OFFICE OF VICTIM SERVICES

THE BEACON KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS OFFICE OF VICTIM SERVICES F A L L 2 0 1 3

MESSAGE FROM AUDREY CRESS DIRECTOR OF VICTIM SERVICES

After four months as Director of Victim Ser- KDOC respond to victims of any type of vices for the Kansas Department of Correc- crime, not just domestic violence. I INSIDE THIS tions (KDOC), I had the opportunity to be have been thoroughly impressed with I S S U E : involved in the Office of Victim Services the compassion and commitment of (OVS) activities as part of Domestic Vio- staff within OVS and KDOC. I am full of CHAMPION OF 2 JUSTICE AND lence Awareness Month (DVAM). In over a gratitude to be serving in this position, VICTIM’S VOICE A W A R D S decade of working in domestic violence alongside amazing women and men prevention and intervention, this October who are committed to victim safety and SERVING VICTIMS 3 OF OFFENDERS was the first time in which I was not em- honoring victims’ voices in this system. O N P O S T - ployed within a community-based domestic RELEASE/PAROLE violence program during DVAM. I worried As encouraging as things have been so ADVOCACY FOR 4 V I C T I M S that I would feel disconnected from those far, I know we can always do better and roots, which couldn’t have been more false. I will strive to continue to grow and im- The OVS staff worked diligently to create prove in our response to victims of FACILITY 5 H I G H L I G H T awareness opportunities and provide re- crime. I look forward to serving in this sources and information to others within new capacity and, as I continue to settle

POWER OF THE 6 KDOC. I had many opportunities through- into this role, I am open to feedback PERSONAL STORY out October to reflect on – and be im- from anyone about how we can better pressed by – KDOC’s commitment to serve our clients, communities, and DOING THE WORK 6 victims of domestic violence and efforts to partners. Please do not hesitate to end violence in our communities. email me anytime at [email protected]. DVAM was just the most recent large-scale opportunity for me to see how OVS and

Our Mission In honor of the Kansans who lost their lives at the hands of another, the Victim Services Division of the

Kansas Department of Office of the Attorney General and the Kansas Organization for Victim Assistance (KOVA) Corrections Office of are coco----hostinghosting two Annual Remembrance Receptions: Victim Services serves as a liaison between victims and department Friday, December 6th, 2013 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm staff, the Prisoner Review Board, and victim DuganDugan----GorgesGorges Conference Center, Newman University, 3100 WW.. McCormick Street, Wichita

service providers. We are ththth committed to providing Monday, December 9 , 2013 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. crime victims the Memorial Hall Auditorium, 120 SW 10 ththth Street, 2 ndndnd Floor, Topeka opportunity to express their ideas and opinions. We will approach our The reception features a slideshow presentation of photos, quotes and remembrances in honor of those work from a victim- focused perspective. who have lost their life to violence. If you would like to attend the reception or contribute a photo to the slideshow, please contact Joan Proctor at 785785----368368368368----6505.6505. FALL, 2013 Page 2

CHAMPION OF JUSTICE AND VICTIMS VOICE AWARDEES

Each year, the Office of Victim Services (OVS), at LCF. Both of these programs impact the facility, the names quarterly recipients for two awards. The inmates, and victims by creating more awareness Champion of Justice Award is given to a Kansas about crime victims, the rights of victims, and the im- Department of Corrections (KDOC) employee who pact crime has on victims. Ashley’s work ultimately works diligently for the safety of crime victims and/or assists OVS in meeting the needs of more victims. public safety in general while supporting offender success. The Victim’s Voice Award goes to an ad- The 2012-2013 vocate of victims outside of the KDOC system. This Victim’s Voice Awardee is award is to someone in law enforcement, county of- fice, or victim advocacy programs who goes above Michelle Barnes. and beyond to make sure that our victim’s safety is Michelle is a 911 Dispatcher for Shaw- considered. From those quarterly recipients, an an- nee County. After the death of two To- nual awardee is named in the spring. peka Police Officers in the line of duty, Michelle started a fundraiser to benefit the families of The 2012-2013 fallen officers. The memorial t-shirt program allowed Champion of Justice is people in the community to participate and contribute Ashley Maxwell. to something meaningful and give back to the officers Ashley is a Corrections Counselor at who work for the safety of our community. Her efforts Lansing Correctional Facility. She made a difference in the lives of the surviving family has actively supported OVS by assisting with and members financially and emotionally as they continue facilitating Victim Impact Classes and a Victim/ to see the support from the community. Offender Dialogue Facilitator Training Day. Her work allows OVS to improve their abilities to pro- OVS congratulates both Ashley and Michelle – we ap- vide Restorative Justice Programming to inmates preciate the work they have done on behalf of victims.

