June 11, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor Brownback, Kansas Leaders Announce Formation of Juvenile Justice Workgroup
Topeka – Governor Sam Brownback, legislative leaders and Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Lawton Nuss today announced formation of a bipartisan panel that will examine Kansas’ juvenile justice system and recommend comprehensive reforms aimed at improving public safety and outcomes for youth.
The launch of the inter-branch Juvenile Justice Workgroup marks the first critical step of a wide-ranging review of Kansas’ juvenile justice system. Following a model used successfully by many other states, the panel will conduct an intensive, data-driven analysis of the system, evaluating policies and practices to develop proposals for effective reforms.
“Juvenile justice reform is a priority for my administration,” Governor Brownback said. “I look forward to an honest assessment of what’s working and what could be improved. I want to see recommendations that help Kansas protect public safety and improve outcomes across our juvenile justice system."
Formation of the Workgroup comes amid growing concerns about the effectiveness of the Kansas juvenile justice system, for juveniles and taxpayers alike. Some of these concerns have been raised recently by the Kansas Legislature's Joint Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice.
Although juvenile commitment rates have declined in Kansas, the drop has not kept pace with national trends. The most recent national statistics show that while the average commitment rate across the country declined 48 percent from 1997 to 2011, Kansas experienced a reduction of 38 percent over the same time period.
“Over the next six months, the Workgroup will examine the juvenile justice system from top to bottom,” said Chief Justice Nuss. “It will take a hard look at our system to see if it is working as best as it can, and if it is not up to snuff, the experts on the Workgroup will recommend changes to improve outcomes across the board.”
Made up of representatives from all branches of state government as well as law enforcement, the Workgroup will review key data from across the juvenile system and gather input from those who work on the front lines with youth and their families. In developing proposals for reform, the group’s priorities will be to:
The Workgroup’s recommendations will be used as the foundation for statutory, budgetary and administrative changes during the 2016 legislative session. A portion of any cost savings from reforms or averted expenditures would be reinvested in strategies and programs shown to reduce recidivism, hold juvenile offenders accountable and promote public safety.
Joining Governor Brownback and Chief Justice Nuss to establish the Workgroup were Senate President Susan Wagle, Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, Speaker of the House Ray Merrick and House Minority Leader Tom Burroughs. All of the officials expressed optimism that the Workgroup’s review will produce meaningful improvements, leading to better outcomes for youth, their families and Kansas taxpayers.
“The primary goal of this Workgroup is to increase public safety and create a more effective and efficient juvenile justice system,” said House Speaker Merrick. “Working together we can do better for our kids, families and communities by shifting policy and resources toward smarter strategies that cost less. I look forward to receiving the recommendations of the Workgroup later this year.”
“The Workgroup will take a hard look at whether the system is actually achieving the goals that we as a legislative body have set,” said Senate President Wagle. “If we are not living up to our own goals, I urge the Workgroup to help us find ways to improve.”
“I am encouraged that Kansas will be working to develop comprehensive reforms to our juvenile justice system,” said Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley. “Now Kansas has an opportunity to take a look at the entire system, rather than select areas, to help troubled juveniles avoid a future of incarceration and instead become productive members of society.”
“Kansas needs a system where juveniles aren’t just locked up, but one in which they have access to high quality rehabilitation services and the opportunity to redeem themselves and get back on the right path,” said House Minority Leader Burroughs.
The Workgroup is co-chaired by Representative John Rubin and Senator Greg Smith, chairs of the House and Senate corrections and juvenile justice committees. It also includes 15 additional members:
The state will receive technical assistance from The Pew Charitable Trusts throughout the Workgroup process and the 2016 legislative session.
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]]>Consecutive sentence
If an offender has more than one sentence, consecutive means that each sentence is to be served one following the other without interruption.
Concurrent Sentence
If an offender has more that one sentence, concurrent means that each sentence is served at the same time.
Determinate sentence
This is the sentence in which the offender is given a set amount of time to serve. It is expressed in terms of a number of months. An offender who is convicted of an offense committed on or after July 1, 1993 will receive a determinate sentence. The offender will not see the parole board unless the crime was 1st Degree Murder or Treason.
Indeterminate sentence
This is the sentence in which the offender is sentenced to serve a term expressed as a range of years, e.g., 1 to 5 years, 3 to 10 years, 5 to 20 years, etc. Such offenders may be released on parole, and must be released on their conditional release date as explained below. An inmate’s initial parole eligibility is determined by subtracting the amount of good time they earn and retain from their minimum sentence. For example: If an inmate is sentenced to a term of 10-30 years earns and retains all of their available good time, they are first parole eligible at five years. An offender who committed an offense before July 1, 1993 will receive an indeterminate sentence.
Conditional release
Conditional release is a date established as a function of state law and is determined by subtracting the amount of good time they earn and retain from their maximum sentence. This is the date on which the offender must be released by state law, without a discretionary release decision from the Kansas Parole Board. The offender will then be supervised by a Parole Officer. For example: If an inmate is sentenced to a term of 10-30 years earns and retains all of their available good time, they are first parole eligible at five years and reach their conditional release date at 15 years.
Post-release supervision
This is the period of time during which an offender serving a determinate sentence is supervised in the community following release from the prison portion of the offender’s sentence. Like the prison portion of the sentence, it is also expressed in terms of a set number of months. Offenders on postrelease supervision are supervised by Parole Officers.
Sentence Discharge/Maximum Sentence Date
This is the date on which the offender has served all of their sentence and will be released from any further obligation on the sentence, and no longer be supervised by the Kansas Department of Corrections. It is initially determined according to the sentence given to the offender by the sentencing court, but in the case of determinate sentences, may be modified to an earlier date by earning and award of good time while on postrelease supervision (see definition for “good time”). In the case of indeterminate sentences, the Kansas Parole Board may grant an early discharge of the sentence, generally based upon the offender’s compliance with conditions of parole supervision for a period of at least one year.
