progressionINcorrections PROGRESSION*/DPSSFDUJPOT
JUL/AUG 2006, Volume 4 *OEJBOB%FQBSUNFOUPG$PSSFDUJPO&NQMPZFF/FXTMFUUFS Inside This Issue: From the Commissioner...
Wabash Valley Takes LEAD 2 t has been said that a perfect summer from being day is when the sun is shining, the Re-Entry Activities and News 4 I committed breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, against innocent Busy Summer at Medaryville 5 and the lawn mower is broken. citizens, and Facility Gives Inmates will have saved a Head Start 6 While they are enjoying their summer Indiana millions leisure, too many Hoosiers fail to fully of dollars in DOC Superstar 6 appreciate the important mission of criminal justice J. David Donahue Tuition Reimbursement public safety collectively fulfilled by the costs. There are Program 7 more than 7,300 hardworking women few duties in this world more virtuous and men of the Indiana Department of Commissioner Presents than protecting the innocent. Awards at Special Olympics 7 Correction. This service of protection and restoration must be provided to Before I list some of the more notable Administration Division 8 more than 24,000 felony and delinquent improvements that have been instituted PEN Produces offenders 24 hours a day, seven days since the last edition of this newsletter, I Major Moves Signs 9 per week. Much of this edition of would like to again remind everyone that “progressionINcorrections” is devoted to I welcome new ideas for improvement. Operations Division 10 the things we are doing to improve the Without a doubt there are still areas of Indiana Celebrates services provided by the Department, deficiency that can best be identified First Women's Meth and the professionalism of its staff. by the people working closest to them. Treatment Graduation 11 Certainly some of the finest ideas for Indiana Committed to As Commissioner, my over arching plan improvement to date have come, not Renewable Energy Sources 12 is nothing short of positioning this from staff members sitting on facility or Agency to be as effective as it can be. Prisoners Shift Gears 13 Department Executive Boards, but who Why? Because improving effectiveness walk the ranges every day, or work most Letter to the Editor 14 means incorporating security measures closely with the population of convicted and training fundamental correctional The Villages Donations persons we supervise and serve. I A Success 15 practices and expecting them to be sincerely welcome your feedback and adhered to, in order to insure safe ideas. They can be shared directly with ISP Tree Planting Efforts 16 and smooth operation at each facility. me by e-mailing: [email protected]. Upcoming Events 16 Effectiveness means doing all we can to prepare offenders for successful The Department has made positive community reintegration. We are changes in several other areas, including: now keeping watch over the number of offenders who fail to transition by • Working to enhance the level of returning to a life of crime and who professionalism among correctional return to the Department, often to serve staff, by enforced new protocols even longer periods of incarceration. that include pre-employment If the new procedures, programs, and drug screening, periodic criminal initiatives we commit to today will background checks, and drug ultimately reduce this rate of recidivism screens on all employees. To attract by even a small percentage in future additional quality employees, the years, we all will have helped prevent Department successfully proposed thousands of potentially serious crimes story continued on page 3 2 progressionINcorrections Donation Wabash Valley Takes the LEAD
for South Bend he Wabash Valley Correctional Facility “ Students ask lots of intelligent Tis taking the lead when it comes questions about what prison is like,” to preventing juvenile delinquency. Larsen said. “They know it’s not what Work Release Project LEAD (Legal Education to Arrest they see in the movies but are surprised Delinquency) is brought to fifth grade to learn that while incarcerated classrooms around the state through offenders can spend their time going to the efforts of the Purdue University college, learning a trade, holding down a Cooperative Extension Service. Students job, going to church and preparing to be divide their time between textbook contributing members of society.” study and guest lecturers from law enforcement, the courts and corrections. Students also learn that Be Smart, Choose Freedom is more than a slogan. WVCF Public Information Officer Rich One LEAD student wrote a thank you Larsen has been part of LEAD activities note saying; “Thanks for coming to our in both Daviess and Vermillion County school. I went home that night and for several years. Larsen describes for discussed it with my parents. It really students the consequences of making took effect on my brother because he he South Bend Work Release Center bad decisions and what offenders can do hardly drinks anymore. I would like Trecently received a donation from to successfully re-enter society. to thank you again because you really Matthew Eppers, the President of E caught my attention.” Industries, in the amount of $1,393.60 for the purchase of a flag pole and flag for the facility. Mr. Eppers has worked with South Bend Work Release for many Kush Jenkins Selected by AICPA years providing gainful employment opportunities for offenders assigned to Kush Jenkins, Accountant 5 at Central amongst America’s undergraduate and the work release program. E Industries Office, was selected by the American graduate students who are in their final is a strong supporter of work release, Institute of Certified Public Accountants year of study in the accounting field. realizing the benefits to the company as (AICPA) as one of the top 100 accounting Kush has been with the Department well as to society. scholars of 2006. He was chosen since 2003. Congratulations Kush!