CHAMPION OF JUSTICEJ U S T I C E THE VICTIM’S VOICE FALL QUARTER 2013 FALL QUARTER 2013

Brett Peterson handles many different roles at LCF as a JOE ATHERTON is a retired KDOC parole officer and, as a Policy Compliance Manager, Public Information Officer, volunteer in several of our programs, he is an important part of and Executive Officer to the Warden as well as coordinat- the Office of Victim Services and what we do. Every month Joe ing the Safe Harbor Prison Dog Program. Whether he commits to advocating for victims at the Wichita Public Com- takes a call from an offender’s family member concerned ments sessions. He also assists with the Victim/Offender Dia- about that offender or from a victim wanting to under- logue program as a facilitator and with the Victim Impact Class stand the KDOC process and policies, all are treated with program as a classroom facilitator. the same care, compassion, and respect. Brett is always quick to consult with the Office of Victim Services to make Joe has had a lot of impact on the victims that are served sure that victim’s needs and questions are addressed as through these programs. If we did not have the volunteers like promptly as possible. At times, Brett has had to respond him who are dedicated to this work, those programs would have to phone calls regarding offender injuries and even death. trouble existing. Joe listens, and hears the struggles the victim/ His collaboration with Victim Services when, at times, the survivors are having at PCS where he assists them by referring offender’s immediate family members have also been the offender’s victims has certainly made what could have them to OVS for additional services, getting victim’s questions been extremely stressful situations much easier for staff answered through VOD, or helping inmates realize the impact of and the victims both. their crimes on victims/survivors.

Thank you, Brett! Thank you, Joe! FALL, 2013 Page 3

VICTIM SERVICES LIAISONS SERVE VICTIMS OF POST RELEASE OR PAROLE OFFENDERS HELPFUL BY OVS LIAISONS LAURA FARMER, CAMIE BORSDORF, AND ABBIE VEACH TTOLL- O L L ---FREEFREE The majority of offenders release from a ment of restitution owed, finding employ- N U M B E R S KDOC facility with a period of post re- ment, and expectations of behavior. lease or parole supervision. This commu- There is also a standard condition that nity supervision time is structured to pro- directs the offender to have no contact National Children’s Alliance vide guidance and case management for with the victim of the crime of conviction. (800) 239-9950 the offenders as they reintegrate into society. The period of post release su- For victims who have safety concerns National Center for pervision under determinate sentencing upon an offender’s release, Liaisons are Victims of Crime is decided by the courts upon sentenc- available to discuss the concerns and (800) 394-2255 ing, and can range from 12 to 36 offer suggestions and recommendations months for most offenders. Offenders to address personal safety needs. Safety National Domestic Violence who were sentenced prior to July 1, planning can be for an individual or fami- Hotline 1993, or have committed an off-grid of- ly and often incorporates local communi- (800) 799-7233 fense, such as First Degree Murder, ty service agencies that are available to collaborate to create a plan of action for National Mothers Against have their parole determined by the Pris- Drunk Driving oner Review Board. the victim. Liaisons can work with the parole officers to obtain information, (800) 438-6233 There are four Victim Services Liaisons advocate for the needs of victims, and DUI Victim Center of Kansas who work in parole offices across the engage the parole officer, who supervis- (800) 873-6957 state to assist crime victims while the es the offender with appropriate case offenders are being supervised in the management, to address specific safety National Council on Aging community. Parole Liaisons are available concerns. (800) 424-9046 to assist victims who may have ques- tions about this transition. Services pro- When contact is wanted by a victim of an National Center for Missing & vided by Liaisons include questions re- offender who is supervised by parole, Exploited Children garding conditions of release and post Liaisons will work with parole officers to (800) 843-5678 release, who the supervising parole of- address those requests on a case by ficer is for the offender, as well as safety case basis. This victim initiated process, National Sexual Violence planning discussions. Services provided called family reintegration, occurs when Resource Center by OVS staff are victim initiated, confi- victims are family members with an of- (877) 739-3895 fender and reintegration into the home dential, and are specific to the needs of National Organization for each victim. is sought. Liaisons represent victims with that interest to parole staff and Victim Assistance Key legislation, including the Kansas other community partners who may be (800) 879-6692 Open Records Act (KORA) and the Kan- working with that offender. Office of Crime Victims sas Crime Victims Bill of Rights dictate what information, regarding an offend- If an offender violates the conditions of Advocacy er’s status in the community as well as supervision, parole staff investigates the (800) 822-1067 decisions regarding an offender’s super- details of the violation. The liaison con- tacts any victim who has been affected Rape, Abuse, and Incest vision, can be made public. While some National Network (RAINN) information can be found on the KASPER by the violation and provides ongoing information including parole decisions (800) 656-4673 website http://www.dc.state.ks.us/ kasper, other details can be obtained by regarding violations, continuation of Juvenile Justice contacting parole liaisons. supervision in the community and revo- Clearinghouse cation of supervision that returns an (800) 638-8736 There are 12 standard conditions of su- offender to a KDOC facility. pervision for offenders who are on post National Clearinghouse for All Victim Services Liaison services are release or parole. Conditions are direc- Alcohol and Drug Information tives that offenders shall abide by for the confidential, voluntary and victim initiat- ed. For more information about these (800) 729-6686 duration of supervision. The standard conditions address a wide range of ex- services, call the OVS toll-free number, Stalking Resource Center pectations including, but not limited to, 866-404-6732. (800) 392-2255 the frequency of reporting to parole, pay- FALL, 2013 Page 4

