The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to employers for hiring individuals from certain target groups who have consistently faced significant barriers to employment. This allows the individual to move from economic dependency into self-sufficiency as they earn a steady income and become contributing taxpayers.
The WOTC target groups include:
Learn more at https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/taxes-and-financing/wotc/
]]>"Combined with practical work experience and a nationally recognized certificate, these skills put the residents on stronger footing to reenter the workforce upon release," said Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda.
The program covers kitchen basics, food service management and the ServSafe certification. Those who participate in the program complete class work, quizzes and a final exam.
Gaining employment that pays a livable wage is a foundation of success once an individual is released from prison. The program is sponsored in partnership with Aramark, KDOC's contracted food service provider.
]]>Morris, a 43-year-old black male, left for Walmart in the community at 4:05 p.m. and was reported missing when he did not report back to the facility following an approved community pass.
Morris is 5 feet 10 inches tall, 179 pounds, slender build with brown eyes and black hair. Morris was last seen wearing jeans and a long sleeved, button up, white shirt and gray sweatshirt. Morris is known to inhabit homeless communities in Wichita.
Morris is currently serving a sentence for a conviction in Sedgwick County for removing electronic monitoring equipment. Morris was last seen leaving the Wichita Work Release Facility at 400 South Emporia in Wichita, Kansas.
Anyone with information on Morris can call the Kansas Department of Corrections at 316-265-5211, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911.
The escape is currently being investigated. New information will be released as it becomes available.
The Wichita Work Release Facility, a satellite unit of the Winfield Correctional Facility, is an all-male, minimum-custody state prison with a population of 250.
]]>“Tommy brings to his new position within EDCF the insight and experience gained by serving in multiple roles at Hutchinson and El Dorado,” said Jeff Zmuda, Kansas Secretary of Corrections. “In addition, he has demonstrated thoughtful leadership and care for the welfare of our staff and our residents throughout his history with our agency.”
Williams began his career with the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) in June 1984. His work assignments have included corrections officer and corrections specialist in the training department where he co-founded KDOC’s Defensive Tactics program. He has also served as an investigator for Enforcement Apprehension Investigations (EAI), corrections counselor and unit team manager.
He is an active member of the American Correctional Association and United States Deputy Wardens Association. While in Hutchinson, Williams served on the board for Sexual Assault Domestic Violence of Reno County and two terms as a commissioner for the Human Relations Commission of Hutchinson.
He is an alumnus of both Leadership Reno County and Kansas Leadership Center of Wichita. Williams teaches martial arts at the American Karate and Martial Science where he has been the chief instructor and owner for over 30 years. He is a three time inductee into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
The 1,955 bed El Dorado Correctional Facility opened in 1991 and was expanded in 1995 and 2001. The facility is designed for maximum- and medium-custody residents and to serve as the Reception and Diagnostic Unit (RDU) for all adult males sentenced to KDOC. In RDU, residents receive orientation and are assigned to a custody classification, appropriate programs and a permanent housing assignment.
]]>Oct 26, 2020 TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that seven Kansas colleges will be receiving $2,229,125 million in Pell funding for incarcerated citizens. The awards were officially announced by the U.S. Department of Education in April 2020, with colleges receiving notice in September of specific amounts.
The colleges awarded Second Chance Pell Experiment status are Barton Community College, Great Bend, KS; Colby Community College, Colby, KS; Donnelly College, Kanas City, KS; Hutchinson Community College, Hutchinson, KS; Kansas City Kansas Community College, Kansas City, KS; University of St. Mary’s, Leavenworth, KS; and Washburn University, Topeka, KS.
“We know that increased access to education reduces rates of recidivism among formerly incarcerated individuals,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These grants are a great development for our correctional facilities and our criminal justice system as a whole.”
The funding will enable approximately 700 incarcerated citizens to participate in credit-bearing Career Technical Education (CTE) programs in addition to associate and four-year degrees. This was the second round of awards through the U.S. Department of Education, with 67 colleges selected from 180 applicants. Kansas received the highest number of awards in the nation.
“These grants are an important milestone in our commitment to increasing higher education opportunities in Kansas correctional facilities,” said Kansas Department of Corrections Secretary Jeff Zmuda.
The colleges will deliver 25 programs in the eight KDOC correctional facilities. Certifications will be offered in areas such as welding, solar energy and photovoltaic, wind technology and business management. Associate degrees will be offered in general studies, applied science, business, networking and office administration. Bachelor’s degrees will be offered in science health information systems management, computer information systems and integrated studies.
The colleges involved are supported by the Kansas Consortium on Corrections Higher Education, a coalition of eleven Kansas colleges, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) and Kansas Board of Regents. The Consortium works closely with the agencies and colleges to ensure prison programs are of the same quality as those on campus and deliver certifications and degrees in high-demand occupations.
“We greatly appreciate the commitment and support from our partnering colleges and the Kansas Board of Regents,” Zmuda said. “Giving residents the opportunity to gain skills and earn a livable wage is critical to becoming successful, contributing members of their communities.”
