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"Thank You Ladies"
VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday, April 6, 2007
Warden's Conference Room
Logo Created By VSPW Graphic Arts Program
"Thank You Ladies"
VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday, April 6, 2007
Warden's Conference Room
MEMBERS / ALTERNATES PRESENT
Victoria Doran, Chairperson
Vic Abrunzo, Deputy Chairperson
John Videen, Secretary
James Erb
Gilbert Olmos
Elizabeth Muniz
Tammy Rust
MEMBERS / ALTERNATES ABSENT
Louisa C.
Regina Thompson
STAFF PRESENT
K. Eichenberger, Cheif Deupty Warden
D. Harmon, Associate Warden
T. Scott, Facility Captain
Z. Patrick, Principal
J. Anderson, Facility Captain
B. McCraw, Lt.
G. Frede
D. Rock, Canteen Manager
A. Garza
M. Anderson
Dr. D. Martin
The meeting was called to order by Ms. Doran at 13:05.
Announcements by Mr. Eichenberger included the promotion of Officer Scott to Captain hence leaving open the position for the Administrative Assistant.
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Items Discussed:
1. Mail - Backlog Report: The mailroom status was updated by Lt. McCraw. He reported that the backlog has been surmounted and processing is within two days. Improvement was attributed to reorganization of the system with more staff time devoted to mail processing by the seven staff members. The IFC moved to send Lt. McCraw a letter of appreciation for his effort which was seconded and approved.
2. Visiting Money: The amount of Visiting money was addressed specifically relating to the need for visitors to bring in more to purchase enough food for a visit. As the cost of food is determined by the vendor and the amount of money to be brought in is determined by Sacramento, the institution was unable to satisfy this issue. Lt. McCraw recalled a recent survey that had beed recommended an increase to $40 from $30 for each adult visitor but this has yet to be approved. Ms. Doran suggested that VSPW provide contacts to her for so that the committee could help expedite the approval process through a letter campaign.
3. Broken Phones & Phone Maintenance: Phone maintenance issues were raised: many complaints from inmates have been received regarding malfunctioning phones, impairing inmate-family contact. It was explained that there are four phones per unit and that software issues are handled by MCI. Malfunctions are generally addressed within 48 hours, once a malfunction has been detected. Hardware is repaired or replaced by the State. In other words, CDCR and their contractors are responsible for fixing the phones on-site, while the phone contract holder is only responsible for the electronics and switching, off-site.
Inmates sign up for 15-minute phone slots, depending on their eligibility. Unlock of the rooms on the wings (within each Unit) occurs five minutes before the hour, every hour, allowing ample time for inmates to reach the phones.
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4. CDs in the Library: An inquiry was made regarding the development of a CD library supply for books and music. Principal Anderson agreed to pursue the approval of the concept through administration. The inmate would necessarily need to have a device to play the CD and there would be censoring of certain sexual and violent content. He felt that used CDs would be acceptable for donation.
5. Medical Release of Information Form: The final version of the "Medical Release of Information Form (CDCR #7385) was distributed and reviewed. A sample is on the www.VSPW-IFC.com website. Families wishing to converse with VSPW Medical Staff regarding an inmate's condition would need to be authorized via this form. The form is available during any medical visit from a clerk or nurse, and can also be specifically requested through an "Inmate Request for Interview" to Medical Records. No copay is needed when the "Inmate Request for Interview" is used. The Authorization for Release of Information expires in one year and there is no system in place for an automatic annual update release of information. Families wishing to discuss the medical status of their inmate with medical staff at VSPW must be listed on the release of information. Copies of medical records are to be obtained by the inmate at her copying expense. Inmates leaving prison can take copies of medical records or access them by physician.
6. Cancer Care: A review of how an inmate receives care for cancer was requested. Dr. Martin stated it was similiar to any specialty referral. An inmate's assigned Primary Doctor would make a referral to an outside specialist who would provide further orders regarding ongoing care, tests and appointments. Some patients may stay in the Outpatient Housing Unit after a procedure or chemotherapy until deemed stable to return to their own unit. A Cancer specialist is available on-site routinely for outpatient evaluations. It was also noted that some cancer patients chose to refuse therapy for various reasons and it was encouraged that the IFC urge inmates to seek prompt therapy for Cancer diagnoses.
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7. Outside Medical Specialists: Family members are not to seek contact with outside specialists and should instead refer questions to the VSPW Medical or Nursing Staff.
8. Catching Up With Medical Services (inside & outside)/ BACKLOG: 8. Medical Services: Dr. Martin stated the hold up for additional medical services was lack of space. A plan to develop more clinic space and obtain dedicated vehicles for transport of inmates to and from outside appointments is underway.
9. Dental Services Delayed: Dental Service expansion remains stalled at present. There are architectual plans for more exam rooms and facilities, but no scheduled groundbreaking.
