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"Thank You Ladies"
VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday, October 4, 2002
Warden’s Conference Room
|
IFC Minutes Posted
Quarterly Packages Sanitary Supplies |
Substance Abuse Program (SAP)
Water Visiting |
Logo Created By VSPW Graphic Arts Program
"Thank You Ladies"
VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday, October 4, 2002
Warden’s Conference Room
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Louisa Camorlinga
Marvin Coolbaugh
Lee Conroe
Jim Gilmore
Elizabeth Muniz
Edvardo Pabros, Jr.
Virgil Jenzen
Michael Cox
John Videen
ALTERNATES PRESENT:
Maureen Burgess
Wanda Patton
John Errante
David Miller
MEMBERS/ALTERNATES ABSENT:
Leon Wiley
STAFF PRESENT:
Gloria A. Henry, Warden
Ken Hurdle, Ombudsperson
Kent Eichenberger, Associate Warden
Alex Hernandez, Administrative Assistant (A)
Pat Callahan, Correctional Captain
Victoria Lopez, Office Technician
Sylvia Hedlind, Community Resource Manager
Louisa Camorlinga
Marvin Coolbaugh
Lee Conroe
Jim Gilmore
Elizabeth Muniz
Edvardo Pabros, Jr.
Virgil Jenzen
Michael Cox
John Videen
ALTERNATES PRESENT:
Maureen Burgess
Wanda Patton
John Errante
David Miller
MEMBERS/ALTERNATES ABSENT:
Leon Wiley
STAFF PRESENT:
Gloria A. Henry, Warden
Ken Hurdle, Ombudsperson
Kent Eichenberger, Associate Warden
Alex Hernandez, Administrative Assistant (A)
Pat Callahan, Correctional Captain
Victoria Lopez, Office Technician
Sylvia Hedlind, Community Resource Manager
The meeting was called to order at approximately 1:00 p.m. The Warden welcomed the council.
It was announced that Ms. Patton will be taking the minutes for the Inmate Family Council (IFC) Meetings.
OLD BUSINESS
Quarterly Packages:
Damaged quarterly packages that must be returned to the sender were discussed.
Captain Callahan reported that he met with the local Postmaster in Chowchilla and it was confirmed that quarterly packages are not accepted by Valley State Prison for Women when they are damaged. The Postmaster said he has been responding to all letters being received from inmates and/or family members regarding this issue and has forwarded copies of the letters to the Postmaster Inspector for review. Mr. Coolbaugh said he spoke to someone at the Post Office as well and was told he needs to submit a 1510 form and wait for a response.
Mr. Miller said he uses the United Parcel Service (UPS) and has never had any problems with returned packages. As a potential resolution to this problem, it was suggested that the Women’s Advisory Council (WAC) inform the inmate population that using UPS and Federal Express are alternate shipping services.
Ms. Burgess asked why sugar substitutes are not allowed in quarterly packages.
Warden Henry clarified that if the item is not on the Quarterly Package List, it is not approved. She told the IFC that the inmate population can request additions/deletions to the Quarterly Package List through WAC.
Mr. Gilmore asked for clarification regarding what type of sandals are allowed in quarterly packages. He said the verbiage is not clear on the Quarterly Package List. He suggested that the list could be more detailed so as to specify what is allowed/disallowed. It was decided that the IFC will look at the list and submit suggestions for making it more user friendly. Warden Henry said she will consider their suggestions. Captain Callahan handed out an updated Quarterly Package List to all in attendance (copy attached).
Mr. Hurdle mentioned that there is a possibility of a standardized system being implemented throughout the Department of Corrections (CDC) with regard to quarterly packages. The Legislature has asked CDC to look into this.
NEW BUSINESS
Diaper Changing Stations:
The need for diaper changing stations was raised by Mr. Coolbaugh. Captain Callahan said the stations have been ordered for both visiting areas and Visitor Processing. Warden Henry requested that Captain Callahan look into temporarily placing tables for this purpose until the changing stations arrive.
Family Visiting Menu:
Discussion of the Family Visiting Menu was postponed to a future meeting by the IFC.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
There was a question regarding how books can be donated to the inmate population.
Ms. Hedlind identified herself as the contact person for all donations.
Mr. Coolbaugh asked for the definition of “a community integration atmosphere” as it relates to visiting (as cited in Title 15). He asked how the inmates could learn how to reintegrate with society when they’re not allowed to talk to anyone other than their visitor in the Visiting Room. Warden Henry explained that the purpose of visiting is to keep families in contact with one another, not to encourage interaction with other visitors in the Visiting Room.
The IFC requested Medical Staff be present at the next meeting to discuss the water quality issue. Warden Henry said this issue was raised in a letter by a citizen to the Director of Corrections and she has responded to it at that level. Ken Hurdle said that the local IFC is not the appropriate forum for this issue. He directed the IFC to address their concerns to CDC Headquarters in Sacramento.
Mr. Coolbaugh said that inmates have told him that the IFC minutes are not being posted in the housing units. It was confirmed by Mr. Eichenberger and Captain Callahan that the minutes are posted in all housing units. Mr. Hurdle also mentioned that when he and the new Ombudsperson, Deborah Zeh, toured the institution two weeks ago, they specifically checked to see if minutes were posted, and they were.
Mr. Coolbaugh asked if hooded jackets/raincoats are allowed to be worn by visitors during their walk from Visiting Processing to the visiting area when it is raining.
Captain Callahan said he would check to see if they are allowed.