Good time
Inmates who demonstrate good work and behavior are eligible to earn good time credits which decrease part of the term of their incarceration. Inmates sentenced under the indeterminate sentencing structure are eligible to earn good time credits at a rate of 50% (one day earned for one day served). Inmates sentenced under the determinate sentencing structure are eligible to earn good time credits at a rate of either 15% or 20%, depending on the date the crime was committed. Offenders sentenced under the determinate sentencing structure are also eligible to earn good time credits during their period of postrelease supervision at a rate of 50%. Good time credits may be withheld or forfeited for failure to comply with rules and regulations, resulting in the inmate remaining in prison for a longer period of time. Good time credits withheld or forfeited on postrelease supervision will result in the offender remaining under supervision for a longer period of time.
Program Credit
Program credits are available to inmates serving sentences for crimes committed on or after January 1, 2008, and are limited to inmates serving non-drug severity level 4 through 10 crimes or drug severity level 3 or 4 crimes. Program credits can decrease the inmate’s term of incarceration up to 60 days. Credits are available upon successful completion of a general education diploma (GED), a technical or vocational training program, a substance abuse treatment program, or any other program designated by the Secretary of Corrections which has been shown to reduce offender risk after release. Sex offender treatment programs are excluded. Credit can only be received once, and can be forfeited.
Work Release
The Department of Corrections operates work release programs in Wichita, Hutchinson and Topeka. While an inmate is participating in the program, they continue to reside at the correctional facility but are employed in the community. The inmates at the Wichita and Hutchinson work release programs are eligible to attend church unescorted by staff.
Community Service Work program
Minimum custody inmates at all correctional facilities except Wichita Work Release Facility may be assigned to a community service work detail. These crews are supervised by specially trained staff and are assigned to projects that include construction, maintenance, lawn care, snow removal, and more for local units of government, other state agencies, and eligible not-for-profit organizations. Offenders serving a sentence for conviction of a sexually violent offense are not eligible for assignment until such time as they have completed Sex Offender Treatment Program and are also determined not to be high-risk according to KDOC assessment.
Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP)
Provides a three-phase approach (orientation, treatment and transition) of evaluating and treating sexual offenders committed to the custody of the KDOC. Candidates for the program are inmates who have been convicted of a sex offense or a sexually motivated offense. The program is 18 months in duration, and is based on a cognitive, relapse prevention model.
The community-based sex offender treatment program for offenders on parole and postrelease supervision focuses on relapse prevention skills training, and provides both basic treatment and aftercare protocols.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Facility based substance abuse treatment provides inmates with a continuum of treatment services to assist them in overcoming their dependence on and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. The department offers several levels of substance abuse treatment, including therapeutic communities.
Community based Substance abuse treatment services for offenders on parole and postrelease supervision include transitional therapeutic community residential placements and outpatient counseling.
Theraputic Community (TC)
The facility based TC program provides a structured living and treatment environment for offenders with substance abuse problems. The program ranges from 6 to18 months (depending on the location and each individual’s treatment needs) and contains three phases - orientation, treatment and transition. The program emphasizes cognitive restructuring and graduated incentives within its treatment curriculum.
Inmates in the TC program, are separated from the general inmate population and create their own pro-social community. As they move through the treatment program, the inmates are able to help new members of the community who have not yet learned those attitudes and behaviors.
An additional required feature of the therapeutic community treatment concept includes a community-based component for offenders on parole or postrelease supervision. The Transitional Therapeutic Community (TTC) services are an extension of therapeutic community methods and objectives.
Sex Offender Treatment and Substance Abuse Treatment services are provided under contracts between the Kansas Department of Corrections and DCCCA, Inc. of Lawrence, Kansas and Mirror, Inc. of Newton, Kansas.
Community residential beds (CRBs)
The CRBs provide structured living for offenders who are just being released from prison and who lack a suitable parole plan or for those on post-incarceration supervision who have encountered difficulties. The focus of the CRBs is to encourage the offender’s successful return to the community.
Community residential beds are located in Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka.
DR (Disciplinary Reports)
Custody Levels
Clinical Services Report
An evaluation of the offender’s current mental health and risk level.Parole
Parole is when the parole board decides to release an offender from prison who is serving an indeterminate sentence once the offender is eligible for parole. The offender will then be under the supervision of a parole officer until the sentence is complete or the offender is sent back to prison for any reason. The Parole Board may re-parole offenders at its discretion.Parole Decisions
Inmates sentenced under the indeterminate sentencing law will be eligible to see the Parole Board to ask for release on parole under Department of Corrections supervision. The Parole Board can parole, pass, or continue this decision.
- Pass - The Parole Board can issue a “pass”, which is a denial of parole. When issuing a pass, the Parole Board will also decide on a period of time until the offender will be again considered for parole. The Board can pass an offender for up to 10 years in some cases, depending on the severity of the crime and the length of the sentence.
- Continue - The Parole Board may “continue” the decision, which is postponing making a decision to parole or pass the inmate. The KPB may request a variety of additional information regarding the offender's risk and re-entry plans.
- Full Board Review - Often, offenders do not receive a decision immediately following their case for a full board review. Full board review is a group-based problem solving approach utilized by the KPB to present a comprehensive overview of a case to all KPB members. The KPB utilizes the Full Board Review process for inmates with life sentences under possible consideration for parole or for the purpose of long-term planning, any high-profile case which has strong opposition or media interest, sex offenders with the potential to be reviewed for civil commitment as a sexually violent predator, all extended passes where there is dissent among KPB members, and any other case requiring problem-solving perspective.
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This is the abbreviation for Parole Officer. The Parole Officer is the staff person from the Kansas Department of Corrections who will be supervising the offender while the offender is on parole or postrelease supervision.
Supervision Standards: Forms | Return to Standards Listing
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Abconder/AWOL
A youth who has been adjudicated as a juvenile offender and has run away from supervision including probation, conditional release (parole) or a juvenile charged as an offender (no sentence imposed yet).
Adjudication
Finding by the court that the respondent committed the offense.
Administrative County
The county in a judicial district which receives grant funds from the Division of Juvenile Services for the operation of juvenile justice programs.
Administrative County's Conditions of Grant
Requirements for the Board of County Commissioners to receive funding from the Division of Juvenile Services.
Administrative Level
A level of supervision reserved for juvenile offenders who are not available for direct supervision (i.e. detention treatment, sanction house, etc.,).
