| Oregon Accountability Model |
|
|
 |
|
|
Children and Families Component
Printable version - Children and Families Component |
| |
To make your own copy of the booklet, print this file back-to-back on letter-size paper:
Explaining Prison Booklet
Print this file if you would rather have the information in straightforward 8.5 x 11 format:
Explaining Prison Booklet
Children of Incarcerated Parents Project - click here
Information for Inmate Families - click here
Inmate Telephone System (ITS) - click here
International Calling at DOC Facilities - click here
Inmate Telephone Repair Instructions - click here
Debit Calling Instructions for Inmates - click here (pdf)
Debit Calling Instructions for Outside Callers - click here (pdf)
Debit Calling Instructions for Outside Callers (Spanish) - click here (pdf)
Collect/Prepaid Telephone Rates - click here (pdf)
___________________________________________________________________________________
The Oregon Accountability Model encompasses the simultaneous, coordinated and efficient implementation of many Department of Corrections initiatives and projects that provide a foundation for inmates to lead successful lives upon release.
The Oregon Accountability Model has six components. Each of these components stands on its own as a project or a part of the Oregon Department of Corrections’ organization and culture. However, woven together these six separate components form a stronger fiber that strengthens the department’s ability to hold inmates/offenders accountable for their actions and DOC staff accountable for achieving the mission and vision of the department.
The Children and Families Component of the Oregon Accountability Model
Research indicates that inmates with strong family ties and support networks are more likely to succeed upon release and that children of incarcerated parents are five to six times more likely to become incarcerated than are their peers. In an effort to apply this research to Oregon, the department has committed to changing current business practices and policies that may hinder family contact and parent/child bonding. The department is exploring and implementing programs and activities that encourage productive relationships between families and inmates.
Children of Incarcerated Parents Project
The department leads a statewide partnership called The Children of Incarcerated Parents Project. This project looks at the criminal justice system as a whole—arrest, jail, sentencing, prison, and reentry—and develops recommendations that support children during every step of the process.
With the combined efforts of the department’s internal committees and The Children of Incarcerated Parents Project, the department is providing opportunities for children and families to remain informed and connected to their incarcerated parent/family member.
Parenting Program
Phase 1: Parenting Classes
Uses the best research-based parenting practices available, the Oregon Social Learning Center and the department jointly developed a comprehensive parenting curriculum for inmates. The 12-week curriculum teaches inmates how to be effective parents, both from prison and upon release.
Phase 2: Therapeutic Visiting
Upon successful completion of Phase 1, a limited number of approved inmates may participate in Phase 2. Phase 2 is also a 12-week course that allows inmates the opportunity to participate in several therapeutic visits with their children and their caregivers, accompanied by a family therapist. During the supervised visits, inmates work on specific skills learned in Phase 1 (e.g., limit-setting and positive reinforcement) and receive feedback from the family therapist.
Early Head Start
The Department of Corrections and Community Action Head Start of Washington County joined forces to provide inmate mothers an opportunity to practice their parenting skills and bond with their children. The Early Head Start Program at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) serves eight children from birth until age four. The children spend three and a half hours, twice a week, in the facility becoming part of a playgroup and receiving both health and mental health services. The mothers and the children’s caregivers participate in parenting classes and spend time parenting the children.
Even Start
The department has the first Even Start Family Literacy program in a prison (CCCF) in the nation. The program facilitates family bonding and improves parenting skills while addressing the literacy needs of both mother and child. It serves up to 50 inmate mothers and 80 children. In addition to bi-monthly meetings, the children receive home visits from an on-staff family advocate who works with school personnel and other community agencies to ensure their needs are being met while their parent is incarcerated. Inmate mothers are required to attend debriefing sessions following each meeting with their children as well as be enrolled in or on the waiting list for Parent Education classes.
Orientations to the Oregon Department of Corrections
The department, in partnership with Oregon CURE, delivers a monthly orientation to inmates’ families and friends. Together, CURE and designated department staff deliver information to family members on what incarceration is all about, what the Oregon Department of Corrections does, how to avoid manipulation by an incarcerated loved one, and how to effectively advocate for them.
Visiting Policy Review
In looking for ways to improve communication and bonding between inmates and their families, the department’s rules, policies, and procedures regarding visiting, phones, and mail are being examined.
To maximize positive family interaction during visiting hours, members of the Children of Incarcerated Parents Project and inmates from the parent education classes have developed recommendations for improving the visiting area. Some of these recommendations include allowing more games, books, and craft projects — creating opportunities for inmates to have more meaningful visits with their children.
Orientation to Community Supervision
The orientation to community supervision is much like the orientation to the Oregon Department of Corrections, but instead is delivered just prior to an inmate’s release to his/her family and friends. The orientation provides information regarding success and support during parole and post-prison supervision.
The Oregon Accountability Model
The ultimate goal of the Oregon Accountability Model is to improve public safety. The model ties together many concurrent and interrelated efforts of the department and its partners into a cohesive strategy to reduce recidivism and influence inmates into becoming productive citizens.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
