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"Thank You Ladies"
VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday, June 3, 2005
Warden's Conference Room
|
Employee Code of Conduct
Dayroom Couches Dental Fans Honor Dorm |
Job Assignments
Medical Room Assignments Toilet Paper |
Logo Created By VSPW Graphic Arts Program
"Thank You Ladies"
VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday, June 3, 2005
Warden's Conference Room
MEMBERS/ALTERNATES PRESENT
Marvin Coolbaugh, Chair
Dr. John Videen, Co-Chair
Nancy Rubinstein, Secretary
Elizabeth M.
Helen V.
Regina T.
Doug V.
Louisa C.
Mark H.
Alexandria B.
Sherrie G.
MEMBERS/ALTERNATES ABSENT
Tammy R. (excused)
VISITORS PRESENT
Frank A.
Irma C.
STAFF PRESENT
Gloria A. Henry, Warden
J. Cavazos, Administrative Assistant
Dr. D. Marten, Health Care Manager (A)
D. Harman, Captain
J. Pacini, OT (Recorder)
The meeting was called to order at 1:27 PM by Marvin Coolbaugh. Introductions were made around the room.
A. OLD BUSINESS
1. Inmate Appeals Coordinator Meeting Request: This request was denied.
2. New Visitor Information Booklet Handouts: The new Visitor Information booklet is the same as the old one. It just has a new cover on it. Anyone who has the Visitor Information with the older cover has a good copy.
3. Smoking Cessation: Several IFC meetings back, Dr. Follett discussed some of the potential stop-smoking classes and education programs the prison might institute before the smoking ban next month. Dr. Marten explained that Health Services made a decision after that time to handle smoking as a custodial/legal issue and that it would not be medicalized. Posters have been posted, and handouts on smoking cessation have been made available. Staff who violate the No Smoking policy will be written up.
4. MGM and Vendor Questions: MGM was not discontinued as of the June 3rd date, but any items invoiced after July 1 will not be allowed. MGM has been discontinued due to process violations. All current vendors for the prisons must now be state approved.
5. Free Book Program: Lt. Donaldson was not able to attend today's meeting. He has met with Christy Camp about her free book program, so we would like him to come talk to us about it at our next meeting.
B. NEW BUSINESS
1. Dental Service Problems
a. Current Chief Dental Officer: The Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Baker, was chosen several months ago to go to SATF, at State Level. In the interm, the acting chief dentist has been Dr. Perez. This has taken Dr. Perez off of the years, and has required him to spend more time on administrative work. This has created a problem on the yards, as there are less dental personnel that can provide services. Dr. Baker's position must 'clear' before VSPW can recruit a new Chief Dental Officer. Dr. Marten explained that the best VSPW dentist has been called to help revamp Statewide dental protocols, and this is causing serious proglems here at VSPW.
b. New Hire of Staff Dentists: VSPW recently recruited and hired a new staff dentist, have just learned that the employee won't be available until November. This will tie up hiring for another two months. In the meanwhile, VSPW is recruiting some 'retired annuitants' that might be willing to do part-time work. VSPW is hoping that this might be a partial temporary solution. VSPW has looked into the possibility of contract dentists, but, unfortunately, there are no facilities in the central valley that are willing to provide contract services.
c. Dental Crises/Dental Scheduling Problems: The shortage of dentists is causing a serious backlog for dental treatments. Currently, only crisis dental care is being provided. Of course, this is leading to even more of a crisis loading on the schedule. Dentists on the yard can't work without a dental assistant, and there are staffing problems at this level, also. This leads to a whole series of scheduling problems for patients.
Meanwhile, dental problems for inmates are a big concern. Dr. Marten explained that inmates tend to come in with more serious dental problems than the general population. They are influenced by previous illnesses, drugs, lack of previous health care, and other impacts. These influences mean that the inmate population tends to be about 10 years older, physiologically, than outside of the prison. This means that the inmate population is much older than their actual ages, in terms of dental needs.
d. Medical biohazards protections for Cleanup inmates: The Medical staff has started meeting monthly with WAC now. The question about medical biohazards for cleanup people was on their agenda in April and May, and has been answered. Central Supply is now providing latex gloves for inmates picking up trash in those areas. Heavier gloves are not yet being supplied, but this has been moved up for discussion in the future.
e. Hand Disinfectants in Exam Rooms: Antibacterial soap is available everywhere throughout the institution. VSPW is one of the cleanest prisons in the state. The current problems arise from demand and supply issues. Hoarding is a problem with some supplies.
f. Hoarding Toilet Paper: Staff asked us to remind inmates to stop hoarding. Hoarding reduces supplies, and the staff promises that adequate supplies will always be made available. Hoarding reduces supplies that are available, and strains the budget unnecessarily.
