SIFC Visiting Work Group Meeting Minutes‑October 2024

October 10, 2024 10:00 a.m.

Extreme Weather

With extreme temperatures across the state and most prisons not having AC SIFC was looking for more avenues to alleviate the heat stress for the residents. Suggestions were made to work with Community Resource Managers (CRM) to add more items to the canteen list such as cooling towels. Each facility can also submit for an exemption for an extra fan as an allowable item. Also, the heating plan memo is being updated. A noted change is previously temperatures were taken outside of the cells, now the temperatures will be taken inside the cell.

Standby Visits

SIFC understands policy does not call for standby family visits but would like standby visits to have a timeframe. For example, if a family cancels a scheduled family visit more than 30 days away that should not be considered a standby visit as there is ample time to reschedule another family and alleviate the waitlists. This will be looked into, and it would be best addressed with standardized OP’s.

AB134

Now that AB134 is in effect, with all the new permitted items that the families can bring into FV families would like to be allowed more than one bag per person. Some facilities already have this in practice, but most do not. The extra bag can be written into local policy.

Incarcerated and Children

SIFC is looking for clarification on our incarcerated loved ones being allowed to hold their minor children and being allowed in children’s designated play areas. Incarcerated individuals are allowed to hold their children and enter designated play areas to allow for bonding with their children.

Medical Notes

Can it be standardized across all facilities that a medical note be good for one year? Some facilities are requesting a new medical note (examples metal rods in body, dietary restrictions) every time the families visit which creates a financial hardship because there is cost tied to seeing the doctor to update the note when there are no changes. Medical notes are good for one year. CDCR will clarify with all institutions regarding this policy.

Donation form

Can the donation form be simplified or shortened as many families report confusion in completing the form. The form is a standardized form and cannot be shortened.

Special Treats for Holidays

Can IFCs be allowed to bring in special treats for holidays as an exception to the vendor contract? Unfortunately, due to vendor contract facilities cannot provide treats for the families for the holidays. Water can and will be provided by facilities during inclement weather.