progressionINcorrections
We welcome all submissions - Please submit articles to: Java Ahmed, Director of Public & Media Relations E-mail: [email protected] The Mission of the or Department of Correction Dorothy Pruitt, Program Coordinator E-mail: [email protected] The mission of the Indiana Department of Correction Designed by: Nicole D. Arb, Graphic Design Department, PEN Products is to maintain public safety and provide offenders with self Indiana Department of Correction improvement programs, job skills Indiana Government Center South, Room E334 and family values in an efficient and 302 W. Washington Street cost effective manner for a Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 successful return to the community as law-abiding citizens. www.in.gov/indcorrection/ progressionINcorrections 3
From the Commissioner... – story continued from page 1
to Indiana’s General Assembly removed from the streets before • Implemented a change in the a change in law that recognizes they engage in additional crimes. Department’s visitation policy. the hazardous duty assignments This site is found at www.in.gov/ In the past, staff and volunteers undertaken by correctional indcorrection/wanted. were prohibited from maintaining employees, and paves the way for contact with offenders after their better benefits and compensation • Developed a Directory entitled release. This practice interfered for all DOC facility staff, parole “Inside the Walls of the Indiana with important follow-up by officers, and emergency response Department of Correction: a volunteers (many of them members team members. I have also Reference Directory for Judges” that of the faith community) during the approved, and recently distributed was delivered to all courts in Indiana critical period of time immediately a description of a new tuition with criminal jurisdiction. Because following release. Now these reimbursement plan that will be of popular demand, this Directory volunteers can continue to work afforded to Department employees. was also provided to all sheriffs with offenders as they transition and prosecutors offices throughout back to their community. • In order to implement much needed Indiana. This Directory, for the first repairs and renovations to several time, provides to the courts and These are only some of the great things of Indiana’s older prisons, the other criminal justice stakeholders being accomplished in this Agency. I Department successfully brokered a comprehensive review of the am proud of everyone working to insure a contract that, at no added cost correctional process, and provides that these initiatives work to improve our to taxpayers, brought in a national to judges the points of contact they business. As I have said before, we are vendor to make improvements to can use to receive timely, meaningful a first-class team dedicated to making a facility heating, air conditioning, and accurate information about the difference in the lives of people on the ventilation, lighting, and other Department, and the offenders they inside and protecting people on the conditions of confinement. The send to the Department. outside, everyday. vendor would be paid only from a percentage of the $38.1 million • Instead of only 5% of the offender savings estimated from more population having to submit to efficient utility operations over the a random drug test each month course of the ten year agreement. the number of tests is doubling to Improvements include installation of 10% to apply greater pressure on new boilers to be fueled by Indiana offenders wishing to traffic and corn, which not only burns cleaner, it use drugs in prison. To help with C police trafficking and other criminal O R supports Indiana’s economic growth N E T T instead of relying on foreign fuel offenses in prison, a State Police IN OR UOUS SUPP sources. This change will also put Detective was assigned to Central more offenders to work, by having Office to assist the Department’s The Indiana Black Expo convened them stoke boilers and handle corn Internal affairs Division on matters this year July 9th through July storage and movement. relating to criminal investigations. 16th. Several members of DOC staff This direct involvement should also attended the Corporate Luncheon • Launched a new web site that lists lead to speedier prosecutions of held on July 13th with keynote pictures and identifying information criminal cases. speaker, Academy Award winner on the fugitives most wanted by and humanitarian Sidney Poitier. • In the past many juvenile facilities the IDOC. Included on this site are The Department of Correction placed restrictions on visitation, offenders who have escaped from partnering with PEN Products such as allowing one family member secured confinement as well as displayed many of the Department’s per week to visit their incarcerated those who have failed to appear at initiatives and programs, handing child. Changes were made, and scheduled meetings with parole. out over 1,500 Volunteer, Re-entry continue to evolve that encourages This site serves as a useful tool for and PLUS brochures. Various staff more visitation and greater family the Department’s Parole Services from custody to administrative involvement in their son/daughters Division, but also assists local support volunteered their time to rehabilitation. probation, law enforcement and represent the Department at this federal authorities to identify those prestigious event. individuals that may need to be 4 progressionINcorrections Re-Entry Activities and News Julie von Arx, Deputy Commissioner of Re-entry and Community Programs
Juvenile Services five offenders are enrolled in Parenting Seminar Entrepreneurship, Hospitality (S.T.A.R.T.), On August 19, 2006, the Youth Law and Logistics, with plans to offer a nine- T.E.A.M. will present “Your Role as an month certificate track as the program Educational Advocate,” the first in a expands. IVY Tech courses are offered Re-Entry series of seminars for parents of juvenile in addition to the Department’s GED, Transition from Prison offenders. The seminar will be held Building Trades, and Culinary Arts classes, to Community Initiative at Indianapolis Juvenile Correctional which currently enroll twenty-nine On July 27, 2006, the Housing and Facility, and will cover advocating for offenders. Community Development Authority your child, basic educational rights, Board of Directors approved the Re- working with your child’s school, and Community Corrections/Parole entry Housing Initiative, which will transitioning to adulthood. APPA Conference provide vouchers to cover an apartment Staff from Parole and Community deposit, rent, and down payment on Boy Scouts Corrections attended the American utilities for newly-released offenders in The Department is working with the Boy Probation and Parole Association’s need. Two agencies, Northwest Indiana Scouts of America, recognized as one of 31st Annual Training Institute, held in Reentry Partnership and PACE/OAR, “the nation's foremost youth program[s] Chicago July 24-26, 2006. Seminar topics were selected to administer the program of character development and values- included Managing High Risk/Needs which will serve six counties. based leadership training,” to establish Offenders, Exploring the Relationship Scout troops in the Juvenile facilities. between Assessment and Re-offending, VISTA Volunteers Training was recently completed for Providing Residential Treatment to The Corporation for National and staff wishing to serve as Scoutmasters. the Mentally Impaired Offender, and Community Service has granted The Boy Scouts of America and facility