Department: Department of Correction Sponsors:
Category: Agreement
Reason(s) for exception to Board Policy: Pursuant to Board Policy 5.4.5.4, exceptions to the maximum five-year term of contracts must be approved by OCCM. Attached to this Legislative File is a copy of OCCM’s approval of the exception.
Reason(s) for approval of amendment: On September 15, 2015 the Board directed the Administration to present an action plan to immediately improve conditions and accountability at the jail facilities. On October 6, 2015 the Board approved a Public Safety Plan which included a referral to amend the existing chaplaincy contracts to increase the existing service levels in order to provide inmates with more access to volunteer clergy and inmate advocates, address the additional needs of inmates for communication, and provide inmates with a resource to assist them in addressing concerns and grievances. Because the chaplaincy contracts are set to expire on December 31, 2015, DOC requested approval to extend the term for an additional year beyond the 5-year maximum to provide inmates, inmate families, and staff with much-needed continuity of services and additional support without having to potentially adjust to a new group of clergy beginning January 1, 2016.