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Logo Created By VSPW Graphic Arts Program
"Thank You Ladies"
VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday, December 7, 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, December 7, 2007
Warden’s Conference Room
MEMBERS PRESENT
V. Abrunzo, Deputy Chairperson
J. Videen, Secretary
G. Olmos
R. Thompson
S. Green
C. Eaton
J. Erb
Guests: Nancy Rubinstein, Mary Ogden, Jennifer Walthall
STAFF PRESENT
T. Hornbeak Warden
Anderson, Captain
C. Pellizzario, Family Services Coordinator
J. Tucker, Director of Nurses
L. Herron, Visiting Lt.
C. Pierini, Health Services Administrator
Mr. Thatcher, Education Deopt.
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Abrunzo at 13:07. Ms Doran sent her apologies for her absence at the meeting. Introductions were made around the room. This was our annual December luncheon, and all were invited to help themselves to sandwiches and other goodies. A big thank you to Vic and everyone who put this together for us.
The Minutes were approved for the October meeting; motion to accept by Dr. Vdeen, second by S. Green.
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1. Christmas goodie bags: Our newest IFC member, Charli Eaton, demonstrated the Christmas goodie bags. Dermalogica donated enough units for every woman in VSPW, and the materials were factory sealed in boxes. The Warden approved them to be removed from the boxes, to save space. Mary J. Bilge has given permission for us to use the lyrics to "Good Woman Down" on the card enclosure, and Charli hopes to eventually have Ms. Bilge come to VSPW and give a concert. The Christmas bags will be ready for this year, and Charli thanked all involved. Lt. Neeley is to help coordinate getting them into the prison and distributed by Christmas.
2. IFC Bylaws: Mr. Abrunzo reported that the IFC Bylaws framework is currently being reviewed and revised by the Statewide Family Council, per CDCR. The revised Bylaws are not ready yet, so local changes are still pending. Mr. Abrunzo notifed the warde that an "Advisory Membership" category should be added to our VSPW Bylaws, to cover IFC associates who are not currently official board members, such as the webmaster, Nancy Rubinstein. Nothing will be changed at present, until the reworked Bylaw infomation is distributed by CDCR.
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3. Books: The R&R Sgt. stated that the Angel Sent Free Book Program materials are no longer accepted through R&R. The VSPW approved book vendors include Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Borders, Walden's, the Prison Libary Project, and Arise Books. IFC asked what R&R is doing about Amazon subcontractors and drop-shippers, which the purchaser has no control over. R&R will research if subcontractor books are being denied. IFC asked that the book receiving process be outlined for us at the next meeting, and for a report on the issue of subcontractors and drop-ship books via approved book vendors.
4. College Programing: A presentation of current college programing was given by Mr. Thatcher. He has instituted a Textbook Sharing Program, and is working to get several TV's hooked up for use with college videos. He has designed a splice box and jack system that will allow multiple views for each of seven TV's at one time, without sound interface. Textbooks are considered property, but they can be shared through the Education Department program. There is also a "Study Buddies" program to maximize the use of existing textbooks. There are currently 200 books in use for 400 students. Approximately 10% of the available inmates on B,C, and D Yards are currently taking some college programing. VSPW has several video lectures available from the college. When videos can't be used, they make sure the answers are also found in the textbooks. There are four classes that absolutely require videos, and these classes are Spanish, French, Business 100, and one other class.The videos for these classes are necessary, and they are currently checked out to the the housing units where these students reside. Eventually, once the TV's are all hooked up, all the videos should be available. Anyone who is interested should contact the education department.
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5. Library: The Education Department Officer, Zack Patrick, gave a short presentation regarding library issues. He stated that CD Books in the library are approved. He will deliver the approval document to Lt. Neeley, who will share it with the IFC officers. CD books should be sent in with the standard donation form, and routed to the Education Department. CD book content will be reviewed for content appropriateness.
Storage is still a big problem at the library. The budget will be disbursed this year in January, and the library plans to purchase 4 new comex boxes for returns. The library and the Education Department would also like to get some new DVD players.
Mr. Abrunzo shared that IFC members can help with donations of office and electronic materials to help with Education projects and programs. There are several IFC members around the state that have access to a variety of donation items. Mr. Patrick asked the IFC to send information on what types of donations the Education Department may be able to request.