Current Challenges for the Judiciary with the Department five full-time VISTA troop leaders are working to coordinate Evidence-Based Practices in Community volunteers to assist with re-entry efforts youth recruitment and initial programs Supervision. both at Central Office and Plainfield Re- by mid-August. The Department also entry Education Facility through work in plans to organize a Girl Scout troop at Community Corrections 2006-2007 research and planning, pre-release re- the Indianapolis Juvenile Correctional Grant Awards entry programs, and gender-responsive Facility. Beginning this year, all counties programming. submitting applications for Community Juvenile Re-Entry Workgroup Corrections funds must utilize Evidence- Substance Abuse A multi-agency workgroup has met to Based Practices and the Principles Phase I Treatment discuss barriers to successful re-entry of Effective Intervention within their Six county jails (Blackford, Harrison, for juvenile offenders. The discussion programs to receive funding from Putnam, Wayne, Wells, and West Central) centered around establishing continuity the State. Sixty-three applications have been trained to use the SAMS of services for youth as they leave were submitted covering sixty-eight system and administer curriculum Department of Correction facilities, with counties. To date, $25,441,310.02 has for Phase I of the Substance Abuse an emphasis on education. Coordinated been approved for funding Community Treatment Program. This will enable efforts with several agencies are in Corrections Agencies throughout the offenders to begin treatment earlier, progress, notably with the Indiana state and $1,511,621.65 more has and to enter the Department with a Department of Education. been designated to be awarded in the demonstrated commitment to addiction second half of this fiscal year. Fifty-five recovery. Education grant contracts have been completely IVY Tech at PREF processed and the initial installment of CLIFF Graduation IVY Tech Community College is now their awards issued; the remainder will be Miami Correctional Facility hosted a teaching courses at the Plainfield completed by mid-August. CLIFF graduation for ninety-six offenders Re-Entry Education Facility. Thirty- on July 26, 2006. Thus far, 566 offenders have graduated from CLIFF programs statewide. The next graduation will be Visit online: www.reentry.in.gov August 18th at Branchville. progressionINcorrections 5 Busy Summer at Medaryville Learning to Serve
taff and offenders from the he participants in the P.L.U.S. unit at SMedaryville Correctional TWabash Valley Correctional Facility are Facility have been busy this learning service through quilting. The summer getting involved in giving of warm blankets is symbolic of helping area communities clean caring and gratitude, which transcends up, beautify and save money. cultural barriers. Starting by hand The facility has provided staff stitching and later with sewing machines, supervised offender work crews twenty-three quilts have been finished to assist local government with a growing number in progress. agencies and not for profit Orders from various non-profit agencies organizations to complete a increase weekly as the news travels. Ten quilts were distributed to victims of the variety of projects and services. Katrina Hurricane. Other quilts have been donated to the sick and afflicted; Some of the aid provided this one being a cancer victim who reported summer has included set up The labor provided by these offenders being cold all the time was warmed, and pack up of the Red Cross Blood has resulted in over $200,000 in savings physically, spiritually and emotionally Mobil at Winamac and North Judson, to the agencies or organizations served. when she received a quilt through a street cleaning and cooking pork chops Many of these projects may not have volunteer. Governor Mitch Daniels was for the Potato Festival at Medaryville been completed if not for the cost saving given a quilt by P.L.U.S. participants in and cleaning the Pulaski County Fair labor provided by the offender work thanks for his support of their community grounds after this year’s 4-H Fair ended. crews of Medaryville Correctional Facility. service efforts. His thank you letter to Medaryville Correctional Facility also The offenders who have participated the unit said “I receive many thoughtful provided offender crews to plant trees on these work crews also benefit by mementos in this job, but I will treasure along the streets of Winamac and aid in sharpening marketable employment this particular one always. Please know the construction and clean up at Camp skills and contributing positively to the how hopeful your fellow citizens are Buffalo Boy Scouts Camp. improvement of area communities. about your future and the commitment you have made to it.” Grover Spends a NABCJ Conference Day with the Boss
he National Association of Blacks department, and Elaine Bartlett, a Tin Criminal Justice (NABCJ) formerly incarcerated activist who hosted its 33rd Annual Conference founded the Mothers of the New and Training Institute on July 16 - 20 York Disappeared, a grassroots in Denver, Colorado. The theme of organization working to reform New this year’s conference was “Re-entry York State’s Rockefeller Drug Laws. and Restoration: A Time for Action.” Indiana Department of Correction Since 1974, NABCJ has worked to employees participated in several achieve equal justice for blacks and workshops that focused on re-entry, other minorities in the justice system. the psychology of incarceration, Members consist of criminal justice community development, education, professionals and community leaders n June 20, Commissioner J. David and other correctional issues. such as those in law enforcement, ODonahue furloughed Grover, a institutional and community 6-month Yellow Lab from the Indiana Keynote speakers during the corrections, courts, social services, Women's Prison's ICAAN Program. conference included Anthony academia, religious, and other Grover spent the day with Commissioner W. Batts, Chief of Police for the community-based interests. Donahue, while attending meetings Long Beach, California police and learning about human interaction, socialization, and following directions. 6 progressionINcorrections Facility Gives Inmates a Head Start Reprinted from the Indy Star - By Amy Bartner
any of the state’s inmates have respect he’s received from the staff. Mnever had a checking account. Others don’t know how to interview for a “You’ve got a little more freedom than job – or even how to look for one. anywhere else,” he said as he sat in his personal communications class. “You So when prisoners are released into can walk around, lift some weights, and society, the transition might be tough to shoot some pool.” make, enough to force them back into a life of crime. Golder said he has yet to find a job but Staff members call the people held in plans to continue his education. the facility residents instead of inmates It’s a cycle officials with the Indiana because that’s how they’re viewed, Department of Correction hope to break “I’m more focused on getting a job now,” program maintenance supervisor Carl with a new rehabilitation facility in he said. “Probably the main problem Brown said. Plainfield. is getting back on the streets without anything.” “I would recommend them to anyone on “For years in Corrections, we’ve locked the outside,” he said. “A lot of it is letting folks up, and at the end, we opened the The residents apply for admission to them get self-respect back.” doors and said, “Good luck,”” Correction the program and must