Adoption
Legal action to have the court approve adoptive parents as legal parent(s) after the parental rights of the biological parents have been terminated.
Adoption and Foster Care Analysis Reporting System (AFCARS)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Administration for Children and Families requires each state to submit a AFCARS report, regarding specific data elements for Kansas' foster care population, twice a year (May and November).
Affidavit
A written sworn statement of fact.
Aftercare
1. A period of supervision and/or treatement of a juvenile offender who has been returned to the community from a confinement or treatment facility.
2. The status or program membership of a juvenile offender who has been committed to a treatment or confinement facility then conditionally released from the facility and placed in a supervisory and/or treatment facility.
Arrest
Taking a person into custody by authority of law, for the purpose of charging the person with a criminal offense, delinquent act and/or status offense.
Assault
Verbally creating fear of bodily harm and/or the causing of bodily harm against another person.
Audit
An official examination and verification of a account/record.
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Battery
An offensive/harmful touching or use of force on a person without the person's consent.
Board of County Commissioners
A group of elected officials charged with the administration of county government.
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Case Management
Describes a variety of work done with juvenile offenders in the court ordered custody of – or at risk for coming into the court ordered custody of the Division of Juvenile Services. This work is done by the community supervision officers who are responsible for to fill this role by conducting thorough assessments; developing a case plan cooperation with the juvenile offender, the juvenile offenders family and other significant parties in the community; contracting for services that address the concerns outlined in the case plan; and by providing supervision and monitoring of the juvenile offender's behavior and progress in the program.
Central Office
This refers to the Kansas Department of Corrections - Division of Juvenile Services.
Child Abuse/Neglect
The physical, sexual or emotional mistreatment or neglect of a child or children.
Child in Need of Care (CINC)
A child who currently is, has been or is at risk of being neglected, abused or inadequately supervised.
Child Support Services (CSS)
A division within the Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) that pursues parents and seeks to establish orders for payment and collection of court ordered child support. CSS manages the child support enforcement portion of court ordered custody cases through a written agreement with the Division of Juvenile Services.
Child Welfare System
The coordinated system of governmental and private entities charged with the prevention, investigation, prosecution and provision of services to victims of abuse and neglect. The Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) is the state agency designated to coordinate this system; however, courts, law enforcement, prosecutors and service providers play key roles in this system.
Chrono(s)
Narratives or log notes typed into CASIMS that document the who, what, when, where and how of juvenile offender case activity. The Chronos provide a running history of the youth's case from beginning to end
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
Refers to federal regulations based on federal law. CFRs commonly cited in juvenile offender foster care cases are based on the Social Security Act which governs programs such as: Title IV-A Temporary Assistance to Families, Title IV-D Child Support Enforcement, Title IV-E foster care and Title XIX Medicaid. CFR sections are numbered in the following manner: 45 CFR 1356.21.
Collateral Contacts
Refers to telephone or personal contacts with anyone other than the juvenile offender. Collateral contacts should convey information to the supervising officer regarding juvenile offenders that is pertinent to supervision requirements and/or community adjustment.
Commitment
A judge's order sending someone who has judicial proceedings to a particular kind of confinement or residential facility, for a specific reason authorized by law.
Community Agency Supervision Information Management System (CASIMS)
A database designed to gather specific data regarding the supervision of juvenile offenders, which is used to generate reports and/or documents, populate forms and create the bi-annual AFCARS file. The official chronological record of all juvenile offender related activities and contacts is maintained in CASIMS.
Community-based Services Team (CBST)
An individualized team established to access and integrate community resources to meet mental health needs in the least restrictive environment. The CBST is comprised of the resident (as appropriate), a responsible family member/guardian, a knowledgeable representative from the Community Mental Health Center (CMHC), other clinicians, the custodial case manager, and any other individuals considered to be helpful in determining how to best help the youth.
Community Integration Program
Non-secure residential settings designed for youth who are ready to enter a phase of care, which will eventually transition them to independent living. It is a service that allows youth the opportunity to practice independent living skills with decreasing degrees of supervision. The program prepares youth to become socially and financially independent.
Community Resources
Refers to social and welfare agencies, service clubs, citizen interest groups, self-help groups and citizen volunteers who have the potential to assist juvenile offenders. These various resources, which may be public or private, national or local, have the potential for help ranging from material and financial assistance, to guidance, counseling and supportive services.
Community Service
An alternative available to youth requiring them to devote time to the community as part of the Intake and Assessment Program’s conditions of release.
Community Supervision Agency
A local juvenile justice program operated by the Administrative County which provides services for juvenile offenders and their families when the juvenile offender is subject to court-ordered supervision such as juvenile intensive supervised probation, court-ordered custody, interstate compact for juveniles, juvenile correctional facility and conditional release.
Community Supervision Agency Director
The agency head designed by the Board of County Commissioners who is accountable for the community supervision agency.
Community Supervision Agency Facility On-site Youth Contact Guidelines
Guidelines set to serve as the general framework for visitations that occur within a Juvenile Correctional Facility by an employee of the community superivsion officer.
Community Supervision Agency Supervisor
Staff position in a community supervision agency in which the job duties include the hiring, supervision and performance evaluation of community supervision officer(s) who are providing direct supervision of juvenile offenders. Depending upon agency organizational structure, these positions may be the Community Supervision Agency Director or separate positions.
Community Supervision Officer
Any employee of a community supervision agency whose job duties include supervision of any juvenile offender(s).
Complaint
Document filed with the court to commence an action under the juvenile offender code.
Conditional Release (CR)
A period of aftercare for juvenile offenders released from a Juvenile Correctional Facility. Duration of conditional release is set by the court per the provisions of K.S.A. 38-2369.
Conflict Resolution
A range of processes, such as negotiation, litigation or mediation aimed at alleviating or eliminating sources of conflict.
Contraband
Any goods or merchandise whose importation, exportation or possession is forbidden.
Contractual services
Services obtained by the intake and assessment program from another entity in exchange for consideration, or the intake and assessment program performing a service and receiving consideration from another entity.
Court
An agency or unit of the judicial branch of government authorized or established by statute or constitution, and consisting of one or more judicial officers, which has the authority to decide upon cases, controversies in law and disputed matters of fact brought before it.