6. Analog/Digital TV conversion: Analog/Digital TV conversion will be necessary starting January, 2009. Starting January 2008 the CDCR approved vendors are supposed to have converters available. There is a CDCR memo regarding conversion, which the Warden has received and will make available. There is a conversion box coupon being made available to "households", but it is not known if the vendors will accept these coupons from family members. An inmate is not considered a "Household", so it would be up to the family to use their household coupon for this purchase, and make it for the inmate.
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V. Abrunzo, Deputy Chairperson
J. Videen, Secretary
G. Olmos
R. Thompson
S. Green
C. Eaton
J. Erb
Guests: Nancy Rubinstein, Mary Ogden, Jennifer Walthall
STAFF PRESENT
T. Hornbeak Warden
Anderson, Captain
C. Pellizzario, Family Services Coordinator
J. Tucker, Director of Nurses
L. Herron, Visiting Lt.
C. Pierini, Health Services Administrator
Mr. Thatcher, Education Deopt.
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Abrunzo at 13:07. Ms Doran sent her apologies for her absence at the meeting. Introductions were made around the room. This was our annual December luncheon, and all were invited to help themselves to sandwiches and other goodies. A big thank you to Vic and everyone who put this together for us.
The Minutes were approved for the October meeting; motion to accept by Dr. Vdeen, second by S. Green.
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1. Christmas goodie bags: Our newest IFC member, Charli Eaton, demonstrated the Christmas goodie bags. Dermalogica donated enough units for every woman in VSPW, and the materials were factory sealed in boxes. The Warden approved them to be removed from the boxes, to save space. Mary J. Bilge has given permission for us to use the lyrics to "Good Woman Down" on the card enclosure, and Charli hopes to eventually have Ms. Bilge come to VSPW and give a concert. The Christmas bags will be ready for this year, and Charli thanked all involved. Lt. Neeley is to help coordinate getting them into the prison and distributed by Christmas.
2. IFC Bylaws: Mr. Abrunzo reported that the IFC Bylaws framework is currently being reviewed and revised by the Statewide Family Council, per CDCR. The revised Bylaws are not ready yet, so local changes are still pending. Mr. Abrunzo notifed the warde that an "Advisory Membership" category should be added to our VSPW Bylaws, to cover IFC associates who are not currently official board members, such as the webmaster, Nancy Rubinstein. Nothing will be changed at present, until the reworked Bylaw infomation is distributed by CDCR.
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3. Books: The R&R Sgt. stated that the Angel Sent Free Book Program materials are no longer accepted through R&R. The VSPW approved book vendors include Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Borders, Walden's, the Prison Libary Project, and Arise Books. IFC asked what R&R is doing about Amazon subcontractors and drop-shippers, which the purchaser has no control over. R&R will research if subcontractor books are being denied. IFC asked that the book receiving process be outlined for us at the next meeting, and for a report on the issue of subcontractors and drop-ship books via approved book vendors.
4. College Programing: A presentation of current college programing was given by Mr. Thatcher. He has instituted a Textbook Sharing Program, and is working to get several TV's hooked up for use with college videos. He has designed a splice box and jack system that will allow multiple views for each of seven TV's at one time, without sound interface. Textbooks are considered property, but they can be shared through the Education Department program. There is also a "Study Buddies" program to maximize the use of existing textbooks. There are currently 200 books in use for 400 students. Approximately 10% of the available inmates on B,C, and D Yards are currently taking some college programing. VSPW has several video lectures available from the college. When videos can't be used, they make sure the answers are also found in the textbooks. There are four classes that absolutely require videos, and these classes are Spanish, French, Business 100, and one other class.The videos for these classes are necessary, and they are currently checked out to the the housing units where these students reside. Eventually, once the TV's are all hooked up, all the videos should be available. Anyone who is interested should contact the education department.
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5. Library: The Education Department Officer, Zack Patrick, gave a short presentation regarding library issues. He stated that CD Books in the library are approved. He will deliver the approval document to Lt. Neeley, who will share it with the IFC officers. CD books should be sent in with the standard donation form, and routed to the Education Department. CD book content will be reviewed for content appropriateness.
Storage is still a big problem at the library. The budget will be disbursed this year in January, and the library plans to purchase 4 new comex boxes for returns. The library and the Education Department would also like to get some new DVD players.
Mr. Abrunzo shared that IFC members can help with donations of office and electronic materials to help with Education projects and programs. There are several IFC members around the state that have access to a variety of donation items. Mr. Patrick asked the IFC to send information on what types of donations the Education Department may be able to request.