ADVOCACY FOR VICTIMS BY DENISE HAUGEN AND LISA HECHT

In Kansas there are many different • Help the victim recover property provide notice of an offender’s types of advocacy for victims. used as evidence following a trial. current status (incarcerated, pa- Some programs are community- roled, absconded, etc.) and help based while others are affiliated Many county/district attorney offic- them navigate the KASPER with criminal justice agencies es employ Victim/Witness Coordi- website, which allows community such as the prosecuting attorney’s nators. These professionals help members, including victims, to see office, law enforcement agencies, ensure that victims and witnesses the offender’s release date, where the court, probation or the prison are kept informed of the status of the offender is housed, and any system. Each of these is designed their cases and are treated in ac- disciplinary issues the offender to allow a victim to feel there are cordance with the laws of the State has had while incarcerated. The avenues available to them for of Kansas. They are responsible KDOC Office of Victim Services serving any (and all) of the unique for contacting all victims and wit- staff’s key role is providing the needs they may have to best allow nesses prior to their court dates, victim both an advocate and a them to return his or her life to ensuring that victims receive offi- voice while the offender is in the some degree of normalcy. cial notification regarding all court prison system and on parole. proceedings, and also routinely Notifications are sent in regards to Immediately following the commis- meet with victims of crime. They some of the changes in the of- sion of a crime, the victim may be assist with preparation of Victim fenders’ status such as work re- traumatized and afraid. A commu- Impact Statements, provide court lease program or community work, nity based victim’s advocate may orientation and information on the clemency applications, media work with the responding law Kansas Bill of Rights for Crime appearances, offender’s release enforcement agency to: Victims. They offer courtroom date, parole revocation, arrests for • See that the victim receives tours to help familiarize victims new crimes, and more. Other emergency medical treatment as and witnesses with the room in services offered by OVS include necessary. which they will later testify and can stopping unwanted contact by assist families in seeking counsel- offenders whether by letter or • Acquire food, shelter, clothing or ing as well as financial assistance phone calls, requesting special other necessities the victim may for costs related to their victimiza- conditions of parole as a part of immediately need. tion. The Victim/Witness Coordina- safety planning for the victim, • At the victim’s request, contact tor should be a key communicator assisting with visitation for those family members to inform them of between the prosecutor and the who still want to visit the offender the situation. victim, expressing the victim’s but may have safety concerns, • At the victim’s request, contact needs and feelings in regards to conducting tours of a prison, and employers if the victim will be testifying, plea bargains, expecta- maintaining an apology letter unable to go to work. tions for sentences, and requests repository for offenders that write • Help the victim report the crime that restitution court ordered. apology letters to be held until the to the proper authorities and victim requests to view it. complete any required paperwork. Within the Kansas Department of • Help the victim file a restraining Corrections (KDOC), the Office of As advocates for victims and for order (often in the case of domes- Victim Services (OVS) provides a the success of offenders, OVS tic abuse or stalking). network of services that are victim supports the risk-reduction fo- and safety focused. OVS began cused system that the Department • At the victim’s request, contact with the basic service of victim no- of Corrections has embraced. creditors to arrange for delayed tification and has since expanded Victim safety is a central and pri- payments, suspension of late to provide a network of services mary factor to the work of reduc- fees, or aid in filing Crime Victim’s that attempt to lessen the impact ing offender’s high risk behaviors Compensation to cover expenses on crime victims as much as possi- while still providing victim’s input due to the crime committed. ble. OVS begins working with and concerns in the process are • Answer questions the victim may victims after an offender has been imperative. OVS strives to bring have in regards to court appear- committed to the KDOC. They can balance to the system. ances. FALL, 2013 Page 5

