Inmate Services consists of the following support Units/Sections:
Inmate Welfare Fund-
The Inmate Welfare Fund exists by way of statutory authority granted
to the Sheriff to establish, maintain and operate a store
in connection with the county jail. The sale price of articles
offered for sale through commissary shall be fixed by the
Sheriff with profits from the sales placed into the Inmate
Welfare Fund. In addition to the revenue generated from commissary
sales, any money, refund, rebate, or commission received from
a telephone company or pay telephone provider when the money,
refund, rebate, or commission is attributable to the use of
payphones by inmates while incarcerated shall be deposited
to the Inmate Welfare Fund. Additionally, ten percent of all
sale proceeds from inmate hobby crafts must also be deposited
into the fund.
Penal Code Section 4025 (e) states that all profits into the Inmate Welfare Fund shall be expended "primarily for the benefit, education and welfare of the inmates confined within the jail. Any funds that are not needed for the welfare of the inmates may be expended for the maintenance of county jail facilities. Maintenance of county jail facilities may include, but is not limited to, the salary and benefits of personnel used in the programs to benefit the inmates, including, but not limited to, education, drug and alcohol treatment, welfare, library, accounting, and other programs deemed appropriate by the Sheriff. An annual report of these expenditures shall be submitted annually to the Board of Supervisors."
Inmate Welfare Commission-
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Inmate Welfare Commission
was established in 1951 by Sheriff Eugene Biscailuz. The commission
was established without ordinance or Board of Supervisors
resolution. It is an informal body which consist of nine members,
all of whom are private citizens appointed by the Sheriff.
The Inmate Welfare Commission is an advisory board for the disbursement of monies from the Inmate Welfare Fund. This is a non-delegated duty, and the final decision to make expenditures is the Sheriff's responsibility. The commission acts in an advisory capacity to the Sheriff. The control that the Inmate Welfare Commission has over the Inmate Welfare Fund is delivered solely from the delegation of the Sheriff's authority, while by law the Sheriff retains responsibility for the expenditure of the funds.
Religious and Volunteer Services Unit-
The Religious and Volunteer Services Unit's primary purpose
is to coordinate the delivery of religious services to the
inmate population. There are currently over 2000 representatives
from the various ministries (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish,
Muslim, Christian Scientist, Jehovah's Witness, Episcopalian)
who volunteer to provide for the spiritual needs of the men
and women incarcerated within our jail system.
Members of self help organizations also conduct meetings inside the custody facilities. They include representatives from Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous and Marijuana Anonymous.
Friends Outside -
Friends Outside under contract through the Inmate Welfare
Fund, and assigned with the Community Transition Unit, provide
inmate and family social services to inmates incarcerated
in Los Angeles County Correctional facilities. Inmates reach
the Friends Outside through referrals from volunteers, such
as Clergy, Educators and the inmate request forms. Such services
include:
- Individual, group and/or family counseling
- Referral to community resources and counseling
- Drug & Alcohol abuse counseling
Correctional Education-
The Department contracts with Hacienda La Puente School District
for the Correctional Education Program at all facilities.
The Inmate Welfare Fund forward-funds the program each July,
and the School District returns approximately three fourths
of the money from state grants when the annual state budget
is approved. The exact amount of the refund is based on the
average daily attendance (ADA) of inmates who participate
in the educational process.