Under the Violent Crimes Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, incarcerated citizens lost the ability to access Pell Grants through Federal Financial Aid. In 2015, The Second Chance Experiment program was established, and then expanded in 2020 with now a total of 130 higher education institutions participating, in 42 states and Washington, D.C.
The Second Chance Pell Experiment provides need-based Federal Pell Grants to individuals incarcerated in federal and state prisons. The grants allow incarcerated citizens to receive Federal funding to enroll in postsecondary programs offered by local colleges and universities or distance learning providers. In the first two years of the experiment, institutions were awarded approximately $36.2 million in Federal Pell Grants
In April, the U.S. Department of Education said nearly 5,000 incarcerated citizens received Federal Pell Grants in the 2016–17 award year, and 6,750 incarcerated citizens received Federal Pell Grants in the 2017–2018 award years. A recent study by the Vera Institute of Justice noted that more than 4,000 credentials—including postsecondary certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees—have been awarded to Second Chance Pell students over the past three years.
According to data from KDOC, about 75 percent of people entering Kansas prisons have weak education and employment histories, elevating their risk to remain in the KDOC system. The relationship between correctional education programming, quality employment and recidivism has been the subject of numerous national studies. Education programs significantly increase the likelihood of sustained livable wage employment for those who return from prison. When sustained employment is achieved, recidivism decreased by over 30 percent for high risk citizens, and decreased by 22 percent for moderate risk citizens.
Two studies by the Rand Corporation in 2013 and 2018, found that higher education programs can reduce returns to prison by 43 percent. For every $1 invested in higher education for incarcerated students, taxpayers save, on average, between $4 and $5 in three-year reincarceration costs.
]]>Program facilitators said group members demonstrated accountability for their actions, learned to empathize with their victims’ experiences and explored healing from trauma they have experienced throughout their life.
Another 14 residents have recently completed the Victim Impact Class. This is a restorative justice program that helps residents explore the impacts of trauma and victimization through a 16 class sessions. The program is designed to encourage personal introspection, reviewing victim testimony and taking time to explore the participant's own victimization and how it contributed to their crimes.
"These graduates, and so many of our residents who are engaged in programming, are to be commended for taking such huge, positive steps toward healing and brighter futures," said Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda.
Zmuda expressed appreciation for the staff who oversee and deliver this programming.
"This direct service to residents is challenging, yet rewarding work, and our staff's extra efforts, care and compassion are truly appreciated," Zmuda said.
]]>Jeff Zmuda, Kansas Secretary of Corrections, shares his thoughts on the wide-ranging benefits of "second chance hiring." KDOC residents in our correctional facilities provide a skilled, dependable workforce to solve labor shortages, gaining essential skills they need to be successful post-release.
Second Change Hiring, 2021, presentation by Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda
In January 2021 an evaluation of the Kansas Correctional Industries (KCI) and KDOC's Private Industry Program was completed by Eric J. Lichtenberger, Ph.D. The study explored the impact on post-release employment and recidivism.
An Evaluation of Kansas Correctional Industries/Private Industries (KCI/PI) Programs, January 2021
Findings in a 2008 research conducted by the Urban Institute Justice Policy Center found:
Prison Policy Initiative examined rates of unemployment among formerly incarcerated people finding they are almost five times more likely than the general public to be unemployed, and many who are employed remain relegated to the most insecure jobs.
Citation: https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/outofwork.html
Rand Corporation had conducted research on educational needs recognizing that individuals who leave federal and state prisons return to communities where they have to compete with others for jobs.
“As already noted, according to RAND’s research, inmates who participate in correctional education programs have a 13-percentage-point reduction in their risk of returning to prison; this indicates that every $1 invested in education can reduce future incarceration costs in the near term. More concretely, we estimated that every dollar invested in prison education programs saves taxpayers, on average, between $4 and $5 in three-year reincarceration costs.”
Citation: https://www.rand.org/pubs/perspectives/PE342.html
The Second Chance Business Coalition promotes the benefits of second change employment and provides employers with resources to hire and provide career advancement to people with criminal records.
The Prison Post #30 Jeff Korzenik, Author of Untapped Talent https://t.co/KttpH3l0Ne?amp=1
Untapped Talent, Jeff Korzenik https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOm5WTn246GMBIBG1JeJb9w
Second Chance Project — Dave's Killer Bread https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1R2v6Us7MEEWn91Pnd8u9w
Google Small Business Stories: Nehemiah Manufacturing Company https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-0yWGWcupg
Nehemiah Company Culture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxraJmzPlZg
Koch Industries Editorial Take a chance on second-chance hiring | Washington Examiner
]]>The program has been developed by KDOC in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute (UCCI). The four-year grant supports this innovative program in Kansas, described by the Department of Justice and UCCI e as a unique and first of its kind approach.
Staff assigned to the restrictive living units and new staff hired to deliver case management and programming have all been trained in an evidence-based model as part of the preparation for launching the program.
While conducting research for the project, KDOC found that while the overall recidivism rate was just over 32% in the most recent reports, the recidivism rate for residents who spent time in restrictive housing at El Dorado or Lansing within six months of their release to the community was over 10% higher, at around 43%.
This underscores the need to increase programming opportunities for this segment of KDOC residents where opportunities are often limited.