Court Order(s)
A mandated, command or direction issued by a judge through the judge's judicial authority.
Court-ordered Custody
Placed into court-ordered custody of the Division of Juvenile Services, pursuant to K.S.A. 38-2384 or K.S.A. 38-2362 for out-of-home placement.
Courtesy Supervision
A supervision practice that facilitates a cooperative sharing of staff resources between judicial districts for the purpose of providing for the supervision of a juvenile offender when not physically located within the judicial district that has supervision responsibility under an order of the court.
Courtroom Protocol
The formal or informal procedure and/or actions regulating one's behavior in the courtroom.
Critical Incident
Various types of incidents that can involve or may lead to: suicide, homicide, death (accidental or from natural causes), riot/hostage situations, abuse, sexual abuse or sexual harrassment, AWOL, serious injuries/illnesses, assault/battery, serious infectious disease, attempted suicide, natural disaster, or anything that may have the potential for significant media coverage. Strict reporting guidelines through standards are outlined for each of the above incidents.
Crossover Youth
A young person age 10 or older with any level of concurrent involvement with the child welfare and juvenile justice system
Cultural Diversity
The coexistence of different ethnic, gender, racial and socioeconomic groups based on the understanding that each individual is unique and different within one social unit.
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Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
Located in the nucleus of cells, which provides an individual’s personal genetic blueprint.
Designee
Staff member authorized by the Community Supervision Agency Director to review or approve actions by a community supervision officer in performance of duties. A designee cannot be the community supervision officer taking the action.
Detention
Confinement of a youth in a licensed detention center pursuant to a court order or arrest by law enforcement pending a court hearing.
Direct Commitment
Commit the juvenile offender to a juvenile correctional facility, per Sentencing Alternatives, K.S.A. 38-2361(a)(12).
Discharge
In criminal justice usage, to release from confinement or supervision, or to release from a legal status imposing an obligation upon the person.
Discrimination
The treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor or against a category to which a person or thing belongs rather than based on individual merit.
Disposition
The sentence given to, or treatment prescribed for, a juvenile offender by the court.
Dispositional Custody
Court-ordered custody of a juvenile offender awarded to the Secretary of Juvenile Services after the dispositional hearing.
Dispositional Hearing
The hearing held by the court after a youth has been adjudicated (CINC or JO) to determine the outcome for the youth’s case.
Division of Juvenile Services Justice Child Support (CSE) Handbook
A handbook detailing how to manage CSE within the Division of Juvenile Services court-ordered custody cases.
Division of Juvenile Services Deputy Compact Administrator for ICJ
The position at the Division of Juvenile Services responsible for administering the Interstate Compact for juvenile offenders for the State of Kansas.
Division of Juvenile Services Financial Rules and Guidelines
A manual published by the Division of Juvenile Services Fiscal Services, to provide detailed financial rules for Community Supervision Agencies.
Division of Juvenile Services Payment System Handbook
A Division of Juvenile Services Manual providing detailed written instructions for managing the payment of juvenile offender services.
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Early Termination
Release from supervision prior to the termination date set by the Court.
Educational Advocate
An education advocate represents juvenile offenders who do not have parental involvement in their educational process due to no available parent. Education advocates are appointed for juvenile offenders by the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) or their designated contractor for those offenders receiving Special Education Services or who are in need of an evaluation to determine eligibility for Special Education Services and their parents are unavailable.
Educational Enrollment Information Form (EEIF)
A database designed by a joint Education/Division of Juvenile Services/DCF work group which provides schools basic information upon enrollment for students in state court-ordered custody.
Electronic Monitoring
Devices used to determine an juvenile offender's compliance to court/supervision requirements by restricting his or her movement to acceptable/approved locations.
Emancipated
Set free from restraint. Circumstances such as legal, social, or political restrictions. Given the freedom of adult privileges.
Emergency Shelter
Provides twenty-four hour care that meets the requirements of K.A.R. 28-4-268-280. It has been licensed by KDHE as a Group Boarding Home or Residential Center to cover the programming the facility will provide for the populations of children/youth whom the facility will serve. The purpose of placement in an Emergency Shelter is to ensure the youth has a short-term safe place to stay until a long-term placement for the youth can be found.
Evidence-based Approaches/Practices
Specific methods that are proven through research to be more effective at delivering a particular outcome than any other method.
Expungement
The removal and sealing of records concerning a juvenile offender as authorized by court order. K.S.A 38-2312
Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction (EJJ)
A term applied when a juvenile is sentenced to both a juvenile and adult sentence. The adult sentence is stayed and the juvenile sentence is imposed. If the juvenile violates the juvenile sentence, the juvenile must serve the adult sentence.
Extradition
An official process whereby one state surrenders a suspected or adjudicated youth to another state.
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Face-to-face Visits
In person contact between the juvenile offender and the supervision officer which are conducted in the juvenile offender’s residence, community supervision agency office or locations in the community. Visits are to be well-planned and focused upon issues pertinent to the supervision plan and provision of services identified in the plan, ensure the safety of the juvenile offender and the public, and assess progress toward and appropriateness of the current permanency goal.
Faith Based
Affiliated with, supported by, or based on a religion or religious group
Family Member
A person's spouse (including common-law), parent, grandparent, brother, sister, half siblings, children, grandchildren, cousin, niece, nephew, aunt or uncle and any parent or child of a preceding or subsequent generation as noted by the prefix of "great". Where applicable, each of these categories includes foster, step, adoptive or in-law relationships.
Federal Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)
Governs the sharing of educational records.
Force
Physical contact or contact through use of an object.
Foster Care
Refers to a home in which 24-hour care is provided to children who are in need of out-of-home placement to meet their safety and well-being needs. The home must comply with KDHE licensure requirements, and be sponsored by a licensed, child placing agency. There are several types of foster care. Examples are: family, emergency, maternity, specialized, relative and kinship.
Foster Parent
The licensee who is responsible for the care of foster children. (KAR 28-4-311)
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Global Positioning System (GPS)
A space-based satellite navigation system that provides location and time information in all weather conditions.
Graduated Sanctions
A continuum of interventions designed to have multiple levels of interventions of varying intensity for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.
