EDITOR'S CORNER
Ignoring an issue or creating a law to prevent it doesn't mean it goes away or doesn't happen. That's the lesson that finally seems to be sinking in at corrections facilities across the nation as they grapple with the fact that sex between inmates continues to occur. States may outlaw it, facilities may try to prevent it, but it's still a reality.
And while corrections is quick to acknowledge its illegality, some agencies are considering programs that combine sensible health practices with safe sex options. This week's article addresses what's being done to manage this inevitable taboo.
Jim, Corrections.com editor
FEATURED STORY
To have and have not
By Ann Coppola
Recognizing the inevitable
In California the laws about sexual activity inside prisons are simple; inmates cannot have sex and they cannot have condoms. Therefore, the state’s ban on “sexual barrier devices” in prisons might make sense in terms of the law, but officials are less certain about whether or not the policy is right for the health of the inmates and outside communities.
This month, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) will embark on a one-year pilot program testing the use of condom vending machines. Approximately 1,000 inmates living in Facility II at California State Prison, Solano will have access to the machines.
“This is going to be the most comprehensive review of a condom access program for prisoners ever done,” says Mary Sylla, Policy and Advocacy Director for the Los Angeles-based Center for Health Justice (CHJ). The non-profit is running the pilot with CDCR. Read this week's full story.
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READER FEEDBACK
Regarding Jails and higher education
I could not have said it better myself! As an FTO, I have turned away people during OTJ because they are a security risk, or I have put trainees through remedial training because they were not grasping the importance of doing the job the right way.
I evaluate trainees on their ability to run a dorm, being security minded, their time management, and how they treat inmates. I have seen other FTOs pass people that did not need to be in this type of work environment. Then when I work with them they get frustrated. It's not fair to the team or the trainee.
FTOs, STGs, or SRTs should get an incentive to encourage them to do the job with a higher sense of morale and higher degree of integrity. Thank you to the officers out there who do it with integrity and a sense of high morale. It makes a difference to the team and how a shift is run.
KC
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LOOKING AHEAD
NOW ON CORRECTIONS.COM
Celebrate the journey
The 12th National Conference of Women Working in Corrections and Juvenile Justice is coming to Des Moines, Iowa this October. Full story
Mixing custody and substance abuse treatment
In my readings, I came across an excellent book on corrections... Full story
Hats off to county corrections
Last year, I was asked to testify as an expert witness on corrections at a contract arbitration in New York. Full story
BUSINESS NEWS
North Carolina DOC Licenses ATG’s Pharmacy Administration System
The North Carolina Department of Corrections has licensed ATG’s Pharmacy Administration System for all its 78 institutions serving 37,000 inmates. More
Keefe Group and Sopakco combine efforts towards hurricane disaster relief
Due to the devastating aftermath of hurricane activity, most recently Hurricane Ike, inventory of self-contained products has virtually been depleted to assist with the relief effort. More
NaphCare announces contract with Federal Medical Center Devens, Massachusetts
NaphCare, a Birmingham - based provider of correctional health care, was recently re-awarded a dialysis contract with the Federal Bureau of Prisons Medical Center located in Devens, Massachusetts. More
CAREER WATCH
EVENTS
Women Working in Corrections and Juvenile Justice National Conference
The 2008 Women Working in Corrections and Juvenile Justice National Conference will be held October 26 to 29 at the Marriott Hotel in Des Moines, Iowa.
Keynote speakers will include:
Dr. Brene Brown
Bonnie Campbell
Meda Chesney-Lind, Ph.D
Gwendolyn C. Chunn
Dr. Marilyn Van Dieten, along with colleagues from the field, will deliver a day long work shop on "Merging Evidence-Based Practices and Gender Responsive Research: An Innovative Case Management Model."
This year's conference also will include five main tracks of interest:
- Leadership at all Levels - Motivating staff, dealing with change, issues for women in leadership
- Workplace Climate and Culture - Team building, multi-generational workforces, diversity, workplace relationships
- Corrections and the Community - Working with victims, collaborating for best results, reform movements in juvenile justice
- The Offender's Journey, Helping Facilitate Change - Reentry, gender-specific programming, working with females in the juvenile justice system
- Living a Balanced and Healthy Life - Evaluating and balancing your priorities, the value of coaching, managing stress
For more information on the conference and to register, please visit our website www.womenincorrections.com
Management of HIV/AIDS in the Correctional & Community Setting
Date: 10/22/08
This program addresses clinical issues in the management of HIV-infected patients and is a unique, collaborative venture among Albany Medical College, the New York State Department of Correctional Services and the private pharmaceutical industry. Each program addresses a different clinical aspect of HIV infection using the same format: didactic lectures, case presentations and a panel discussion. More information.
Jamaica 4th Annual Corrections Training Conference 2008
Date: 10/22 - 27/08
as this conference will offer workshops, training sessions and to network with established National and International Corrections Professionals. At this conference we will continue the discussions on the “Caribbean Association of Corrections” More information.
Strategic Communication for Corrections & Law Enforcement Staff
Date: 11/13 - 14/08
This vital two-day training provides corrections and law enforcement personnel with the opportunity to learn and practice communication, self-management and conflict management skills based on best practices. More information
Check out more events.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"The effort to understand the universe is one of the very few things that lifts human life a little above the level of farce, and gives it some of the grace of tragedy."
- Steven Weinberg, (1933 - ) American physicist, Nobel laureate in Physics, author of The Quantum Theory of Fields andGravitation and Cosmology
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