10. Work Clothing: Questions were raised regarding inmate work clothing. Inmates are allowed to wear gloves or scarves on the yard, but may not be allowed to wear these to work -- they must ONLY wear the State issued clothing. If the job requires specific protection, then special clothing will be provided. Specifically, yard crews would be provided hats and gloves, and would be expected to wear long sleeved shirts. Those working in and out of freezers in the kichen would be issued jackets, etc. Those items remain at their specific work stations.
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11. Property Confistication: Questions of property confiscation by officers was discussed. Items that are issued through R&R that are properly listed on the inmates' property record are authorized and should not be subject to confiscation (as mentioned at our last meeting, when theft out of R&R was discussed). Confiscation of such items is not an institution-wide policy, and review is best handled immediately by the Sergeant or Lieutenant on staff or via the 602 process. A Property Confiscation Receipt is issued to the inmate for every item taken.
Exchange of personal items between inmates is not permitted. The no-exchange policy is partly in place to discourage theft of items by other inmates.
12. Vendor Catalog Foods: 13. TVs - Digital Upgrades: Upgrade of the television signal to digital in 2008 was brought up as a possible concern for inmates who do not have a digital ready television. A converter for analog to digital signal ia available but not yet on any vendor list. The scope of the problem is presently unknown, i.e. some TV's may already be adaptable. A review of vendor catelogs for televisions that are digital-ready by the IFC will be performed and administration will be advised of the findings at the June 1, 2007 meeting.
14. Hobby Crafts Purchased By Families: A request for Hobby Crafts to be purchased by a family member via the same requirements that are currently in place for Quarterly Packages and Special Purchases was made. The matter will be reviewed by Principal Anderson and reported back as to feasibility at the June 1, 2007 meeting.
15. Canteen Prices: Canteen prices were discussed and the canteen order list was submitted for review. The list price for each item sold at canteen is 60% above cost, and profits go to the Inmate Welfare Fund.
16. Stamps: An increase in stamp prices was noted and Mr. Rock indicated he intends to have enough 2 cent stamps available to supplement every 39 cent stamp in inventory and the inmates may purchase the 2 cent stamp through the canteen. Up to forty stamps may be sent via regular mail to inmates. It was requested that they be affixed to the letter with a staple and the inmates CDCR number labeled on the packet of stamps to identify the inmate, just in case the stamps were to fall out of the envelope.
The meeting was adjourned at 14:50.
Next Meeting: Friday June 01, 2007 @ 1:00 PM
Agenda Items due by May 15, 2007
Victoria Doran, Chairperson
Vic Abrunzo, Deputy Chairperson
John Videen, Secretary
James Erb
Gilbert Olmos
Elizabeth Muniz
Tammy Rust
MEMBERS / ALTERNATES ABSENT
Louisa C.
Regina Thompson
STAFF PRESENT
K. Eichenberger, Cheif Deupty Warden
D. Harmon, Associate Warden
T. Scott, Facility Captain
Z. Patrick, Principal
J. Anderson, Facility Captain
B. McCraw, Lt.
G. Frede
D. Rock, Canteen Manager
A. Garza
M. Anderson
Dr. D. Martin
The meeting was called to order by Ms. Doran at 13:05.
Announcements by Mr. Eichenberger included the promotion of Officer Scott to Captain hence leaving open the position for the Administrative Assistant.
Return to Top
Items Discussed:
1. Mail - Backlog Report: The mailroom status was updated by Lt. McCraw. He reported that the backlog has been surmounted and processing is within two days. Improvement was attributed to reorganization of the system with more staff time devoted to mail processing by the seven staff members. The IFC moved to send Lt. McCraw a letter of appreciation for his effort which was seconded and approved.
2. Visiting Money: The amount of Visiting money was addressed specifically relating to the need for visitors to bring in more to purchase enough food for a visit. As the cost of food is determined by the vendor and the amount of money to be brought in is determined by Sacramento, the institution was unable to satisfy this issue. Lt. McCraw recalled a recent survey that had beed recommended an increase to $40 from $30 for each adult visitor but this has yet to be approved. Ms. Doran suggested that VSPW provide contacts to her for so that the committee could help expedite the approval process through a letter campaign.
3. Broken Phones & Phone Maintenance: Phone maintenance issues were raised: many complaints from inmates have been received regarding malfunctioning phones, impairing inmate-family contact. It was explained that there are four phones per unit and that software issues are handled by MCI. Malfunctions are generally addressed within 48 hours, once a malfunction has been detected. Hardware is repaired or replaced by the State. In other words, CDCR and their contractors are responsible for fixing the phones on-site, while the phone contract holder is only responsible for the electronics and switching, off-site.
Inmates sign up for 15-minute phone slots, depending on their eligibility. Unlock of the rooms on the wings (within each Unit) occurs five minutes before the hour, every hour, allowing ample time for inmates to reach the phones.