have a history of commissioner J. David Donahue said at good behavior to enroll. The program the program’s grand opening. “Well, it’s doesn’t accept sex offenders. a tough world out there if you don’t have support behind you.” Aaron The Plainfield Re-Entry and Educational Facility, formerly the Indiana Boys School, Holden opened in mid-January as an option DOC Superstar to offenders nearing the end of their terms. They spend 18 to 24 months learning how to acclimate to life on the aron Holden won’t admit he’s assignment, Aaron leads classes outside. The facility is less than half full, Aa hero. “You do what you gotta in Thinking for A Change, serves holding 179 people who are learning do,” he said. On June 15th James on the North Central accreditation trades, getting job-search assistance and M. Ashcroft, Aaron’s neighbor, committee, participates in the continuing their educations. was transported by helicopter to Professional Development Activities, Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis active member of the Indiana State More than 16,000 people will be released after Aaron, pulled him from a Teachers Association, presenter from DOC prisons this year, and of those, retention pond. Ashcroft was mowing for the RE-ENTRY, volunteers for an estimated 39.3 percent will return to his yard with a large professional- Pendleton Heights High School the system within three years. With the grade mower and got too close to Athletic activities and a member of re-entry facility, Donahue said, he hopes a retention pond. The embankment Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. to lower that rate by 5 percent and, in was too steep and the mower turn, save Indiana taxpayers $80 million rolled over on top of him. He was Aaron and his wife Maria have a a year. submerged in about seven feet of daughter Brooke. Aaron enjoys golf, water. Thinking quick, Aaron dove Indianapolis Colts, anything Purdue, “We are going to keep score, and we’ll in, rescued his neighbor, saving the but most important to him is time learn what we do well,” Donahue said. man’s life. with his family. “And we’ll also report our failures.” Aaron came to teach Adult Basic To read the rest of the story, go to: Damian Golder, 28, sentenced to 21 Education with the Indiana months for probation violation and Department of Correction at the http://www.theheraldbulletin. possession of cocaine, has served five Correctional Industrial Facility in com/apstorysection/local_story_ months of his sentence at the re-entry July of 2000. In addition to his 166204335.html facility. The father of two has learned to Adult Basic Education teaching pour concrete and said he values the progressionINcorrections 7 Tuition Reimbursement Program t is with great pleasure that I announce The Tuition Reimbursement Program is Plainfield Re-entry Educational Facility Ithe Tuition Reimbursement Program a state-funded tuition reimbursement and Reception Diagnostic Center for DOC employees, effective September program for all permanent employees 1, 2006. With Governor Mitch Daniels who choose to take educational courses. Dan Kapoun, Region 4 includes: approval, this program will help For more information please see your Pendleton Correctional Facility, employees pursue higher educational Regional HR representative: Correctional Industrial Facility, goals and to promote employee Pendleton Juvenile, development within the corrections Ed Denham, Region 1 includes: Indiana Women’s Prison, profession. My commitment to Indiana State Prison, Indianapolis Men’s and Women’s employees with the Indiana Department Westville Correctional Facility, Work Release Centers, of Correction includes creating Camp Summit and Medaryville PEN Products and professional opportunities leading to Indianapolis Juvenile promotions within the agency. Karen Hurst, Region 2 includes: Miami Correctional Facility, Our efficient processes, cost savings South Bend Juvenile, Northeast Juvenile, and smart business solutions have North Central Juvenile, allowed us to reallocate funds to the Logansport Juvenile Intake, future development of employees Chain O’Lakes Correctional Facility within the Department. As we continue and South Bend Work Release to operate by the 3 E’s of Excellence, I am committed to a positive work Eric Kleinart, Region 3 includes: environment for all DOC employees. The Rockville Correctional Facility, Tuition Reimbursement Program is just Putnamville Correctional Facility, 800.PEN.2550 one way we are investing in the future of Plainfield Correctional Facility, our employees. www.penproducts.com DOC Commissioner Presents Awards at Special Olympics Indiana
ustaining a long tradition Sof partnership with Special Olympics Indiana, Indiana State University hosted 2,200 state worked very hard to make Special Olympics athletes the event successful," said Debbie from across the state for the Hesse, President and CEO of 2006 Special Olympics Indiana Special Olympics Indiana. "Over Summer Games. Commissioner 2,200 children and adults with J. David Donahue was invited intellectual disabilities from to support the event and across the state competed at the presented awards at the event. three-day event. We are thrilled that Commissioner Donahue "Summer Games is Special could attend and present awards Olympics Indiana's largest Commissioner J. David Donahue to our awesome athletes." event of the year and thousands presents awards to participants of volunteers throughout the in Terre Haute, Indiana. 8 progressionINcorrections From the Administration Division Bruce Lemmon, Deputy Commissioner of Administration
farming operations including hay, corn, probationary period. Their input will soy beans, a starter goat herd and a provide new employees with a better beef herd. Commissioner Donahue, understanding of the Department’s Deputy Commissioner Bruce Lemmon, mission and goals along with their role in Superintendent Parke, Director Mike the Department, with the expectation of Herron along with herdsman Charlie improving staff retention. This program PEN Products Tomaw, PEN staff and guests from the will be implemented throughout the On June 15th, PEN Products initiated Department of Administration and the field in the near future. its first U.S. Department of Labor Office of Management and Budget take Apprenticeship Program at the Wabash a close look the pure bred Angus bull Valley Correctional Facility print shop. Technology Services branded 06. The bull was purchased During the past year, the State of through the Indiana Evaluation Program Indiana has gone through the process (Indiana Bull Test Station) and the first of consolidating all IT support services sired calves will make their appearance at into a single support agency in order to Putnamville in early spring of 2007. save the State money as well as avoid duplication of staff and services. As of Additional farming initiatives include August 7, you may reach the IOT Help collaboration between Purdue University Desk at (800)382-1095 or 234-HELP and Agriculture Department and the USDA/ one of the IOT Helpdesk technicians will Natural Resource Conservation Service - answer your call and either resolve your Forage and Grazing Specialist to develop problem, or open a ticket for another a long range plan to blend our natural support level to resolve your problem. resources and our livestock production You should be able to find this number needs. on a sticker on the hard drive of your Seventeen offenders embarked on the computer. 