THE HUTCHINSON CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, A VALUABLE MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY WORKING TO REDUCE RECIDIVIS M SAM CLINE, WARDEN/DOUG MOSS, PIO

The Hutchinson Correctional Facility the inmates rate the highest in, i.e. Canine Assistance Rehabilitation (HCF) has been a part of the education, family or employment to Education Service (CARES) dogs and Hutchinson community for 128 name just a few. The inmates can the Lucky Dog program. Inmates are years. During this time there have work on these areas by participating able to give back to the community been many changes at the facility in programs that will help reduce by their involvement in these and within the Kansas Department those risk factors while they are programs and experience less of Corrections. Not only is HCF a incarcerated and after release. behavioral problems during their member of the community, it has In Kansas, we have seen a need to incarceration. When they are re- become a local and a regional em- find different avenues to reduce our leased, the inmates appear to be ployer. There are 509 full-time state prison population. At HCF it costs more successful on supervision. and 116 contract employees. HCF $65.74 a day to house an inmate or also has a strong volunteer group $23,996 a year. Several programs While incarcerated, inmates are en- that comprises more than 300 indi- have been implemented by the couraged to maintain contact with viduals from the surrounding com- Department of Corrections to ad- their families. By doing so, inmates munity. The budget for the facility dress the need of reducing the are more apt to have a support base has also had a residual effect for recidivism or return rate of offend- when they are released. This sup- the community across a broad spec- ers to the state system. Some of port base has been found to help trum. For this fiscal year, HCF’s these programs are Mentoring for the inmates be more successful budget was over $31,000,000. Success (M4S), Offender Workplace while on supervision. They can Development (OWDS) and Cognitive maintain these relationships HCF is comprised of three units with Skills development such as Thinking through several different avenues at a total inmate population of approxi- for a Change (T4C); all of which are HCF. Inmates have access to tele- mately 1,800. The number of in- offered at HCF. phones for which they or their family mates fluctuates depending on the members can purchase time. They total inmate population for the HCF currently provides inmates the can also email their family members state. The units house inmates that opportunity to participate in work as well as have visits. HCF has the have different custody levels. An release and private industry jobs. capability to monitor inmate com- inmate’s custody level determines Inmates are able to learn valuable munications and does so when the amount of security or risk con- job skills that will help them upon issues arise relating to the safety tainment that is needed to safely their release and contribute towards and security of the facility and the maintain the population. There are reducing the recidivism rate in Kan- community. several categories that are used to sas. At the same time inmates are determine an inmate’s custody. required to pay for their expenses In the last 128 years, HCF has con- Some of these are his current of- while they are incarcerated. These tinually evolved to meet the ever fense(s), criminal history, how long costs include room and board, changing demands of the criminal he will be incarcerated and his age. transportation, child support, fines justice system in Kansas. It has Another determinate to an inmate’s and victim restitution. During provided a service to the community custody will be his behavior while he FY2013, system wide, work release and to Kansas by maintaining not is incarcerated. If he violates institu- and private industry inmates paid only necessary containment of the tional rules he can receive a discipli- back $6.6 million to the state and inmates, but a means for them to nary report. The severity of the be- communities with nearly $800,000 safely re-enter our communities as havior will determine how adversely of that going to restitution and crime a contributing member. his custody will be affected. victims.

Inmates will also undergo a Level Of Over the years, HCF has become Service Inventory-Revised (LSI-R) known both regionally and national- survey when they are first incarcer- ly for several programs that aid the ated in the Department of Correc- inmate in his development. These tions. This instrument is used to programs are the Wild Horse and help determine what areas of risk Burro program, recycling, the FALL, 2013 Page 6