6. Analog/Digital TV conversion: Analog/Digital TV conversion will be necessary starting January, 2009. Starting January 2008 the CDCR approved vendors are supposed to have converters available. There is a CDCR memo regarding conversion, which the Warden has received and will make available. There is a conversion box coupon being made available to "households", but it is not known if the vendors will accept these coupons from family members. An inmate is not considered a "Household", so it would be up to the family to use their household coupon for this purchase, and make it for the inmate.
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VISITING
7.
Visitor Form Approval Times:
The approval of visiting forms has been shortened to two to four weeks from the previous six weeks. The increase in processing time was due to the Get on the Bus program.
8. Visiting Photos: Digital Cameras in Visiting- Lt. Herron led a discussion on Visiting issues. Right now, there are 1,700 Polaroid pictures left to use. When the supply drops, the Visiting Department will order new digital cameras and printers for Visiting.
9. Friday Visits: There is no indication that VSPW will begin Friday Visiting any time soon. This is partly due to the budget expenditure to fund the Chowchilla Express, and partly due to the fact that we are not yet crowded enough to require forced visiting terminations. Currently, we have been experiencing enough crowdeing to trigger request for voluntary terminations, but this is not happening every weekend. CDCR is aware that families want expanded visiting, and the Warden will reemphasize our interest to Sacramento. Christmas and New Year Visiting will be according to the regular visiting schedule. IFC requested additional staffing for Sunday Visiting when the Chowchilla Express comes. Lt. Herron stated that staff will be shifted around on Chowchilla Express Sundays to make things go smoother.
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10. Chowchilla Express Patrons Not Prepared: Mary Anderson of Friends Outside says that they are having problems with Chowchilla Express visitors who are not prepared. Friends Outside cannot allow children to stay in their facility if they don't have a birth certificate or an authorization, and many people are showing up without any of the paperwork necessary. Forms are not completed, and many people are not properly clothed. Friends Outside is running out of clothes. Lt. Herron emphasized that hospitality leaders on the busses need to screen more carefully before bringing people to the prison. Charli serves breakfast for these buses, and she also tries to screen for problems, but it is often too late by the time they get to breakfast. Inmates aren't getting the Visiting Guidelines out. Lt Herron was asked to send several copies of the Visiting Guildelines to Erik and Suzanne at the Chowchilla Express, and several copies to Charli at the Grandmothers of the Light program.
11. Visitor Processing Restroom Problems: The restroom is being clogged weekly by paper towels that are being flushed. The Warden asked Lt. Herron to put in the bathroom in Spanish and English that reads "Do Not Flush Paper Towels". The Warden asked Lt. Herron to put a notice in the bathrooms in Spanish and English that reads "Do Not Flush Paper Towels".
12. Visiting Food Vendor Problems: The food sales person in Visiting needs a calculator. He isn't good at doing quick arithmetic, and has overcharged people several times. Also, a price list for the food needs to be posted. Lt. Herron said she would take care of these items.
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13. Christmas Mass in Visiting: Christmas masses are scheduled for inmates inside the prison. There are no masses scheduled durning normal visiting hours that would include families. This type of activity would need to be planned in advance. If ther is an interest, we need to let the prison Chaplain know well in advance, and a program can be put together.
14. Christmas Decorations: The Housing Units will be receiving their Christmas tress on December 18th. Charli volunteered to do some Christmas decorating in Vistor Processing, similar to the decorating currently being done at CCWF in Visitor Processing. The Warden asked Charli to do a short list of decorations that would be used, and send it to her.
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8. Visiting Photos: Digital Cameras in Visiting- Lt. Herron led a discussion on Visiting issues. Right now, there are 1,700 Polaroid pictures left to use. When the supply drops, the Visiting Department will order new digital cameras and printers for Visiting.
9. Friday Visits: There is no indication that VSPW will begin Friday Visiting any time soon. This is partly due to the budget expenditure to fund the Chowchilla Express, and partly due to the fact that we are not yet crowded enough to require forced visiting terminations. Currently, we have been experiencing enough crowdeing to trigger request for voluntary terminations, but this is not happening every weekend. CDCR is aware that families want expanded visiting, and the Warden will reemphasize our interest to Sacramento. Christmas and New Year Visiting will be according to the regular visiting schedule. IFC requested additional staffing for Sunday Visiting when the Chowchilla Express comes. Lt. Herron stated that staff will be shifted around on Chowchilla Express Sundays to make things go smoother.