“Initiating steps to assist these residents in successfully returning to the community is good for the resident and good for the neighborhood in which they will be living upon their release,” said Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda.
Detailed metrics have been established with outcomes identified to measure the success of this project.
“I believe this approach will become a model for our other facilities, and other corrections agencies, on how to help create an environment for change and well-being,” said Zmuda. “The AIR program clearly presents us with an opportunity to improve public safety.”
Related Story:
]]>Governor Laura Kelly, Kansas
“When we look at our correctional system, over 90-95% of those folks are going to be coming back into our Kansas communities. Be a whole lot better to use the time that they are in our system to provide an education, get training, get certificates, get licenses, so that when they come out they are ready to take the jobs that we know are available.”
Joe Reardon, President & CEO of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
“KC Chamber members have told us the importance of reducing crime in our region and we believe one of the most effective strategies the business community can take is leading the conversation on hiring returning citizens. We believe in the importance of restoring dignity to incarcerated individuals through education and jobs training while giving them the tools to succeed when they are released from prison. We have also heard from our business community on the business case for hiring returning citizens. These team members often become the best employees a company has, and often remain the most loyal.”
Deb Kirby, Deb's Cattle Service
"I have had PI workers for over 10 years. I think this program is extremely beneficial in the reintegration of inmates to the workforce and life outside of prison. Many of these individuals have never had a job other than the streets. We try to teach skills that will benefit them wherever they decide to go once released. It also helps them to have some money in their pocket when they get out so they can hopefully get on their feet and not go back to their “old ways”. They get a peek of what life can be like if they make good choices once released."
Dave Cox, Plant Manager, Maico
“As far as reservations as far as hiring people with a felony background, there’s a lot of good guys that just simply made a bad choice at some point. Doesn’t necessarily make them a bad person for the rest of their life.”
If you are an employer interested in hiring KDOC residents, email KDOC_CareerCampus@ks.gov
or call 785-296-3317.
Private Industry Employers (June 3, 2022) | ||
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Aramark - EDCF Aramark - HCF Aramark - TCF Aramark - LCF Aramark - LCMHF Aramark - NCF Aramark - WCF BAC - LCF-Central Barkman Honey - HCF Blue Hill - NCF Cal-Maine - HCF-South Creekstone Farm - WCF Electrex - HCF East Evergreen - HCF Great Plains - ECF Heatron - LCF-East |
Henke - LCF-East Hess - NCF-East Hubco - HCF-East Husky Hogs - NCF Impact Embroidery - EDCF Kansas Protein Foods - HCF KBK Industries - LCMHF Kirby Cattle - LCMHF Kirby Enterprises - LCMHF KMW - HCF Koch - TCF LaCrosse - LCMHF LPF - LCF-Central Maico - ECF Martin Machine & Welding - HCF South |
NFL - TCF Mill Creek - HCF-South Moly - ECF Osborne - NCF Pioneer - EDCF PKM Steel - ECF Polo - TCF Redbarn PIECP and Pet Products - LCMHF Russell Stover - TCF Seat King - HCF-Central Skyline - WCF Wifco - HCF-South Wilkens - NCF-East Zephyr - LCF-East |
KDOC Strategic Plan |
December 2021 Update |
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Our MissionPartnering to Promote Safety and Responsibility through Best PracticesOur VisionTransforming Lives for the Safety of AllKDOC Guiding Framework (pdf)Strategic Plan Implementation (pdf)We will turn this Vision into reality by:
Our Beliefs
|
Under our strategic plan, Pathway for Success, KDOC hasfive Strategic Implementation Teams (SITs) hard at work. The Employee Environment SIT has three sub-teams focusing on various issues, including staff retention and recruitment, staff development and wellness. The Communications SIT has completed a survey and developed a report primarily focusing on staff communication as an initial project. The Population Environment SIT has three sub-teams centered on issues relating to residents within our facilities:
The Resource Deployment SIT has developed and tested a tool at El Dorado for staff to report the condition of computers and chairs and is now working on a plan to launch the tool at all sites. The team also completed a staff survey of the use of CBI (Cognitive Behavior Intervention) techniques, including staff training and effectiveness. This study will help support changes and improvements that will be recommended in the coming year. The final strategic implementation team – Grants and Resource Attainment Literacy SIT – completed a survey of staff and volunteers about how receptive they were to certain tasks being performed by volunteers, residents, parolees or probationers. Based on survey results, the team will develop recommendations on ways to increase efficiency and provide meaningful opportunities for others to become involved in our vision of Transforming Lives for the Safety of All. This is not an all-inclusive list of progress to date! Every team is hard at work gathering data, researching best practices, and more importantly, talking with other staff members on ways we can improve. |
Last fiscal year, OVS provided direct services to 10,242 victims and batterer intervention programming to 227 individuals. There are currently 40,978 victims registered with OVS.
The department has expanded from providing victim notification - the original statutory requirement - to offering liaison services, restorative justice programming and batterer intervention programming.
Learn more about OVS at https://www.doc.ks.gov/victim-services or download the brochure at https://www.doc.ks.gov/victim-services/publications/brochures/ovs-brochure/view
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