POWER OF THE PERSONAL STORY Doing the Work—Kari Johnson

BY HOLLY CHAVEZ, VICTIM/OFFENDER By Laura Farmer, PROGRAMS SPECIALIST Victim Services Liaison II There are no victims who deserve class, the offenders listen to a victim’s to be harmed or hurt. Victim Im- experience and then discuss how the Doing the Work is a segment in which pact: Listen and Learn curriculum victim is impacted in these four areas we highlight a person within KDOC from the Office for Victims of Crime, of their life. Offender accountability and how their position supports the is a program that provides offend- happens as offenders are asked to KDOC Mission. This ers with the opportunity to change examine how their actions and edition, we highlight their thinking and their behavior. behaviors have impacted others. The curriculum incorporates of- PC II --- fender accountability and victims’ The initial course, held in the personal stories to show the vast Hutchinson Correctional Facility, had Kari Johnson. impact of crime. In 2011, the Kan- seven offenders who successfully Kari Johnson has sas Department of Corrections, Of- completed the class. Since then, the worked for the fice of Victim Services began train- program has continued at Hutchinson Department of Corrections for six ing staff and volunteers to facilitate Correctional Facility and expanded to years. She is an Offender Workforce classes in the facilities. Currently, the Lansing Correctional Facility. there are seven trained KDOC staff Since the initial course, there have Development Specialist, OWDS, and four trained volunteers who been a total of 22 graduates in three program consultant. are facilitators in this program. sessions. We are continuing to ex- pand our program by looking at inte- Kari provides these services to offend- This 13 week course helps offend- grating more activities for the offend- ers at the Emporia, Lansing, Law- ers define who their victims are ers as well as some additional victim rence, Ottawa and Topeka parole of- and the impact of ten different components. Once those changes are fices. Kari assists parolees with find- crimes and work to comprehend complete, we will be expanding to in- ing employment by offering weekly job the effects of those crimes on dif- clude female offenders and taking the ferent victims. The crimes dis- course to Topeka Correctional Facility. club meetings during which offenders cussed during the course include: explore employment related skills de- -Property Crime The curriculum includes a component velopment and job leads in the com- -Assault for victims and survivors to come into munity. She will also help with offend- -Hate/Bias the classes and tell their story, relay- ers resumes or job applications, and -Drunk and Impaired Driving ing the impact that crime had on -Gang crime them, their families and their commu- other cognitive program to help -Sexual Assault nities, directly to the offenders. Since secure and maintain employment. -Child Abuse/Neglect the classes began in 2011, there have Kari provides referral to local commu- -Domestic Violence been 10 speakers share their experi- nity resources to help offenders be- -Homicide ences in the facilities. We are always come successful and increase public -Robbery looking for more victim/survivors safety. interested in speaking. If you are

The course teaches about areas of interested in speaking, please email Kari’s unique role can bridge the gap impact for victims. Those four im- Holly Chavez at [email protected] or pact areas are physical, emotional, call at 785-817-2594. between offenders ready for the work- spiritual and financial. During each force and companies with positions to fill. Through these services, offenders are given the tools and guidance to What would you like to see information about obtain employment, which helps re- duce recidivism, and provides offend- in a future newsletter? ers the ability to pay restitution, as Email your suggestionssuggestions———— [email protected] well as other financial obligations as they reintegrate into the community. NOTIFICATION We are on the Web! S E R V I C E S www.doc.ks.gov/victim-services Public Comment Session

OFFICE OF VICTIM Release Status—Parole, Condi- S E R V I C E S VICTIM INITIATED tional Release or Post-Release S E R V I C E S Assignment to a Work Release Kansas Department of Corrections Public Comment Session Program Office of Victim Services Advocacy Program

900 SW Jackson, Suite 400 Eligibility for a Community Topeka, KS 66612 Facility Tours Work Assignment Toll free: 866-404-6732

E-mail: [email protected] Victim/Offender Dialogue Application for Clemency

Apology Repository Supervision Revocation

Personalized Web Page Expiration of Sentence www.doc.ks.gov/victim-

services/personalized- Death of inmate offender-information

Escape OFFICE OF VICTIM S E R V I C E S Application for Early Discharge

Interstate Compact “GIVING KANSAS CRIME VICTIMS A VOICE IN CORRECTIONS BY PROVIDING Sexually Violent INFORMATION, SERVICES AND SUPPORT WITH COMPASSION Predator Commitment AND RESPECT”

VICTIM SERVICES LIAISONS

Facility Liaison Services Parole Liaison Services

Visitation/Contact Screening Safety Planning Release Plan Screening Family Reintegration Cease Correspondence Assistance with Investigations/Sanctions/ Facility Tours Revocations/Morrissey Hearings

Advocacy at Public Comment Sessions Referrals/coordination with Community Partners Assistance with Navigating the System