Ms. Burgess asked if the Substance Abuse Program (SAP) is used as a moneymaking business by VSPW. Warden Henry explained that this is not a money making business and that the Legislature has directed CDC to fill beds in the SAP based on a certain criteria. By law, inmates who fit that criteria will receive treatment prior to paroling. The time at which an inmate is placed into the SAP program is intended to be at the end of their incarceration to coincide with the aftercare component upon the inmate’s parole.
Dr. Videen brought up his concern that there is not adequate cleaning supplies in the housing units. Warden Henry said adequate cleaning supplies are issued, but that they are closely monitored because of waste and budgetary concerns. What the inmates receive and how often will be checked and shared with the IFC at the next meeting.
Mr. Hurdle mentioned that the new Ombudsperson for women’s institutions, Deborah Zeh, will be attending IFC Meetings in the future.
Mrs. Hedlind announced that another bulletin board has been ordered for information pertaining to the IFC. Pictures will be taken of new members at the next meeting,
December 6, 2002.
It was announced that Ms. Patton will be taking the minutes for the Inmate Family Council (IFC) Meetings.
OLD BUSINESS
Quarterly Packages:
Damaged quarterly packages that must be returned to the sender were discussed.
Captain Callahan reported that he met with the local Postmaster in Chowchilla and it was confirmed that quarterly packages are not accepted by Valley State Prison for Women when they are damaged. The Postmaster said he has been responding to all letters being received from inmates and/or family members regarding this issue and has forwarded copies of the letters to the Postmaster Inspector for review. Mr. Coolbaugh said he spoke to someone at the Post Office as well and was told he needs to submit a 1510 form and wait for a response.
Mr. Miller said he uses the United Parcel Service (UPS) and has never had any problems with returned packages. As a potential resolution to this problem, it was suggested that the Women’s Advisory Council (WAC) inform the inmate population that using UPS and Federal Express are alternate shipping services.
Ms. Burgess asked why sugar substitutes are not allowed in quarterly packages.
Warden Henry clarified that if the item is not on the Quarterly Package List, it is not approved. She told the IFC that the inmate population can request additions/deletions to the Quarterly Package List through WAC.
Mr. Gilmore asked for clarification regarding what type of sandals are allowed in quarterly packages. He said the verbiage is not clear on the Quarterly Package List. He suggested that the list could be more detailed so as to specify what is allowed/disallowed. It was decided that the IFC will look at the list and submit suggestions for making it more user friendly. Warden Henry said she will consider their suggestions. Captain Callahan handed out an updated Quarterly Package List to all in attendance (copy attached).
Mr. Hurdle mentioned that there is a possibility of a standardized system being implemented throughout the Department of Corrections (CDC) with regard to quarterly packages. The Legislature has asked CDC to look into this.
NEW BUSINESS
Diaper Changing Stations:
The need for diaper changing stations was raised by Mr. Coolbaugh. Captain Callahan said the stations have been ordered for both visiting areas and Visitor Processing. Warden Henry requested that Captain Callahan look into temporarily placing tables for this purpose until the changing stations arrive.
Family Visiting Menu:
Discussion of the Family Visiting Menu was postponed to a future meeting by the IFC.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
There was a question regarding how books can be donated to the inmate population.
Ms. Hedlind identified herself as the contact person for all donations.
Mr. Coolbaugh asked for the definition of “a community integration atmosphere” as it relates to visiting (as cited in Title 15). He asked how the inmates could learn how to reintegrate with society when they’re not allowed to talk to anyone other than their visitor in the Visiting Room. Warden Henry explained that the purpose of visiting is to keep families in contact with one another, not to encourage interaction with other visitors in the Visiting Room.
The IFC requested Medical Staff be present at the next meeting to discuss the water quality issue. Warden Henry said this issue was raised in a letter by a citizen to the Director of Corrections and she has responded to it at that level. Ken Hurdle said that the local IFC is not the appropriate forum for this issue. He directed the IFC to address their concerns to CDC Headquarters in Sacramento.
Mr. Coolbaugh said that inmates have told him that the IFC minutes are not being posted in the housing units. It was confirmed by Mr. Eichenberger and Captain Callahan that the minutes are posted in all housing units. Mr. Hurdle also mentioned that when he and the new Ombudsperson, Deborah Zeh, toured the institution two weeks ago, they specifically checked to see if minutes were posted, and they were.
Mr. Coolbaugh asked if hooded jackets/raincoats are allowed to be worn by visitors during their walk from Visiting Processing to the visiting area when it is raining.
Captain Callahan said he would check to see if they are allowed.
Ms. Burgess asked if the Substance Abuse Program (SAP) is used as a moneymaking business by VSPW. Warden Henry explained that this is not a money making business and that the Legislature has directed CDC to fill beds in the SAP based on a certain criteria. By law, inmates who fit that criteria will receive treatment prior to paroling. The time at which an inmate is placed into the SAP program is intended to be at the end of their incarceration to coincide with the aftercare component upon the inmate’s parole.
Dr. Videen brought up his concern that there is not adequate cleaning supplies in the housing units. Warden Henry said adequate cleaning supplies are issued, but that they are closely monitored because of waste and budgetary concerns. What the inmates receive and how often will be checked and shared with the IFC at the next meeting.
Mr. Hurdle mentioned that the new Ombudsperson for women’s institutions, Deborah Zeh, will be attending IFC Meetings in the future.
Mrs. Hedlind announced that another bulletin board has been ordered for information pertaining to the IFC. Pictures will be taken of new members at the next meeting,
December 6, 2002.
Next Meeting:
December 6, 2002
12 Noon – IFC Meets
1:00 p.m. – Regular Meeting
VSPWs Warden’s Conference Room
December 6, 2002
12 Noon – IFC Meets
1:00 p.m. – Regular Meeting
VSPWs Warden’s Conference Room