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10. Chowchilla Express Patrons Not Prepared: Mary Anderson of Friends Outside says that they are having problems with Chowchilla Express visitors who are not prepared. Friends Outside cannot allow children to stay in their facility if they don't have a birth certificate or an authorization, and many people are showing up without any of the paperwork necessary. Forms are not completed, and many people are not properly clothed. Friends Outside is running out of clothes. Lt. Herron emphasized that hospitality leaders on the busses need to screen more carefully before bringing people to the prison. Charli serves breakfast for these buses, and she also tries to screen for problems, but it is often too late by the time they get to breakfast. Inmates aren't getting the Visiting Guidelines out. Lt Herron was asked to send several copies of the Visiting Guildelines to Erik and Suzanne at the Chowchilla Express, and several copies to Charli at the Grandmothers of the Light program.
11. Visitor Processing Restroom Problems: The restroom is being clogged weekly by paper towels that are being flushed. The Warden asked Lt. Herron to put in the bathroom in Spanish and English that reads "Do Not Flush Paper Towels". The Warden asked Lt. Herron to put a notice in the bathrooms in Spanish and English that reads "Do Not Flush Paper Towels".
12. Visiting Food Vendor Problems: The food sales person in Visiting needs a calculator. He isn't good at doing quick arithmetic, and has overcharged people several times. Also, a price list for the food needs to be posted. Lt. Herron said she would take care of these items.
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13. Christmas Mass in Visiting: Christmas masses are scheduled for inmates inside the prison. There are no masses scheduled durning normal visiting hours that would include families. This type of activity would need to be planned in advance. If ther is an interest, we need to let the prison Chaplain know well in advance, and a program can be put together.
14. Christmas Decorations: The Housing Units will be receiving their Christmas tress on December 18th. Charli volunteered to do some Christmas decorating in Vistor Processing, similar to the decorating currently being done at CCWF in Visitor Processing. The Warden asked Charli to do a short list of decorations that would be used, and send it to her.
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MEDICAL
15.
Medical Backlog:
The Medical backlog is getting smaller. Chronic Care is up-to-date. Physicals on A Yard are currently 1 day behind. There will be two new physicians hired in January, and they'll be starting on January 7th. Medical appointments are behind, but they hope to begin catching up. B,C and D Yards have a 14 day allowable time period for appointments, and they are all currently 9 days out from that. There are three new medical transport vans, and 2 are already in use. There are three new approved positions open for psychs, and preparing to fill these vacancies. The new medical funding is making a big difference in hiring. It was reported that around the state, RN positions, which were previously running at 60% vacant, are now down to less than 6% vacant. The prison is beginning to offer more preventative screening, and specialty and preventative care is being stepped up. The prison is now giving screening colonoscopies for all inmates over 50 years old.
16. Dental: More dental positions are expected to be opened in the next two months. There is a new dentist and a new supervising dentist coming online in the next month. An oral surgeon will also be coming from CCWF on a periodic basis. Routing cleaning has been pushed back recently, because of so many new inmates coming in with serious dental problems from methamphetamine.
17. Medical Release of Information Forms: The Medical Department has an administrative person who handles family request daily. When a call is received, she gets the request out to the inmate immediately, and the inmate is ducated to come in and sign the Medical Release of Information form. If an inmate is out to medical, an RN will take the form to her where she is. The signature of the inmate must be witnessed by a CDCR employee, so it is important for the inmate to wait to sign the form until she is with one of the staff members. This is a confidential release form, and only the inmate can decide to sign this form. If a family member wants to talk to the staff about medical issues involving an inmate, they should let the Medical Department know right away, and the inmate will be given the opportunity to sign this form as quickly as possible.
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18. Medical "Advanced Directive": The Advanced Directive papers are available, just like the Medical Release of information forms. These include decisions made by the inmate about such things as "Do Not Resuscitate" orders. There is an Interdisiplinary Team that works with terminal patients, including a Nurse Practitioner, a Registered Nurse, a Mental Health professional, and Judy Tucker, head of the nursing team. These people work with patients, and make sure that this information, along with the Medical Release of Information Form, is introduced to patients in Outpatient Housing Unit prior to their complete debilitation.
19. Veteran's Benefits: Are there many women at VSPW that qualify for Veteran's Services? Apparently the veteran population is larger at CCWF. The Veteran status of an inmate should be in their intake forms. At this time, there are no Veteran's Services offered at VSPW.
