Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation - Operations Manual

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Chapter 10 – Adult Programs

Article 9 – Volunteers

Revised July 23, 2018

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101090.11.5 Institution Volunteer Advisory Committees

  • Functions

    • Each Warden shall establish a Volunteer Advisory Committee which shall be used to:

      • Increase communication and partnerships with national, state, and community-based organizations.

      • Increase rehabilitative programming opportunities for inmates.

      • Work proactively at the institution level providing support within the community, such as, volunteer organizations, law enforcement agencies, schools, universities, corporations, and various other agencies to increase volunteer programming and services to inmates.

      • Support programs that unify and strengthen inmates’ ties with family and other community support systems.

      • Create opportunities to increase volunteer participation and monitor the effective delivery of services to inmates.

      • Increase communication and collaboration between the various stakeholders, with the goal of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of systems available to meet the rehabilitative needs of inmates.

  • Role

    • The role of the committee is to:

      • Ensure the Department’s policies are enforced regarding volunteers as well as to ensure consistency regarding volunteer access to the institution.

      • Foster a continued partnership with volunteers in an effort to bring rehabilitative programs to inmates.

      • Promote the expansion and implementation of volunteer programs within the institution.

      • Increase volunteer opportunities and community outreach.

  • Composition

    • Each Warden or designee shall appoint a Volunteer Advisory Committee from a list of nominations submitted, to include the following:

      • Volunteer Leads from local organizations and religious communities including, but not limited to:

        • Substance abuse recovery organizations.

        • Victim awareness and impact programs.

        • Reentry support groups.

        • Anger management organizations.

        • Service providers that fall within voluntary self-help programs.

        • Associate Warden.

        • Captain, Adult Institutions.

        • Public Information Officer.

        • Chaplain.

        • Self-Help Sponsors as determined by the Community Resources Manager.

        • Interested community members.

  • Selection

    • Nominees shall be selected based on experience and length of service.

  • Orientation

    • Appointed community committee members shall complete an orientation which shall include:

      • A meeting with the Warden or designee.

      • Inmate, employee, and community safety procedures.

      • A tour of the institution.

  • Committee Member Files

    • The Community Resources Manager shall maintain a file for committee members as follows:

      • For volunteer members – copies of the volunteer application packet including all required documentation outlined in Section 101090.6.2.

      • For community members – CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Form 181, Primary Laws, Rules, and Regulations Regarding Conduct and Association with State Prison Inmates and statement acknowledging receipt of a copy of the Information Practices Act.

  • Term of Members

    • The minimum term of office of all members shall be two years.  Members shall not serve more than two consecutive years unless approved by the Warden or designee.

    • Committee member resignations shall be submitted in writing to the chairperson.

  • Replacing VACVictims Advisory Committee Members

    • Vacancies may result from a member’s death, written resignation, expiration of term, removal for cause, or an emergency.

    • Every attempt shall be made to fill vacancies within 60 days after notice is received from the vacating member or designee.

    • Appointments to fill a vacancy shall be made for a new two-year term or for the remainder of the vacated term at the Warden’s discretion.

  • Meetings and Minutes

    • The committee shall meet quarterly, or as deemed necessary by the Warden or Chair to carry out the purposes and duties of the committee.

    • The date, time, and place of each meeting shall be distributed to members at least five business days prior to a scheduled meeting.

    • Meetings shall be held outside the prison security area.  Meetings may be held in public buildings away from the institution.  If held on institution property, the meeting shall be accessible to the public without compromising security.

    • The Community Resources Manager shall ensure minutes of each committee meeting are taken, records are maintained, and copies are provided to the Community Partnerships Unit.