me.

In all my (about 5) stays, phone was always taken away but there's a communal phone for everyone to use and people can call you.