Graduated Sanctions Block Grant
Funding allocated to administrative counties by the Division of Juvenile Services in order to operate Juvenile Intake and Assessment, Juvenile Intensive Supervised Probation and Community Case Management.
Grievance
A circumstance or action considered to be unjust and grounds for complaint or resentment.
Guardian
A person(s) appointed by the court to be the guardian of a child who has the duty and authority to make important decisions in the life of the youth concerning the youth’s general welfare, such as signing medical consents, release of information, school enrollment forms, etc.
Guardianship
A status in which the court gives a person specified rights to the court ordered custody and control of a juvenile offender subject to ongoing review by the court of jurisdiction.
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Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
A federal act that regulates different aspects of health insurance availability and access to health insurance information overseen by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Household Member(s)
A person(s) having legal residence within the youth’s place of residence.
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
A federal law enforcement agency responsible for identifying and investigating vulnerabilities to the nations border and infrastructure.
Independent Living
As it applies to the juvenile offender population, the state of a juvenile offender who llives on his/her own without the direct supervision or financial support of a parent or guardian. These juvenile offenders have transitioned from foster care or group living environments and may be utilizing community support services as a young adult in the community.
Independent Living Plan
A plan which identifies independent living needs and services for juvenile offenders. Juvenile offenders age 16 and older are required to have an independent living plan.
Independent Living Services
Services that assist a juvenile offenders transition to adulthood and self sufficiency, including but not limited to education, housing, job skills, general household and life management skills.
Informant
Collaboration with law enforcement that may place the juvenile offender at risk for harm, i.e., participating in a law enforcement-sanctioned activity that would otherwise be considered illegal.
Intensive Supervision Probation
A form of probation supervision involving frequent face-to-face contacts between the probationary client and probation officers. In Kansas, these programs are operated by Community Supervision Agencies
Interstate Compact on Juveniles (ICJ)
Legislative enactment that regulates the interstate transfer of supervision of juvenile offenders and the return of absconders/runaways from state to state. Compliance with this compact ensures public protection and provides juvenile offenders with accountability and needed services. The Compact is a legally binding agreement between all states included within the Compact.
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Job Shadowing
A short-term placement with trained staff that permits a new employee to spend time observing the trained staff in their daily tasks.
Journal Entry
A formal written document prepared in the court to accomplish the explanation of an order or judgment given by the judge.
Judicial District
A single county or a group of counties organized for the administration of the judicial system in Kansas.
Jurisdiction
The county or counties served by a Community Supervision Agency.
Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board (JCAB)
The body appointed by the Administrative County’s Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to advise the BOCC in the development, implementation and operation of juvenile programs within the judicial district.
Juvenile Correctional Facility (JCF)
Juvenile Correctional Facilities are the most restrictive placements for juvenile offenders and are intended to protect public safety as well as provide programs that develop accountability and skill development for juvenile offenders.
Juvenile Intake and Assessment Services (JIAS)
Specific services provided by an intake and assessment program, operated by each administrative county, that serve children in need of care and juvenile offenders taken into custody by law enforcement. The program serves to assist law enforcement by assessing immediate needs and making release or placement recommendations.
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 2002 (JJDP)
Establishes four core protections with which participating states and territories must comply to receive grants under the JJDP Act: deinstitutionalization of status offenders; removal of juveniles from adult jails and lockups; separation of juveniles and adults in institutions; and the reduction of disproportionate minority contact where it exists.
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Manual
This manual provides clarification, regulations and guidance for all requirements as set forth by the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 2002.
Juvenile Offender
A person 10 or more years of age but less than 18 who commits an act while a juvenile, which, if done by an adult, would constitute the commission of a felony or misdemeanor (K.S.A. 38-2302).
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Kan Be Healthy (KBH)
The Kansas name for the federally funded Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) program. The Kan Be Healthy program is a Medicaid reimbursed health program for eligible juvenile offenders. Kan Be Healthy recipients are eligible for dental, visual, psychiatric, and other services covered under Kan Be Healthy.
Kansas Administrative Regulation (K.A.R.)
Permanent procedural and substantive rules enacted by state agencies that are issued to implement or interpret legislation.
Kansas Adult Abuse Registry
A background check conducted through the Kansas Department of Children and Families to determine if the person is a known child abuser as identified by the Child Abuse and Neglect Information System (CANIS).
Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI)
The state agency directed to conduct investigations at the request of the Attorney General and local law enforcement and to maintain state criminal justice records.
Kansas Child Abuse Hotline
The toll-free phone number designated by the Secretary of Kansas Department of Children and Families for reporting the alleged abuse and/or neglect of a youth.
Kansas Child Abuse Registry
A background check conducted through the Kansas Department of Children and Families to determine if the person is a known child abuser as identified by the Child Abuse and Neglect Information System (CANIS).
Kansas Criminal Justice Information System (KCJIS)
A database which contains information about offenders sentenced to the custody of the Secretary of Corrections.
Kansas Department for Children and Families
The state agency designated to coordinate the child welfare system in Kansas.
Kansas Department of Education
The state agency that administers all state/federal programs dealing with education for grades K-12. This includes standards, accreditation, assessments, licensure, laws and regulations and improvements.
Kansas Department of Corrections - Division of Juvenile Services
The state agency charged under Kansas law to lead a broad-based state and local, public and private partnership to provide the state’s comprehensive juvenile justice system. This includes prevention and intervention programs, community-based graduated sanctions and juvenile correctional facilities.
Kansas Offender Registration Act
K.S.A. 22-4901 through 22-4910 covers Kansas offender registration requirements for specific sex crimes, drug crimes and violent crimes. It is intended to provide the public with information regarding convicted offenders who could pose a threat to the safety of our families.
Kansas State Historical Society
The state agency that determines which records must be retained and for what length of time for all governmental entities in Kansas.
Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.)
A compilation, with annual updates, of all laws passed by the Kansas Legislature.
Kinship (placement)
The placement of a child in the home of the child's relative or in the home of another adult with whom the child or the child's parent already has a close emotional attachment. Relative is defined as a person related by blood, marriage or adoption but when referring to a relative of a child's parent, does not include the child's other parent. Kinship care involves relatives and non-relative members (extended, blended and other significant support persons) caring for the child when the birth parent(s) cannot.