4-year program that requires 8,000 hours including 545 hours of classroom Research and Planning training and 7,455 hours of on the job The Department is in the process of training. Upon successful completion, establishing a sex offender workgroup, Juveniles the offenders will earn a nationally made up of local sheriff department recognized certificate as a journeyman staff, to help standardize sex offender Committed to level Offset Press Operator. Offenders registration and registry activities across leaving IDOC as journeyman offset press the state. The group will work to develop Community Service operators will have marketable skills and standardized procedures for registration, a great future. develop common forms that can be used outh Bend Juvenile Correctional by each county, identify training and SFacility Students have recently informational needs, etc. The group will participated in well over a dozen meet monthly beginning this Fall. community service projects. The students have worked scores of hours Staff Development and Training cleaning alleyways, streets, sidewalks, Staff Development and Training, with vacant lots and along railroad tracks the assistance of Human Resources filling over a hundred bags of trash. The completed the first phase of Mentoring students have assisted numerous groups Training for the Department. The and agencies such, as packing toys Mentoring Program is the vision of the and food for Hurricane Katrina victims Agency Head to promote professional while working with LeSea Ministries, the growth and inspire personal and Northern Indiana Food Bank, St. Vincent Putnamville Farm Industries professional motivation, thus enhancing DePaul Society, The Parks Departments the effectiveness of all new employees and South Bend Code Enforcement. The After eight years of leasing the farm in the Department of Correction. best rewards come when strangers thank land at the Putnamville Correctional Mentors will provide assistance and students for their hard work in giving Facility, PEN Products has begun guidance to new employees during their back to the community. progressionINcorrections 9 Play Ball Families at he staff and offenders at Tthe Indiana State Prison and Pendleton the Intra City and Babe Ruth Little League have formed a Juvenile partnership to improve the league’s infrastructures and the quality of the baseball program. Correctional
The participants have worked Facility extremely hard this spring to Not to be outdone Superintendent Ed get the two ball diamonds, located on taff at the Pendleton Juvenile Buss and staff have raised money and are prison property, ready for the opening Correctional facility made a sponsoring the “Warden’s White Sox’s.” S day, which occurred on Monday, June day of it, celebrating facility-wide Two offender organizations the JAYCEE’S 12. League officials provided all the our commitment to one another and the American Legion Post No.130 materials and Superintendent Ed and our families during the annual are sponsoring the “Michigan City Hawk Buss provided the offender labor. Off “Employee Recognition Day”, held Eyes” and ARAMARK, the company that is duty prison staff members supervised in conjunction with our quarterly providing the food service for the prison, offenders from the prison’s minimum- Staff Recall meeting. is sponsoring the “ARAMARK Yankees” security unit who were assigned the and the “Braves.” tasks. The prison will also maintain the The employee appreciation lawns in and around the ball fields, with committee, led by Natalie Walker On Monday, June 12, Major Bob supplies provided by the league. with members Sarita Terrell, Leann Cabanaw threw out the first pitch of the Childress, Jennifer Spear, Bernice game. The competition appears to be In addition to the repairs, camp prison Stacey, Sondra Woods, and Debbie heating up after the Warden’s White Sox’s staff and offenders have also raised Cline cooked up burgers, wings, beat the Custody Cubs 14 to 7 during the enough money to sponsor five teams. and hot dogs (complete with all opening game. One thing is for sure, a The custody officers led by Major Bob the “fixings”) and celebrated on lot of young boys and girls are going to Cabanaw donated the money to sponsor the lawn with games and activities be enjoying themselves this season. the “Custody Cubs.” for children and family members of staff.
The late-morning showers did PEN Produces not dampen spirits and activities moved inside to the chapel for Major Moves Signs an assembly recognizing Officer Nunn, Assistant Principal White PEN Making Signs - and Teacher Shah as Employees of the Quarter. Recipient of Creating Jobs the Making a Difference Award, Sergeant Leo Harris, was also EN Products sign operation at the recognized. Staff receiving service PWestville Correctional Facility recently award pins were recognized, as manufactured 200 specialty information As you wander Indiana or wait in a were Spot Bonus award winners. signs for the Indiana Department of construction zone, look for the blue and Transportation. Two sizes of signs were white signs that say: Superintendent Dempsey made; 75 signs were 4 foot by 8 foot; 125 and Assistant Superintendent signs were 48" x 30". These signs were Drive Safely Commons were complimentary and appreciative of the teamwork manufactured and delivered to INDOT's Indiana is Making Major Moves Logistics Support Center on Friday and extra effort demonstrated by July 7th and Monday July 10th. INDOT Building Roads the facility’s fine staff. installed the first "Major Moves" signs on Creating Jobs July 10th. 10 progressionINcorrections From the Operations Division Edward B. Motley, Deputy Commissioner of Operations a great turn out as usual despite the Community Transition Program Work Release raining on and off through out the day. Section has now stopped mailing the Centers All the teams that competed were from eligible Community Transition Program Volunteers of all over the State ranging from CISM offender’s progress reports, conduct America of Indiana (Critical Incident System Team), SITCON summaries and face sheets to the has received a $20,000 Families Count (Situation Control Team i.e. negotiators), Community Correction Components and Family Strengthening Awards grant K-9 (Canine), E-Squads (Emergency the Prosecuting Attorneys. We are now through a joint partnership of the Annie Squads) and both the Central and faxing this information to them. This is E. Casey Foundation and Volunteers of Northern SERT (Special Emergency saving over $6,000.00 a year for these America national. The grant recognizes Response Team). It was a great day for all mailings. As this process streamlines, we exemplary programs that improve the that competed and attended showing will also start faxing the judges. We are outcomes for children by holistically everyone the camaraderie and team always looking for a better way. serving families. The awards program work that is involved with being a part of works to increase family self sufficiency any emergency team. This competition and self determination, and strengthen is done every year and encourages community support for families. The everyone on these teams to stay Painting the Past grant will be used in the Healing Families mentally and physically fit while being a program, a program within Theodora part of a specialized team. House, Volunteers of America of Indiana’s 80-bed community based center for Also attending were soldiers from the women transitioning from prison or jail Army National Guard Unit at Stout Field back to the community. in Indianapolis. A big thank you goes out to them for allowing us to utilize some of Volunteers of America, Indiana was their equipment such as a climbing wall also the recipient of a $10,000 grant for a new event