20. "C-Over-C" Classification & New Program Development for C-Over-C Inmates: C over C Classification & new program development-There are different classifications for the different Privilege Groups. C over C is a classification that has restrictions on property, on time credits and on room assignments. Some of the other classifications include A-1A (working), A-2 (waiting to work) and Close A (Long Termers).
Inmates who are classified as C over C have had a problem. It could be something like making pruno and fighting. Right now, the typical C over C sentence is up to 60 days, and the inmate must request a release. The release can take up to 30 days from the date of the request. Some of the inmates are housed in Ad Seg, and not in general population.This means that they are restricted from a wide randge of activities and programs.
The new program would keep C/C inmates, who commit certain rule violations and who successfully complete C/C time, as well as inmates released from Ad Seg/ SHU, all housed together on the general yard, which would allow them acess to education, religious services, and other activities, but wouldrestrict them slightly more than the general population. They would have their own "2nd Chance" housing unit. they could earn credit and reduce their time in C/C by taking advantage of educational opportunities, which could earn them up to 6 months off a sentence. They would have certain restrictions, such as lockdown after dinner, and the staff on this unit would be all management positions, so that they will be better prepared to handle conflicts. This would keep inmates with problems out of Ad Seg and the SHU, which are much more restrictive, and give less opportunnity for turning things around. This would also give the staff a way to move conflicts out of the general population dorms.
The planning for this new program is almost completed, and will be submitted for approval in the near future.
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16. Dental: More dental positions are expected to be opened in the next two months. There is a new dentist and a new supervising dentist coming online in the next month. An oral surgeon will also be coming from CCWF on a periodic basis. Routing cleaning has been pushed back recently, because of so many new inmates coming in with serious dental problems from methamphetamine.
17. Medical Release of Information Forms: The Medical Department has an administrative person who handles family request daily. When a call is received, she gets the request out to the inmate immediately, and the inmate is ducated to come in and sign the Medical Release of Information form. If an inmate is out to medical, an RN will take the form to her where she is. The signature of the inmate must be witnessed by a CDCR employee, so it is important for the inmate to wait to sign the form until she is with one of the staff members. This is a confidential release form, and only the inmate can decide to sign this form. If a family member wants to talk to the staff about medical issues involving an inmate, they should let the Medical Department know right away, and the inmate will be given the opportunity to sign this form as quickly as possible.
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18. Medical "Advanced Directive": The Advanced Directive papers are available, just like the Medical Release of information forms. These include decisions made by the inmate about such things as "Do Not Resuscitate" orders. There is an Interdisiplinary Team that works with terminal patients, including a Nurse Practitioner, a Registered Nurse, a Mental Health professional, and Judy Tucker, head of the nursing team. These people work with patients, and make sure that this information, along with the Medical Release of Information Form, is introduced to patients in Outpatient Housing Unit prior to their complete debilitation.
19. Veteran's Benefits: Are there many women at VSPW that qualify for Veteran's Services? Apparently the veteran population is larger at CCWF. The Veteran status of an inmate should be in their intake forms. At this time, there are no Veteran's Services offered at VSPW.
20. "C-Over-C" Classification & New Program Development for C-Over-C Inmates: C over C Classification & new program development-There are different classifications for the different Privilege Groups. C over C is a classification that has restrictions on property, on time credits and on room assignments. Some of the other classifications include A-1A (working), A-2 (waiting to work) and Close A (Long Termers).
Inmates who are classified as C over C have had a problem. It could be something like making pruno and fighting. Right now, the typical C over C sentence is up to 60 days, and the inmate must request a release. The release can take up to 30 days from the date of the request. Some of the inmates are housed in Ad Seg, and not in general population.This means that they are restricted from a wide randge of activities and programs.
The new program would keep C/C inmates, who commit certain rule violations and who successfully complete C/C time, as well as inmates released from Ad Seg/ SHU, all housed together on the general yard, which would allow them acess to education, religious services, and other activities, but wouldrestrict them slightly more than the general population. They would have their own "2nd Chance" housing unit. they could earn credit and reduce their time in C/C by taking advantage of educational opportunities, which could earn them up to 6 months off a sentence. They would have certain restrictions, such as lockdown after dinner, and the staff on this unit would be all management positions, so that they will be better prepared to handle conflicts. This would keep inmates with problems out of Ad Seg and the SHU, which are much more restrictive, and give less opportunnity for turning things around. This would also give the staff a way to move conflicts out of the general population dorms.