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Law Enforcement Agency
A federal, state or local criminal justice agency, or identifiable subunit, whose principal functions are the prevention, detection and investigation of crime, and the apprehension of alleged offenders.
Law Enforcement Officer
Any person who by virtue of that person’s office or public employment is vested by law with a duty to maintain public order or to make arrests for crimes, whether that duty extends to all crimes or is limited to specific crimes.
Litigation
A civil action brought in a court of law in which a plaintiff, a part who claims to have incurred loss as a result of a defendants actions, demands legal or equitable remedy.
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Major Violations
Acts, behaviors or conduct of offenders that violate court-ordered conditions, pose a threat to public safety, or demonstrate an unwillingness or inability to comply with program conditions with the instructions of the supervising officer.
Mandatory Reporter
A person mandated to report child abuse or neglect as required by K.S.A. 38-2223.
Medicaid
A health program for certain people and families with low incomes and resources. It is a means-tested program that is jointly funded by the state and federal governments, and is managed by the states.
Medical Consent
Consent to medical care by a parent or guardian, or in the case of a juvenile offender in court-ordered custody designee.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
A cooperative agreement between the intake and assessment program and another entity used to define the relationship, shared resources, services or workflow, and the like where no consideration is received or exchanged to guarantee the performance of services.
Minor Violations
Acts, behaviors, or conduct of juvenile offenders that do not pose a serious or immediate threat to the public safety and which may be effectively addressed by program sanctions, treatment or other responses in lieu of revocation of court ordered supervision.
Multiple Sentence Offender/Supervision
Refers to a juvenile offender subject to two or more different sentencing alternatives imposed by the court under K.S.A. 38-2362. Kansas law permits courts to impose multiple sentences in a single juvenile offender case or multiple juvenile offender cases.
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National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
A computerized index of criminal justice information such as: criminal record history information; fugitives; stolen properties; and missing persons. It is available to federal, state, and local law enforcement officials and other criminal justice agencies and is operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Nepotism (policy)
Showing favoritism towards an individual on the basis of a family relationship.
Neutral Third Party
Is a participant not directly responsible for the implementation of services and supervision of the juvenile offender’s case.
Non-medical Consents
Consent given by a parent, guardian or in the case of a juvenile offender in court ordered custody by a designee, for a juvenile offender to participate in activities, enter training programs, travel and other non-medical requests.
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Offense
A violation of the criminal law.
Original Supervision Jurisdiction
The judicial district in which an individual juvenile offender is first sentenced to a program funded by the juvenile justice authority. Operationally this definition includes a first sentence to JISP, CM, or JCF including a subsequent period of CR. Original supervision jurisdiction does not apply to court services probation, other sentencing alternatives under K.S.A. 38-2361 not funded by the Kansas Department of Corrections - Division of Juvenile Services or to ICJ cases.
Originating County
The county that has the original jurisdiction in the case under an order of the court and which seeks to enter into a courtesy supervision agreement with a peer supervision program in the community in which the juvenile offender currently physically resides.
Other Permanent Planned Living Arrangement (OPPLA)
A foster care permanency goal. OPPLA equates to independent living.
Out-of-home Placement
The living arrangement made for a juvenile offender by the supervising officer, after court-ordered Division of Juvenile Services custody and removal from home have occurred.
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Parental Deprivation
The juvenile offender is deprived of the support of one or both parents due to death, separation, divorce, continual absence, incarceration, mental/physical health, institutionalization, unemployment, underemployment or parental rights terminated.
Parental Rights Terminated
Court action to end a parent’s right to be involved or even have knowledge about a youth.
Pepper Spray
Any variation of oleoresin capsicum (OC) designated for use within a use of force continuum.
Permanency Goals
Goal or planned outcome of the court ordered custody episode. Currently five permanency goals are authorized under the federal code of regulations 1. Reintegration, 2. Adoption, 3. Permanent Guardianship, 4. Kinship Placement, 5. Other Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (OPPLA).
Permanency Hearing
Means a notice and opportunity to be heard is provided to interested parties, foster parents, pre-adoptive parents or relatives providing care. The court, after consideration of the evidence, shall determine whether progress toward the case plan goal is adequate or reintegration is a viable alternative, or if the case should be referred to the county or district attorney for filing of a petition to terminate parental rights or to appoint a permanent guardian.
Perpetrator
A person who has been or is alleged to have committed a crime including the abuse and/or neglect of a child.
Placement Agreement
A written agreement between the Community Supervision Agency and a provider for a maximum of 90 days per agreement, using form JS-0086.
Presentence/Predispositon Report (PSI/PDI)
An investigation report provided to the court prior to a sentencing hearing, per K.S.A. 38-2360.
Prevention and Protection Services (PPS)
A division within Kansas Department of Children and Families, PPS responsibilities include Foster Care, Adoption, Family Preservation, Family Services, Independent Living and Foster Care Medicaid services. CFS determines IV-E and Medicaid eligibility for juvenile offenders in the Division of Juvenile Services custody.
Prevention Block Grant
Funding allocated to Administrative Counties by the Division of Juvenile Services to operate an array of local Prevention Programs.
Probation
Conditional freedom granted by a judicial officer to an adjudicated or adjudged adult or juvenile offender, as long as the person meets certain conditions of behavior during the term of probation.
Program Planning
A meeting held between necessary parties to develop the supervision guidelines and program recommendations while on supervision or in a correctional facility. These plans should be individualized for each youth and address the 3-4 most problematic (moderate to high need) domains.
Pyschiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF)
Provide non-acute inpatient facility care for recipients who have a mental illness and/or substance abuse/dependency and need 24-hour supervision and specialized interventions.
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Reassessment
A review of the current full assessment based upon new or additional information that could positively or negatively impact the score on one or more domains, but not all domains.
Receiving County
The county which provides supervision to a juvenile offender per an agreement reached with an originating county.
Reintegration
Reintegration (reunification) indicates the permanency goal is returning the juvenile offender to their parent(s) or removal home.
Relative Placement
Out-of-home placement into the home of a person related to a juvenile offender in court-ordered custody by blood, marriage or adoption.