this year and the Five Ton from the Major League Baseball Players trucks for the truck pull. Thanks to all the Association charitable foundation. volunteers that came from surrounding abash Valley Correctional The Players Trust, the first of its kind in facilities to help Emergency Response WFacility Recreation professional sports, was established and Operations set up the events and help Coordinator, Mike Miller and his is administered by the players to improve maintain a steady flow all day. Everyone staff came up with the idea to put the lives of the needy and to encourage worked hard all day, especially all those their talented offender artists to others to do the same. This grant will that were competing, as it showed their work, art work that is, to benefit purchase “toolkits” that provide positive, dedication to their profession and to the community. The Sullivan County area is filled with historical structured activities that the mothers and everyone that attended. children can do together to help build landmarks and with talented positive family bonds. Operational offender artists like Danny Adams it’s a shame not to paint and Support Services Volunteers of America serves as a preserve them. As of January 20, 2006 the IDOC jail contract work-release center for the population was 1,691. In February 2006, Indiana Department of Correction As a result a small black and white Operational Support Services, with the operating three facilities: Theodora photo, taken in 1936 of the Indian assistance of the Reception Diagnostic House located in Indianapolis serving Prairie Baptist Church has taken Center, accelerated the intake of the on new life. The portrait of the women, Brandon Hall located in Indiana Department of Correction historic Carlisle, Indiana church was Indianapolis serving men, and Hope Hall offenders in the county jails. This recently presented to Reverend in Evansville serving a co-ed population. was due to the newly privatized New Paul Jones. The picture will hang in the church, above an old pew Emergency Response Castle Correctional Facility opening up new IDOC beds. The current Indiana rescued from a fire at the original Operations Department of Correction jail population church building. Adams took just The Emergency Response Operation is now below 1000 offenders. a week and a half to complete the Competition took place this year June painting and he looks forward to 07, 2006 at Pendleton Heights High To optimize performance of the many more projects in the future. School in Pendleton, Indiana. It was Operational Support Services, the progressionINcorrections 11 Greyhound Prison Partnership Saves Lives of Greyhounds he Indiana Department of Correction the community. Bob Campbell, Tand the National Greyhound volunteer-services coordinator at Foundation, a leading Greyhound Branchville stated, “It’s a program Rescue, a non-profit organization that’s going to teach the offenders launched its new SECOND CHANCE important skills like responsibility.” AT LIFE: GREYHOUND & INMATES Prison Partnership in four of Indiana’s SCAL is the first program of its facilities, one hundred Greyhound correctional facilities. kind to have an evaluation data bank on recidivism and the success of the Adoption Partners, 18,000 inmates and community adoptive parents, all “The Greyhound Rescue program at program. working together to save more than the Correctional Industrial Facility, 6,000 retired racing greyhound’s lives Branchville Correctional Facility, Plainfield The nation wide collaboration when each year. Re-entry and Education and Miami completed, will partner over one Correctional Facility will allow offenders hundred Department of Corrections to bond with the dogs and make them more family-friendly. The bonding will allow the retired racing greyhounds to become adoptable,” said Commissioner J. Indiana Celebrates the Graduation David Donahue.
The Second Chance at Life: Inmates and of the First Women's Greyhounds Prison Partnership is free to the State of Indiana and will establish a Meth Treatment Program in Prison prison pet program that will provide a n April 26, 2006 Rockville Foster Care Home and Inmate caretakers Correctional Facility graduated for retired racing greyhounds. O 48 offenders from the Clean Lifestyle is Freedom Forever (CLIFF) program. “This is the first time many of these “We believe in you, we are all behind inmates have ever experienced you, and we love each one of you,” unconditional love”, says NGF Executive Governor Mitch Daniels told the Director, Beverly Sebastian. “And there’s graduates. “We can not be a great nothing like a greyhound to show you state if we leave anybody behind, that love.” especially those who stumble in life. Gene Martin, Commissioner Donahue I’m looking out at this group, and I "We are really about trying to reform and and Governor Daniels congratulate think I see 40-50 beautiful women promote behavioral opportunity changes graduates. with purpose and goals. Now you just for the men, women in our system and have to see it through. When you do, our kids. But this is also about creating it will be a big victory for you, for your educational and peer supported an opportunity for the community. We families and for the state of Indiana.” activities up to 15 hours each day. are excited to implement this program The program addresses not only as part of providing rehabilitation to The Women’s Clean Lifestyle is substance abuse, but trauma and offenders and saving 300 retired racing Freedom Forever (CLIFF) program other abuse that has plagued these greyhounds in the coming year,” added was developed specifically for women for years. Once the women Donahue. female offenders that are addicted to have completed the program, they methamphetamine. This special unit may stay and be mentors on the unit, The Partnership not only benefits the opened on September 1, 2005 with or be transferred to a work release greyhounds, but provides a complete 80 offenders. These offenders attend program until they are released back curriculum and job training for the group therapy, substance abuse to their communities. inmate from their selection into the program, through re-entry back into 12 progressionINcorrections Indiana Provides CAMA Conference Innovative Solutions
ndiana's Lt. Governor ISkillman, Indiana Department of Correction (DOC) Commissioner J. David Donahue, and John Murphy, he 19th Annual Correctional Vice President and General TAccreditation Managers Manager of Johnson Controls Association (CAMA) Conference Inc., announced that four state was hosted by the Indiana prisons will be converted to Department of Correction in systems that burn corn for downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. heat. The conference provided attendees the opportunity to increase "Indiana is becoming a leader their expertise and knowledge in the bio-energy area. We regarding accreditation, network have become an overnight with colleagues and access many success in the bio-fuels (L-R) Jim Hanson, John Murphy, VP, both of Johnson Controls, resources for professional growth. production game and are Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, and Indiana Dept. of Correction Commissioner J. David Donahue, Wednesday, June 7, 2006 rapidly expanding the number Hosted in a city known for its at a ceremony held at the Plainfield Correctional Center of public pumps that offer E85 racing the 2006 Race to CAMA celebrating new energy management upgrades for Indiana - ethanol fuel made from corn Department of Correction facilities, including the installation Conference focused on a host of - and bio-diesel - diesel