C. OTHER DISCUSSION
1. 2-year job limits: Helen V. asked why women need to be moved from jobs they are good at, and happy in, every two years. Warden Henry explained that Title 15 regulations require that inmates be rotated in their job assignments, for a number of reasons. It reduces the possibility of escapes, it is a Safety and Security issue, and it prevents over familiarity between inmates and custodial staff. However, the bottom line is that it is the law in Title 15, and the prison has to comply with these procedures. Pay rates can vary, depending on available openings. Sometimes pay can be less, but the alternative would be having no job at all.
2. Bed rotation and room changes: Inmates are not rotated through the facility, beds or rooms. The moves are based on medical needs, population needs, programming needs, etc. Ideally, the staff should explain why a move is made, but sometimes explanations are not offered. When there are problems within the rooms, there are procedures in place to handle these problems. There is a goal of maintaining a certain amount of diversity within the dorms, including a mix of ages and ethnic groups.
3. Question about Honor Dorms: Nancy Rubinstein has heard that there is going to be an Honor Dorm. She asked what this is going to be. Warden Henry said that there is a proposal on her desk regarding Honor Dorms, and that Captain Martinez will be expediting this issue. No other information is currently available regarding Honor Dorms.
4. Code of Conduct: Helen V. asked if there is a Code of Conduct posted for everyone to see. This would be from DOM 5058.4 Code of Conduct, which states that the director shall provide and implement a disciplinary matrix for staff. Currently, the Code of Conduct is posted in each staff office on campus. It is titled "Code of Conduct for Correctional Employees". Helen asked if it could be posted in the Visiting Room. This was acceptable to Warden Henry, who also provided the IFC with copies of the Code off Conduct at the end of the meeting. She also stated that this code is sent out with paychecks on an annual basis, and that there is constant ongoing training that upholds the tenants of the Code of Conduct. Ethics training is a part of this, and is ongoing at the facility.
5. Couches: What is happening with the dayroom couches? VSPW has had couches for some time, and the couches were maintained by the Vocational Upholstery program, which was lost (due to budget cuts) about a year ago. Since then, most of the couches have come into a state of disrepair and have been removed from the dayrooms. They will be replaced with non-cushioned benches. However, Warden Henry has decided to purchase benches with backs, unlike the backless benches used at the men's facilities. Meanwhile, the prison is recycling as many of the cushioned couches as possible, using a small team of inmates to break down and reassemble broken sofas.
6. Hair products and the new property matrix: Currently, Walkenhorst and other vendors provide a variety of hair products, including hair clips and scrunchies. Under the new property matrix, these things will not be allowed. IFC requests that VSPW request an exemption from the property matrix for these hair care items.
7. Air fans allowed: Under the new property matrix, fans will be allowed.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:54 PM
Minutes prepared by Nancy Rubinstein.
Marvin Coolbaugh, Chair
Dr. John Videen, Co-Chair
Nancy Rubinstein, Secretary
Elizabeth M.
Helen V.
Regina T.
Doug V.
Louisa C.
Mark H.
Alexandria B.
Sherrie G.
MEMBERS/ALTERNATES ABSENT
Tammy R. (excused)
VISITORS PRESENT
Frank A.
Irma C.
STAFF PRESENT
Gloria A. Henry, Warden
J. Cavazos, Administrative Assistant
Dr. D. Marten, Health Care Manager (A)
D. Harman, Captain
J. Pacini, OT (Recorder)
The meeting was called to order at 1:27 PM by Marvin Coolbaugh. Introductions were made around the room.
A. OLD BUSINESS
1. Inmate Appeals Coordinator Meeting Request: This request was denied.
2. New Visitor Information Booklet Handouts: The new Visitor Information booklet is the same as the old one. It just has a new cover on it. Anyone who has the Visitor Information with the older cover has a good copy.
3. Smoking Cessation: Several IFC meetings back, Dr. Follett discussed some of the potential stop-smoking classes and education programs the prison might institute before the smoking ban next month. Dr. Marten explained that Health Services made a decision after that time to handle smoking as a custodial/legal issue and that it would not be medicalized. Posters have been posted, and handouts on smoking cessation have been made available. Staff who violate the No Smoking policy will be written up.
4. MGM and Vendor Questions: MGM was not discontinued as of the June 3rd date, but any items invoiced after July 1 will not be allowed. MGM has been discontinued due to process violations. All current vendors for the prisons must now be state approved.
5. Free Book Program: Lt. Donaldson was not able to attend today's meeting. He has met with Christy Camp about her free book program, so we would like him to come talk to us about it at our next meeting.