Removal Home
The home from which a juvenile offender is removed by court order and placed into the Division of Juvenile Services or DCF custody for out-of-home placement.
Residential County
County in which a juvenile offender under supervision by a community supervision agency resides.
Residential Facility/Placement
A facility appropriately licensed to provide housing for juvenile offenders in foster care.
Residential Provider
An entity appropriately licensed to provide a residential service for juvenile offenders (e.g., child placing agency, residential facility).
Restraints
Devices used to prevent an uncontrollable youth from injuring him or herself and others. Types of restraints include, but are not limited to, mechanical, physical and chemical.
Revocation
Court review of alleged violation(s) of at least one of the conditions of supervision with the option of changing or modifying the court imposed conditions of supervision.
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Sanction
The penalty for noncompliance typically applied as a program response to acts of non compliance or conformity in lieu of revocation by a court.
School Resource Officer (SRO)
A law enforcement officer who is assigned to either an elementary, middle or high school. The SRO's main goal is to prevent juvenile delinquency by promoting positive relations between youth and law enforcement.
Secretary
The Secretary of Juvenile Services per KSA 38-2302(a).
Self-help Group
Groups convened to help people overcome problems such as: alcohol abuse, drug abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, parenting issues and crime. Well known self-help groups are Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Others include, but are not limited to, parenting classes, battered women groups and crime victim groups.
Sentencing
The sentence given to, or treatment prescribed for, an adult by the court.
Sex Offender
A youth has been adjudicated of a sex crime according to Kansas statute.
Span of Control
Any area in which a supervisory employee may have some performance reviews, in whole or in part, or otherwise having any impact on the terms or conditions of employment.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
SSA benefits are for persons who have made Social Security contributions through their employment and are disabled, deceased or retired. SSA benefits may also be awarded to dependent juvenile offenders whose parents receive these funds.
Social Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a federal income support program for low-income persons who are also aged, blind or disabled. Eligibility is based on disability and a family or individual's income and resources, not on contributions from employment.
Statute
A compilation, with annual updates, of all laws passed by the Kansas Legislature.
Stayed (Sentence)
A legal term for a judge's delaying of a defendant's serving of a sentence after they have been found guilty, in order to allow the defendant to perform a period of probation.
Subpoena(ed)
An order by the court that has authority to compel testimony by a witness or a production of evidence under a penalty for failure.
Supervision Plan
Developed for/with the youth based off of their risks and needs. The plan should address problems, treatment goals, obectives, responsibility, duration, responsivity factors and strengths.
Supervision Requirements
Requirement(s) imposed by the court and/or supervision or diversion program upon a juvenile offender. Failure to abide by supervision requirements may result in further sanctions or revocation proceedings.
Support Staff
Individuals who are also known as administrative assistants, interns, volunteers, transporters, surveillance and clerical staff. Their job duties include, filing, copying, answering the phone, transporting, etc.
Suspended (Sentence)
A legal term for a judge's delaying of a defendant's serving of a sentence after they have been found guilty, in order to allow the defendant to perform a period of probation.
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Temporary Custody
At a detention hearing, subject to provisions of KSA 38-2384 and KSA 38-2365, the court may place a juvenile offender into the temporary court ordered custody of a residential facility, some other willing person or the court ordered custody of KDOC - Division of Juvenile Services .
Title IV-E
Provision of the Social Security Act which places requirements on states for juvenile offenders in foster care and provides funding to those states.
Transitional Living Program
Designed for youth who are ready to enter a phase of care that will eventually transition them to independent living. Transitional living affords youth an opportunity to practice basic independent living skills in a variety of settings with decreasing degrees of supervision.
Trial Home Visit
When the juvenile offender is returned back to the home of court-ordered removal and juvenile offender remains in court-ordered custody.
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Universal Precautions
Refers to the practice of avoiding contact with a person's bodily fluids, by means of the wearing safety barriers such as medical gloves, goggles and face shields.
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Victim
A person who has suffered death, physical injury or mental anguish and/or loss of property as the result of an actual or attempted criminal offense committed by another person.
Violation(s)
Acts, behaviors or conduct of offenders that violate court-ordered conditions, pose a threat to public safety, or demonstrate an unwillingness or inability to comply with program conditions with the instructions of the supervising officer.
Volunteers and Interns
Individuals whoprovide services or do other work without payment for educational or other purposes that are beneficial to the intake and assessment program.
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A court order typically issused by a judge or magistrate on behalf of the state, which authorizes the arrest and detention of an individual.
Witness
A person who has knowledge of the circumstances of the case; in the court usage it is the one who testifies as to what he or she has seen, heard, or otherwise observed.
Work Place Diversity
The variety of differences between people in an agency, which includes race, gender, ethnicity, age, personality, tenure, agency function, education and background.
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Youthful Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI)
A checklist that provides a broad and detailed survey of risk, need, responsivity and protective factors of the youth. The instrument is then structured to encourage a linking of these factors with decisions regarding the level and types of services appropriate for the youth. The YLS/CMI assessment instrument examines 42 items that are divided into eight subscales: offense history, family circumstances/parenting, education, peer relations, substance abuse, leisure/recreation, personality/behavior, and attitudes/orientations. The overall YLS/CMI score provides the assessor with the risk level of the youth. The YLS/CMI assessment instrument is authorized by the Secretary for use by community supervision programs and is designed to be used by community supervision officers after successful completion of training. Developed by Drs. Robert D. Hoge and Don A. Andrews, the proprietary YLS/CMI is distributed by Multi-Health Systems, Inc.
Supervision Standards: Forms | Return to Standards Listing
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Is smoking allowed by staff and residents?
No. The KDOC became a tobacco-free environment in March 2003.
Are the resident living units air conditioned?
No. However, residents housed in facilities with or without appropriate circulation or air-handling systems are permitted to have an electric fan in their cell/bunk-area except as required for safety and/or security considerations. Fans are purchased with Inmate Benefit Fund monies for indigent residents. Non-indigent residents may purchase fans through the facility's canteen.
Why is a non-maximum custody resident in a maximum-security facility?