Return to Top
4. CDs in the Library: An inquiry was made regarding the development of a CD library supply for books and music. Principal Anderson agreed to pursue the approval of the concept through administration. The inmate would necessarily need to have a device to play the CD and there would be censoring of certain sexual and violent content. He felt that used CDs would be acceptable for donation.
5. Medical Release of Information Form: The final version of the "Medical Release of Information Form (CDCR #7385) was distributed and reviewed. A sample is on the www.VSPW-IFC.com website. Families wishing to converse with VSPW Medical Staff regarding an inmate's condition would need to be authorized via this form. The form is available during any medical visit from a clerk or nurse, and can also be specifically requested through an "Inmate Request for Interview" to Medical Records. No copay is needed when the "Inmate Request for Interview" is used. The Authorization for Release of Information expires in one year and there is no system in place for an automatic annual update release of information. Families wishing to discuss the medical status of their inmate with medical staff at VSPW must be listed on the release of information. Copies of medical records are to be obtained by the inmate at her copying expense. Inmates leaving prison can take copies of medical records or access them by physician.
6. Cancer Care: A review of how an inmate receives care for cancer was requested. Dr. Martin stated it was similiar to any specialty referral. An inmate's assigned Primary Doctor would make a referral to an outside specialist who would provide further orders regarding ongoing care, tests and appointments. Some patients may stay in the Outpatient Housing Unit after a procedure or chemotherapy until deemed stable to return to their own unit. A Cancer specialist is available on-site routinely for outpatient evaluations. It was also noted that some cancer patients chose to refuse therapy for various reasons and it was encouraged that the IFC urge inmates to seek prompt therapy for Cancer diagnoses.
Return to Top
7. Outside Medical Specialists: Family members are not to seek contact with outside specialists and should instead refer questions to the VSPW Medical or Nursing Staff.
8. Catching Up With Medical Services (inside & outside)/ BACKLOG: 8. Medical Services: Dr. Martin stated the hold up for additional medical services was lack of space. A plan to develop more clinic space and obtain dedicated vehicles for transport of inmates to and from outside appointments is underway.
9. Dental Services Delayed: Dental Service expansion remains stalled at present. There are architectual plans for more exam rooms and facilities, but no scheduled groundbreaking.
10. Work Clothing: Questions were raised regarding inmate work clothing. Inmates are allowed to wear gloves or scarves on the yard, but may not be allowed to wear these to work -- they must ONLY wear the State issued clothing. If the job requires specific protection, then special clothing will be provided. Specifically, yard crews would be provided hats and gloves, and would be expected to wear long sleeved shirts. Those working in and out of freezers in the kichen would be issued jackets, etc. Those items remain at their specific work stations.
Return to Top
11. Property Confistication: Questions of property confiscation by officers was discussed. Items that are issued through R&R that are properly listed on the inmates' property record are authorized and should not be subject to confiscation (as mentioned at our last meeting, when theft out of R&R was discussed). Confiscation of such items is not an institution-wide policy, and review is best handled immediately by the Sergeant or Lieutenant on staff or via the 602 process. A Property Confiscation Receipt is issued to the inmate for every item taken.
Exchange of personal items between inmates is not permitted. The no-exchange policy is partly in place to discourage theft of items by other inmates.
12. Vendor Catalog Foods: 13. TVs - Digital Upgrades: Upgrade of the television signal to digital in 2008 was brought up as a possible concern for inmates who do not have a digital ready television. A converter for analog to digital signal ia available but not yet on any vendor list. The scope of the problem is presently unknown, i.e. some TV's may already be adaptable. A review of vendor catelogs for televisions that are digital-ready by the IFC will be performed and administration will be advised of the findings at the June 1, 2007 meeting.
14. Hobby Crafts Purchased By Families: A request for Hobby Crafts to be purchased by a family member via the same requirements that are currently in place for Quarterly Packages and Special Purchases was made. The matter will be reviewed by Principal Anderson and reported back as to feasibility at the June 1, 2007 meeting.
15. Canteen Prices: Canteen prices were discussed and the canteen order list was submitted for review. The list price for each item sold at canteen is 60% above cost, and profits go to the Inmate Welfare Fund.
16. Stamps: An increase in stamp prices was noted and Mr. Rock indicated he intends to have enough 2 cent stamps available to supplement every 39 cent stamp in inventory and the inmates may purchase the 2 cent stamp through the canteen. Up to forty stamps may be sent via regular mail to inmates. It was requested that they be affixed to the letter with a staple and the inmates CDCR number labeled on the packet of stamps to identify the inmate, just in case the stamps were to fall out of the envelope.
The meeting was adjourned at 14:50.
Next Meeting: Friday June 01, 2007 @ 1:00 PM
Agenda Items due by May 15, 2007
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