B. NEW BUSINESS
1. Dental Service Problems
a. Current Chief Dental Officer: The Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Baker, was chosen several months ago to go to SATF, at State Level. In the interm, the acting chief dentist has been Dr. Perez. This has taken Dr. Perez off of the years, and has required him to spend more time on administrative work. This has created a problem on the yards, as there are less dental personnel that can provide services. Dr. Baker's position must 'clear' before VSPW can recruit a new Chief Dental Officer. Dr. Marten explained that the best VSPW dentist has been called to help revamp Statewide dental protocols, and this is causing serious proglems here at VSPW.
b. New Hire of Staff Dentists: VSPW recently recruited and hired a new staff dentist, have just learned that the employee won't be available until November. This will tie up hiring for another two months. In the meanwhile, VSPW is recruiting some 'retired annuitants' that might be willing to do part-time work. VSPW is hoping that this might be a partial temporary solution. VSPW has looked into the possibility of contract dentists, but, unfortunately, there are no facilities in the central valley that are willing to provide contract services.
c. Dental Crises/Dental Scheduling Problems: The shortage of dentists is causing a serious backlog for dental treatments. Currently, only crisis dental care is being provided. Of course, this is leading to even more of a crisis loading on the schedule. Dentists on the yard can't work without a dental assistant, and there are staffing problems at this level, also. This leads to a whole series of scheduling problems for patients.
Meanwhile, dental problems for inmates are a big concern. Dr. Marten explained that inmates tend to come in with more serious dental problems than the general population. They are influenced by previous illnesses, drugs, lack of previous health care, and other impacts. These influences mean that the inmate population tends to be about 10 years older, physiologically, than outside of the prison. This means that the inmate population is much older than their actual ages, in terms of dental needs.
d. Medical biohazards protections for Cleanup inmates: The Medical staff has started meeting monthly with WAC now. The question about medical biohazards for cleanup people was on their agenda in April and May, and has been answered. Central Supply is now providing latex gloves for inmates picking up trash in those areas. Heavier gloves are not yet being supplied, but this has been moved up for discussion in the future.
e. Hand Disinfectants in Exam Rooms: Antibacterial soap is available everywhere throughout the institution. VSPW is one of the cleanest prisons in the state. The current problems arise from demand and supply issues. Hoarding is a problem with some supplies.
f. Hoarding Toilet Paper: Staff asked us to remind inmates to stop hoarding. Hoarding reduces supplies, and the staff promises that adequate supplies will always be made available. Hoarding reduces supplies that are available, and strains the budget unnecessarily.
C. OTHER DISCUSSION
1. 2-year job limits: Helen V. asked why women need to be moved from jobs they are good at, and happy in, every two years. Warden Henry explained that Title 15 regulations require that inmates be rotated in their job assignments, for a number of reasons. It reduces the possibility of escapes, it is a Safety and Security issue, and it prevents over familiarity between inmates and custodial staff. However, the bottom line is that it is the law in Title 15, and the prison has to comply with these procedures. Pay rates can vary, depending on available openings. Sometimes pay can be less, but the alternative would be having no job at all.
2. Bed rotation and room changes: Inmates are not rotated through the facility, beds or rooms. The moves are based on medical needs, population needs, programming needs, etc. Ideally, the staff should explain why a move is made, but sometimes explanations are not offered. When there are problems within the rooms, there are procedures in place to handle these problems. There is a goal of maintaining a certain amount of diversity within the dorms, including a mix of ages and ethnic groups.
3. Question about Honor Dorms: Nancy Rubinstein has heard that there is going to be an Honor Dorm. She asked what this is going to be. Warden Henry said that there is a proposal on her desk regarding Honor Dorms, and that Captain Martinez will be expediting this issue. No other information is currently available regarding Honor Dorms.
4. Code of Conduct: Helen V. asked if there is a Code of Conduct posted for everyone to see. This would be from DOM 5058.4 Code of Conduct, which states that the director shall provide and implement a disciplinary matrix for staff. Currently, the Code of Conduct is posted in each staff office on campus. It is titled "Code of Conduct for Correctional Employees". Helen asked if it could be posted in the Visiting Room. This was acceptable to Warden Henry, who also provided the IFC with copies of the Code off Conduct at the end of the meeting. She also stated that this code is sent out with paychecks on an annual basis, and that there is constant ongoing training that upholds the tenants of the Code of Conduct. Ethics training is a part of this, and is ongoing at the facility.
5. Couches: What is happening with the dayroom couches? VSPW has had couches for some time, and the couches were maintained by the Vocational Upholstery program, which was lost (due to budget cuts) about a year ago. Since then, most of the couches have come into a state of disrepair and have been removed from the dayrooms. They will be replaced with non-cushioned benches. However, Warden Henry has decided to purchase benches with backs, unlike the backless benches used at the men's facilities. Meanwhile, the prison is recycling as many of the cushioned couches as possible, using a small team of inmates to break down and reassemble broken sofas.
6. Hair products and the new property matrix: Currently, Walkenhorst and other vendors provide a variety of hair products, including hair clips and scrunchies. Under the new property matrix, these things will not be allowed. IFC requests that VSPW request an exemption from the property matrix for these hair care items.
7. Air fans allowed: Under the new property matrix, fans will be allowed.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:54 PM
Minutes prepared by Nancy Rubinstein.