The planning for this new program is almost completed, and will be submitted for approval in the near future.
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PAROLE, RE-ENTRY, RELEASE PICKUPS, ETC.
21.
Release/Parole Clothing:
R&R has a "Clothes Closet" with a selection of clothing that women can take with them when they are released. There is a donation box in the Visitor Processing, and one in the Administrative Offices, too. The women can wear these clothes when they leave the prison, which means they don't have to wear state-issued clothing on release. Clothing is running low, and donations are needed. Donations are tax deductible. It was suggested that IFC members look into finding a church that might be willing to help with clothing donations.
22. Re-Entry Classes for Inmates: The Education Department has re-entry programs for inmates. These classes give information on how to get DMV Identification, Social Security cards, and other things a release needs to know. There is also a Job Fair at the prison every 6 months or so, with agencies such as the Employment Department attending, along with others employers. CDCR has a new Social Worker coming on this month to start coordinating re-entry issues.
23. Release Transportation: Released inmates who are not picked up by family are given transportation by a VSPW van to one of three places on release. They can go to the bus station or train station, depending on what method is the best for them to get to their destination. There are stations in Merced, Madera, and Fresno. VSPW does not charge released inmates for transportation.
24. Release Gate Money: If a released inmate doesn't qualify for the standard $200 gate money (parole violation, less than 6 months,etc.), VSPW will provide the amount needed for transportation to get them back to the region they are returning to.
25. Family Pickups of Parolee: Families who come to VSPW to pick up a parolee may not enter the grounds until after 6:00 AM. The R&R staff recommends that they check in between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. The person picking up the parolee needs to check in at the Visitor Processing building. He or she must have a valid DMV Driver's License, and show it to the Visiting Staff. R&R processes parolees between 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM. If R&R hasn't been notified that a family member is there to pick up an inmate, the van will not stop and let the inmate out at the parking lot. Families should park in the Visitor end of the the parking lot, by the Friends Outside trailer. They should stay at their cars. They should wear standard allowed visitor clothing (as outlined in the Visiting Guidelines).
There should be a SOP for parolee release, and if there is, it would be helpful if it could be provided to the IFC, so that we can add the pertinent sections to our website. The Warden asked R&R staff to see if a Parolee SOP can be located and provided.
The meeting was adjourned at 14:57.
Minutes prepared by Nancy Rubinstein
The next meeting will be held on February 8, 2008 at 1:00 pm
22. Re-Entry Classes for Inmates: The Education Department has re-entry programs for inmates. These classes give information on how to get DMV Identification, Social Security cards, and other things a release needs to know. There is also a Job Fair at the prison every 6 months or so, with agencies such as the Employment Department attending, along with others employers. CDCR has a new Social Worker coming on this month to start coordinating re-entry issues.
23. Release Transportation: Released inmates who are not picked up by family are given transportation by a VSPW van to one of three places on release. They can go to the bus station or train station, depending on what method is the best for them to get to their destination. There are stations in Merced, Madera, and Fresno. VSPW does not charge released inmates for transportation.
24. Release Gate Money: If a released inmate doesn't qualify for the standard $200 gate money (parole violation, less than 6 months,etc.), VSPW will provide the amount needed for transportation to get them back to the region they are returning to.
25. Family Pickups of Parolee: Families who come to VSPW to pick up a parolee may not enter the grounds until after 6:00 AM. The R&R staff recommends that they check in between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. The person picking up the parolee needs to check in at the Visitor Processing building. He or she must have a valid DMV Driver's License, and show it to the Visiting Staff. R&R processes parolees between 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM. If R&R hasn't been notified that a family member is there to pick up an inmate, the van will not stop and let the inmate out at the parking lot. Families should park in the Visitor end of the the parking lot, by the Friends Outside trailer. They should stay at their cars. They should wear standard allowed visitor clothing (as outlined in the Visiting Guidelines).
There should be a SOP for parolee release, and if there is, it would be helpful if it could be provided to the IFC, so that we can add the pertinent sections to our website. The Warden asked R&R staff to see if a Parolee SOP can be located and provided.
The meeting was adjourned at 14:57.
Minutes prepared by Nancy Rubinstein
The next meeting will be held on February 8, 2008 at 1:00 pm
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