|
Introductions and Presentation of MCCS Award: Art Wallenstein introduced Thomas Fitzgerald of the Maryland Commission for Correctional Standards and Lisa Mandel-Trupp representing County Council's Public Safety Committee Chairperson Phil Andrews to the Committee members and Pre-Release Center staff. Mr. Fitzgerald presented the MCCS Recognition of Achievement Award to the Pre-Release Center for receiving 100% compliance with the standards in adult correctional facilities. Jim Shannon, Acting Pre-Release Services Administrator, accepted the award on behalf of the Pre-Release Center staff as this award was a team effort by all. Mr. Fitzgerald stated that he first heard of the Montgomery County Pre-Release Center as a national model while in graduate school and working for Baltimore Corrections. He also stated that many of our nation's states do not have correctional standards and without standards there are no goals to work towards; Maryland counties need to continue to support correctional standards and go through the audit process to ensure all correctional facilities are of the highest standards possible. Mr. Wallenstein stated that maintaining such high standards as the Pre-Release Center does is a difficult road to travel. After the presentation, a short reception was held.
CHANGE in PRS Community Advisory Board Meeting Time: Future meetings of the PRS Community Advisory Board will be held on Thursdays at 7:30 A.M. instead of 3:30 P.M. Mr. Wallenstein stated that when the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee changed their meeting time from afternoons to early morning, their membership and attendance nearly tripled. The Committee will meet five times a year (January, March, May, September, and November) unless a special issue comes up. The meetings will last approximately ninety minutes. The Committee's goal is to assist in the re-entry process and feel more involved in the decisions of the Pre-Release Services Division.
Recruitment of New Board Members: The PRS Advisory Board needs to add five to ten new members. Eric Brenner suggested contacting people from the faith community (Jane Sachs, Unit IV Manager) has their contact number. Mr. Wallenstein asked John Arney where to go to seek mental health specialists. Mr. Arney suggested contacting the Executive Director of Threshold and other major treatment providers. Marsha Engel (CART Manager) will contact mental health professionals, Jane Sachs (Unit IV Manager) will contact housing and human services; Eleanor Walker (Support Services Manager) will contact local neighbors; Jim Shannon will contact employers and universities; Stephanie Hall (Unit II Manager) will contact people working in women's issues; and Art Wallenstein will contact people in the education field. Mr. Wallenstein will create a template letter for all to use. The trick is what do we have to offer people to become members?
Mental Health Issues: Don Martin (Health and Human Services) asked if PRC was still using private mental health providers. Staff stated that residents are being sent to counselors that specialize in each individual's specific issue. Don said that people are being placed into mental health treatment when they need substance abuse treatment and visa versa. Out patient education is trying to get substance abuse providers into criminal issues. This is the treatment component verses education. Health and Human Services is combining Addition Services and Substance Abuse Services. Mr. Wallenstein stated that Parole and Probation is having the same challenges.
Advertisement for PRS Administrator: Jim Shannon has been Acting PRS Administrator since Susan Wiant retired December 1, 2003. Mr. Wallenstein stated that it has taken four months to write the PRS Chief Administrator's job description, which will consist of 60% re-entry and 30% community relations. The County will be doing a national search and the job will be advertised nationwide. There will be four interview panels and hope is that the new PRS Chief Administrator will be in place by October 2004.
PRC Programs: The Community Release Coordinators are retooling the program's classes (Life Skills, Relapse Prevention, Basic Recovery) provided to new PRC residents. Class scheduling has been revised and last one week instead of two to three weeks.
Elimination of Rotating Shifts: With the assistance of MCGEO and Human Resources, PRC management has worked out shift schedules for Resident Supervisors so all have permanent work hours. MCDC staff have had permanent shifts for the last two years and it is working out fine. The Police Union just recently voted to go to permanent shifts.
Escapes: PRS had its first escapee (from the CART Program) this year. CART staff are in contact with the client's family and watching an area where the client was known to frequent. There has been more turnover with CART clients lately.
Screening of Potential Residents/Clients: Teresa Still is keeping track of sentencing patterns. She will review the last fifty individual who were rejected by PRC and see if there is a pattern. Mr. Wallenstein stated that Teresa and the Screening staff are doing a great job in Screening Section.
Federal Grant Funds: Eric Brenner stated that the state is coordinating agencies to write grants for federal funding. The money is available - the grant requests just need to be written.
Aftercare Ministry Program: Bill Wallace stated that the Aftercare Ministry staff will be recruiting female residents for their program in the near future.
Justice Department Tour: The response from the staff of the Justice Department was great. Mr. Wallenstein said they were quite impressed with MCCF and PRC.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5:00 P.M.
Next Meeting of the PRS Community Advisory Board is Thursday, September 9th at 7:30 A.M. at the Pre-Release Center. The final meeting for 2004 is Thursday, December 2nd at 7:30 A.M.
Download these minutes in Word format
Attachments:
CART 2004 FY Statistical Data.xls
Fy04 Monthly Totals.xls
| 
News
Seniors
