Oregon DOC Inmate Newsletters (SRCI, OSP, EOCI and TRCI)

[2Lovebirds]

My husband sends me his newsletter every month and if anyone is interested I will type most of it out. There is always Pathfinders and Parenting info so I am not typing that info up. TRCI newsletters are once a month. If admin would like they can 'sticky' this thread.

Volume 8, issue 9 September 2008

Oregon Photo ID cards
Because of federal legislation, on July 1 DMV implemented many
changes that limit the documentation they will accept for proof of identity and proof of residency. As a result of these changes, the DOC "verified ID" release cards will no longer assist offenders in receiving Oregon ID photo cards or drivers' licenses.
Since issuing verified release ID cards will no longer help an offender to get a DMV ID card or drivers' license, DOC will no longer continue with the process of verifying an inmates' identity. Offenders will continue to be issued DOC release photo ID cards, but they will no longer say "verified".
More than ever, we do relaize that people being released from prison need identification if they are to be successful living in the community, working, and finding a residence. We will shift our focus from the verified ID process to that of each offender to get a birth certificate and a social security card prior to release. These documents will have many more benefits than the ID or verified ID cards have.

IP 40 and SB 1087 Many institutions and the Department's Office of Public Affairs have received phone calls from your family and friends regarding Initiative Petition 40 and Senate Bill 1087. These two proposals have been assigned ballot measure numbers. Ip 40 is now known as Measure 61 and SB 1087 is now known as measure 57. Both measures would increase the penalties of property and drug offenses and they will be on November's ballot. They both would result in a significant increase in Oregon's prison population over time.
If measure 61 passes mandatory minimum prison sentences will not be abolished.
If bm 61 passes DOC will not have release authority and will not request it.
If either bm passes offenders will not be released early.
The department's current plans include temporary/emergency beds, rental beds and new prison construction. All institutions will be affected to some degree if either measure passes. The goal is to have the smallest impact on the system as possible. The Inmate Habitability workgroup will be visiting each institution to talk with inmates. These visits will occur Sept. through Oct. We will continue to keep you updated on this process.

Reminder: the legal library cannot copy any canteen receipt, nor can they copy an inmate's ID card.

Visiting
Visiting applications are taking from 4 to 6 weeks to process.Please make inquiries about pending applications directly to the Inmate Services Unit only if you have not heard back on the status of your application after 6 weeks. Inquiries take time to research and actually slow down the process for everyone. The other part that you can do to expedite processing is to make sure the application is filled out completely so we will not have to return it to you for more information. Your counselors no longer perform this function and do not know the status of your application.
There is some good news on the horizon however. The Visitng Application is now available through the DOC website and can be sent directly to the Inmate Services Unit. This should cut down on time for those of you who encourage your family to use this feature. We have also provided some of the basic visiting information on the website so your family and friends may better prepare themselves for interacting with prison rules and regulations. Please remember that time sensitive visits can be approved as a 'special visit' by your Superintendent.

The Mail Bag
Self addressed stamped envelopes:The canteen has stock remaining of embossed envelopes that may only be used to send out as SASE for someone to send a return letter to you. Please inform anyone to whom you send these to to add a one cent stamp before using them.
Used Books
In order to save you or your family some added expense, The Mail Rule has been modified to allow 'used' books to be sent to you directly from the publisher or distributor. They will be treated exactly the same as new books. If they are stained or otherwise difficult to inspect they will be returned to the sender.
Altered photographs or magazine clippings that have portions marked out or cut out are not permitted.

Employment Opportunity
SRCI Call Center in Ontario, Oregon
If you are interested in this job opportunity at SRCI Call Center you will need to meet the following criteria to be considered:
* 6 months of clear conduct
* No program failures in the last 6 months
* Must have at least 12 months left on sentence
* No ID theft or unauthorized use of computers
* Can not be in any programs that would conflict with 7:30am to 4:00pm work week
All OCE Call Center phone agents start at 11 PRAS points, with the opportunity to work up to 17 PRAS points.
Please submit an inmate communication to M. Schachtsick/OCE stating your interst and any experience you may have.

Attention dads who have graduated the Parenting Inside Out class:
Parenting Children's Event- Summer Festival
If yoy graduated PIO(even if it was not at TRCI) and have children, you are invited to attend a Special Children's Event- Summer Festival at TRCI on September 22, 2008 at 1:00pm in the visiting room. You must have 6 months clear conduct, have your children on your visiting list, or the children you used for PIO class. First come, first serve for the list. This event is for your children. Please list the names of guests when you register for the class. If you are interested and your children can attend please send a kyte by Sept. 15 to Sharp-PIO coach to register for the event.

Inmate Grievance Review system reminders

ACRS Automated Criminal Risk Score
The ACRS is a probability calculation that an inmate will commit a future crime. This score comes from evidence based data to include the inmate's age, prior theft convictions, prior incarcerations, earned time, sentence length, previous revocations, type of crimes and custody numbers. If an anmate's ACRS is above 19% then he will be assigned to a Counselor caseload that will focus on Intensive or Intermediate Case Management. Our goal is to reduce the risk of future criminal behavior.

Changes to Beverages During Mealtime
In order to try to advance the goals of the ODOC to assist with a healthier lifestyle, it has been determined that soft drinks should be eliminated from one of the meals. Starting Oct. 15, iced tea will be served at the lunch meal. New studies point to evidence that tea is associated with important health benefits. These healing properties have been attributed to to help with enhancing immune function.

From Central Health Services...
Information about Readiness for Vhange and Chronic Hepatitis
The 'Readiness for Vhange" pamphlet program for risk behavior reduction which was imlemented for inmates with chronic hepatitis C is under the direction of Central Health Services. The process is as follows:
Interested inmates will kyte Health Services requesting Hepatitis C evaluation, and an appointment will be scheduled.
If as part of the evaluation the medical provider determines risk reduction behavior is appropriate, he or she will direct you the patient to enroll in the program. Completion of these pamphlets is valuable for all people with chronic Hep C and by DOC guidelines is required before liver biopsy or viral eradication medications.
There are 4 mandatory workbooks. Native Americans may request an additional booklet called Strengthening the Spirit.

3rd Annual Inmate Art Contest-2009
Pictures will be judged and the winning art displayed at Central Office for 1 year from Sept. 1, 2009 until Aug. 31, 2010. There is no limit to the number of pictures you may submit.
(Lots of additional info)
Your friends and family members are welcome to come by any time Monday-Friday 8am to 4:30pm to view the art display at the Dome Building.

CD 28's for check requests and VAC should go directly to TRCI Business Services.
TRCI Local Inmate Services Center provides these services that were previously provided to you by your correctional counselor.
Visiting applications submitted by inmates are emailed directly to Inmate Service Center in Salem daily.
Submit birth certificate and Social Security card requests to the Local Inmate Service Center.
Notary:Submit a Kyte for Notary Public to the Local Inmate Service Center.