fuel of four Indiana corn-fueled biomass boilers, Plainfield, Ind. accreditation topics such as Trends (PRNewsFoto/Johnson Controls, Inc., John Harrell). made from soybean oil – to in Accreditation, Professional Hoosiers," said Lt. Governor Certification Programs, Accrediting Skillman. "This is really a win, win deal," said Juvenile Facilities, Accrediting Commissioner J. David Donahue. "Not Parole Agencies, Jail Accreditation, "This contract will change the way we only will Indiana farmers have a new Accrediting Old Facilities, do business and affect all of corrections- market for their corn, the Department of Accreditation Requirements and - employees, offenders and facilities," Correction will save millions on energy Making your mark on Accreditation. said Commissioner Donahue. "These costs." In addition to Accreditation topics improvements include upgrades and Indiana hosted workshops on retrofits to energy management systems, "This project truly is Indiana people, innovative approaches to Reentry installation of water conservation growing and buying Indiana corn such as: Suicide Prevention, Indiana devices, facility-wide lighting upgrades to improve the efficiency of Indiana CLIFF Units, and Women's Prison and a cleaner environment." facilities while having a global impact on Programs. the environment," said John Murphy, Vice The Department of Correction will be President and General Manager, Johnson The conference included two installing four corn-fueled biomass Controls. "Johnson Controls is excited powerful luncheon speeches by systems at the Plainfield Correctional to be a part of such a dynamic and Louisiana Department of Public facility, Pendleton Correctional facility, innovative solution to energy concerns Safety and Corrections Secretary Westville Correctional facility and and aging facility systems." Richard Stalder on "Managing Indiana State Prison. Indiana corn will Corrections in the Time of Crisis-The fuel the boilers and Hoosier contractors "This plan also has a positive impact effect of Hurricane Katrina" and will install them. Each year, the on taxpayers because it is self-funding: Indiana's very own J. David Donahue Department of Correction expects to money saved from the energy savings Commissioner of the Indiana spend 2.6 million dollars buying Indiana will pay the debt service associated Department of Correction who gave corn - or more than 1.6 million bushels with this project. We are proud of the a Mother's Day tribute on "What of corn grown on 116 thousand acres of Department of Correction for that Mama says Impacts the World of Hoosier farmland. money saving, fiscally-conscience idea," Corrections". added Lt. Governor Skillman. progressionINcorrections 13 Prisoners Shift Gears at the Indiana Relay for Life Department of Correction iami Correctional Facility ommissioner J. David good about their contribution M(MCF) participated in the CDonahue is pleased to meeting these needs and American Cancer Society’s Relay to announce another also receive a tax deduction. for Life of Miami County for the exciting work skills It doesn't get any second year, raising $2,849.62. development better than that,” said program that will Commissioner J. David Relay for Life is an overnight benefit offenders Donahue. celebration of hope, progress and communities. and answers. In honor of the The Department of by the Indiana Department of Correction All donations of 8.5 million Americans who have Correction is partnering bicycles will be received survived cancer, teams of friends, with The Bicycle Garage by Volunteers of America families and co-workers raise Indy, and Volunteers of and will become fully tax funds to support the continued America to collect donated deductible for the donor. bicycles from the general fight against the disease. During public and refurbish them at the BGI has two locations where bicycles can the event, the teams gather at the Pendleton Correctional Facility and the be donated: Bicycle Garage Indy - North, Peru High School track and take Indiana State Prison. 4130 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis or turns walking or running laps. at Bicycle Garage Indy - South, 997 East Each team tries to keep at least "This Shifting Gears: Recycled Bikes County Line Road, Greenwood. one team member on the track at Program is a win-win-win opportunity. all times. First, offenders will have the opportunity “Not only will the program develop to develop skills and discipline that valuable work skills among inmates but MCF held several fund-raisers will be useful to them upon release. the refurbished bicycles will be donated over a three-month period to Second, there are so many unfulfilled to a variety of not-for-profit organizations raise money. The “Miami Cancer needs for bicycles, be they for fun or who will distribute them where needs Fighters”, which was the name for transportation, and the product of exist but financial resources do not,” of their team, held a concert this program can really help to meet added Donahue. – featuring two MCF staffers who those needs. Lastly, the donor can feel play in a band; had a “game of chance”; had a Texas Hold’em tournament; and sold T-shirts. Who's Who Congratulations to the Miami Cancer Fighters on a job well done. outh Bend Juvenile Correctional Degree from Ball SFacility Superintendent Dawn State University, Buss has been with the Department majoring in of Correction for eighteen years. Criminal Justice She started her career with DOC as and Criminology. a Correctional Officer at Plainfield Dawn Buss Correctional Facility she went on to serve Personal as Counselor at Correctional Industrial Interests: Facility and Westville Correctional Spending time at the beach, Facility, and then Case manager at cooking out with family and friends, Westville. She is recognized as the first trivia games and Suduko puzzles. female Unit Manager at a maximum Last Book Read: security facility in Indiana. Ms. Buss has Who Moved My Cheese? served as Assistant Superintendent at Westville and Indiana State Prison. In Favorite Inspirational Quote: April of 2005 she assumed her duties Be the change you wish to as Superintendent at South Bend see in the world. – Ghandi Juvenile. Ms. Buss has a Bachelor’s 14 progressionINcorrections
Setting Sail Letter to the Editor Reprinted from the Indy Star, July 23, 2006
STATE OF INDIANA Department of Correction Indiana Government Center - South Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. 302 W. Washington Street • Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2738 J. David Donahue Governor Phone: (317) 232-5711 • Fax: (317) 232-6798 • Website: www.in.gov/indcorrection/ Commissioner Letter to the Editor The Indianapolis Star P.O. Box 145 Indianapolis, IN 46206-0145
Dear Editor:
As Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Correction I was pleased to read Dana Knight’s story entitled “5 Jobs That Protect”, which highlights, among other public safety careers, the correctional employee, which she describes as having “one of the toughest jobs in law enforcement.” I could he U.S.S. Vincennes is back on active not agree more, and am happy to see staff getting the recognition they Tduty after a yearlong construction deserve. project at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility. The ship is a lot smaller than the The simple fact is that correctional employees are essential to a successful original U.S.S. Vincennes but it has a big criminal justice system. Everyday they suit up and contend with people mission. convicted of serious crimes, and courageously safeguard Indiana communities by preventing criminals from returning to the community The Vincennes Historical and Antiquarian to threaten public safety. In addition to this, correctional staff must Society wanted a model of the ship to also control offender behavior in prison, and protect the inmates from be part of a travelling display at Knox each other, protect their fellow staff, and even protect offenders from County Schools. Offender Larry James, a themselves. This must be accomplished while providing programs and model builder for over 42 years agreed treatment to these same offenders to try and curb their criminal mindset so to make the model using paper, twine they can return to society as law abiding citizens, which is another form of and a lot of glue. Nearly three thousand public protection. hours later the ship was finished. James used charts and plans the historical It is important to mention that this past Session of Indiana’s General society obtained from the Smithsonian Assembly, Governor Daniels and I worked with Senators Mike Young and to build the model. Anita Bowser to introduce legislation, which the Members of the General Assembly unanimously supported, and which recognizes the hazardous The original U.S.S. Vincennes was duty service performed by correctional employees that protect the State’s commissioned in 1826 and was the law abiding majority from its offending members. This legislation paves the first naval vessel to circle the world, way for improved benefits and other compensatory enhancements, and also serving as the 1840 Antarctica promotes a higher level of professionalism to this deserving group of public expedition flagship. Now the society servants. wants James to tackle models of the other three U.S.S. Vincennes ships. Again, my sincere appreciation goes to your reporter, Dana Knight, and your editorial staff for recognizing the important public safety responsibilities Board member Belle Kasting, who also carried out each day by Indiana’s state and local correctional employees. serves on the WVCF Advisory Board, says the model project is an invaluable J. David Donahue educational tool for the children of Commissioner IDOC Vincennes, Indiana. EOE progressionINcorrections 15 DOC Triples Donations for The Villages Kids
he Indiana Department of Correction Tkicked off their fund raising efforts, to collect donations for The Villages of Indiana, on April 04, 2006, at the Indiana State Prison. Linda Adams, Executive Director of The Villages of Indiana, provided a brief overview of The Villages and the children that were helped with the Departments previous year donation of six thousand four hundred forty dollars and thirty-one ($6,440.31).
On August 10, 2006, the Department held a brief ceremony to present The Villages of Indiana with yet another offenders, the Indiana Department of donation, complete with backpacks and Correction was able to present a check to school supplies for two hundred (200) The Villages of Indiana in the amount of children. With the combined support $19,054.24. and efforts of staff and offenders throughout the Department, the Indiana The top three facilities leading in Department of Correction was able to donations were the Putnamville present The Villages of Indiana with a Correctional Facility, Wabash Valley check that far exceeded expectations. Correctional Facility and Henryville Thanks to the generosity of staff and Correctional Facility. Hand-made PLUS Unit Offenders Presented Quilt Donated by Check to "The Villages of Indiana" Offenders
Linda Adams of The Villages was The Purposeful Living Units Serve PLUS offenders at Branchville presented with a hand-made offenders from Miami Correctional Correctional Facility presented quilt donated by the Wabash Facility presented Commissioner Deputy Commissioner Bruce Valley Correctional Facility PLUS Donahue with a $500 donation for Lemmon with a check for The program. Pictured Left is Janna The Villages Project Backpack. Villages project backpack. Anderson, right is Linda Adams. 16 progressionINcorrections Offenders Lend a Hand with Michigan Nothing But Net City's Tree Planting Efforts he Correctional Industrial Facility detail. Over 70 trees were planted by the Tset up a basketball goal in the offenders in two days.” parking lot on July 18 and 19 and sold staff members dollar chances to Ed Buss, ISP Superintendent said, “We are shoot hoops to win daily raffle prizes always open to collaboration with the which were donated. Also included Michigan City Community and feel that were a free throw contest and a we are also providing valuable life skills longest shot contest. Each winner to our offenders during these endeavors.” received a prize. Over $190.00 was raised and split between the n an effort to improve the scenic “The Department is committed to public Nothing but Net Foundation and Ibeauty of the city, the Indiana State safety while promoting opportunities for The Villages Backpack Project. Prison Minimum Security Unit and the offenders,” said Commissioner J. David The Nothing but Net Foundation Michigan City Streets and Sanitation Donahue. “Planting trees to help improve purchases mosquito nets for families Department are planting hundreds of the landscape of communities in Indiana in Africa and other third world trees within the city. is great way to create a positive, greener countries to protect them from environment.” malaria. They said $10 would protect “The project is moving much faster a family of four for about four years. than I had anticipated”, said Michigan The Indiana State Prison Minimum It was nice to help 9 or 10 families City Forester, Frank Seilheimer. “The Security Unit is located on the grounds of in another country and staff raise offenders are excellent workers and have the Indiana State Prison and houses 320 morale at the same time. done a commendable job during the offenders.
Summer Camp Upcoming Events any of us take camp was held on the Mfor granted the grounds at the Indiana opportunity to spend Women’s Prison and is a 12th Annual National Major Gang the day with the woman five-day experience full of Task Force Conference who shapes our lives, our learning, laughs and love. Adams Mark Hotel, mothers. Can you imagine The program is offered Indianapolis, Indiana not having the ability to to children between the September 11 - 13, 2006 pick up the phone and call ages of 5 – 12 whose Conference registration: your mom or visit her at mothers are incarcerated www.nmgtf.org. will? This is the challenge at Indiana Women's Prison Hotel reservations: that faces all of the and are actively involved (317) 248-2481 or children whose mothers in the Family Preservation toll free (800)444-2326. are incarcerated. But for Program. one week a year, these 73rd Annual ICA Conference children are given the Activities included Commissioner Donahue “Scaling the Mountain to Re-entry: opportunity to see their a petting zoo, water mothers on a daily basis interacts with kids at camp. activities, daily parades, Following the Path to Success” and strengthen the bond guest speakers and Horizon Convention Center between them. entertainers, crafts and barbecues Muncie, Indiana and plenty of ice cream! The camp is October 4-6, 2006 Summer Camp is a nationally recognized made possible by the contributions of Conference registration: program designed specifically for individuals, churches and community www.indianacorrectionalassociation.org incarcerated mothers and their children organizations who are invested in the Hotel reservations: (765) 741-7777 to engage in activities that promote future of those children who live in their bonding and family values. This innovative community.