The security designation of a correctional facility is based upon its physical attributes (i.e., architectural, environmental) and, as it relates to residents, the type of physical constraints deemed appropriate for a particular resident. The security designation represents the highest custody resident that the facility may hold. For example, a maximum-security facility is capable of housing minimum-, medium- and maximum-custody residents. A minimum-security facility is capable of housing only minimum-custody residents.
Why are residents allowed to possess electronic equipment (radios, televisions, mp3 players, etc.,)?
Eligible residents are allowed to possess electronic equipment in an effort to prevent problems due to resident idleness.
Who provides funding for residents to obtain electronic equipment while in prison?
Residents are responsible for providing their own electronic equipment through personal funds derived from assigned work programs or funds sent in from outside sources.
How is recreation/leisure time equipment funded for the resident population?
Equipment is provided through the Inmate Benefit Fund. The majority of the fund is comprised of proceeds from the resident canteen contract and telephone services.
What is available in the facility canteen for residents to purchase?
A facility canteen is a store through which residents are provided an opportunity to purchase allowable items such as for hygiene, snacks or other property items. For a list of available items and the cost of the items, please visit the canteen section.
Are residents compensated when assigned to work programs?
Depending on skill level, residents may earn from $0.45 to $1/05 per day.
Are resident work details available to perform work for community organizations?
Please check with each individual correctional facility directly for information regarding assistance with local government or public non-profit organization projects.
Are residents financially responsible for housing and services they receive while incarcerated?
During incarceration, residents are assessed the following fees:
What is an inter-facility transfer?
Residents may be transferred to any KDOC facility consistent with the custody classification, gender and other medical and/or programmatic needs of the resident and/or the management and operational needs of the KDOC.
A resident initiated, inter-facility transfer request must be submitted to the resident's unit team counselor through a Form-9. Residents in need of security transfers are given priority followed by those who have medical and mental health issues and program needs. Visitation is important but does not take priority over these other transfer needs. As much as the KDOC would like to house all residents near family and support group members, the KDOC is not able to accommodate every visitation transfer request. Those residents with the best record and who have waited the longest are given priority in granting visitation transfers.
What is the interstate compact?
Kansas has adopted an interstate compact with approximately 30 states that allows for the placement of a small number of Kansas residents in those states as needed for security considerations and subject to the approval of the other state. Interstate compact transfers are not considered for visitation purposes.
What is a lockdown?
Although infrequent, a lockdown can occur in cases of emergencies, disturbances or disruptions of a general nature or that involve a substantial number of residents. While in lockdown status, residents remain in their cells. Visitation, phone calls, along with resident work programs and activities, are halted during a lockdown.
What is good time?
Residents who demonstrate good work and behavior are eligible to earn good time credits which decrease part of the term of their incarceration.
Residents sentenced under the indeterminate sentencing structure are eligible to earn good time credits at a rate of 50 percent (one day earned for one day served). Residents sentenced under the determinate sentencing structure are eligible to earn good time credits at a rate of either 15 percent or 20 percent, depending on the date the crime was committed. Offenders sentenced under the determinate sentencing structure are also eligible to earn good time credits during their period of post-release supervision at a rate of 50 percent.
Good time credits may be withheld or forfeited for failure to comply with rules and regulations, resulting in the resident remaining in prison for a longer period of time. Good time credits withheld or forfeited on post-release supervision will result in the offender remaining under supervision for a longer period of time.
How is an resident's sentence computed and how does good time work?
Please see the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines Desk Reference Manual available through the Kansas Sentencing Commission.
Residents earn good time in accordance with their sentences while incarcerated. The crime carrying the longest sentence and post-release time is the sentence that will be used to compute the amount of time that will be served.
Upon completion of the prison portion of the imposed sentence, a resident may be released to serve a term of post-release supervision, plus the amount of good time earned and retained while imprisoned.
If the resident is released to post release and finishes the post release without being revoked, the offender will then start serving the good time the offender earned while incarcerated. If the offender is on post release and is revoked, the offender will be brought back in to a correctional facility.
If the resident is a parole violator and was sentenced under the indeterminate sentencing law, the resident would be held until seen by the Kansas Parole Board.
Sentence computation is completed by a special unit at the KDOC’s central office.
Kansas sentencing laws are very complex and every detail cannot be covered here. This is intended to provide a general understanding of the good time processes.
What does sex offender management status mean?
The KDOC may manage residents as sex offenders based on their convictions or behavior. This status may affect the classification, visitation and available programming while incarcerated. It may also affect a resident's supervision upon release. This status may include any resident with one or more of the following: current sex crime conviction, prior adult or juvenile sex crime conviction, conviction for sexually-motivated crime, institutional behavior that shows a pattern of sexually-motivated behavior and/or designation as sex offender by the override panel.
Can a resident's sex offender management status be changed?
Residents may request an override of their sex offender status by submitting a request that includes the specific guidelines they would like changed to the Unit Team or Parole Officer, depending on the resident's or offender’s location. Specific sex offender conditions examples are: contact with minors, attending sex offender treatment or being managed as a sex offender.
The Unit Team or Parole Officer will complete and submit an override packet to the KDOC’s central office for review by an override panel, which meets once a month.
Are religious services/programs available to residents?
Every resident has the right to freedom of religious affiliation and voluntary worship. The exercise of such rights may be subject to the requirements of ensuring the safe, secure and orderly operation of the correctional facility. Chaplains and volunteers provide a range of religious services, pastoral counseling, study groups and other special events.
Can a resident and I have a wedding ceremony in a correctional facility?
Yes. Residents make their request through the pastoral care department at which time the chaplain will follow a set of guidelines and protocol for the events leading up to the ceremony that must be approved by the Warden. This will include careful planning and may include marital counseling. The chaplain will lead the couple through this process and advise them of the criteria while keeping administrative staff informed of the proceedings.
All expenses associated with the marriage ceremony are the responsibility of the resident or prospective spouse.
Can a resident be released to attend a funeral or make a bedside visit?
No. The loss of a loved one is a traumatic and stressful time that is intensified by also being incarcerated. In an effort to make this time as comfortable as possible for the resident, the KDOC has several resources available to the resident population.
The pastoral care department and mental health counselors along with unit staff work together to help an resident in his/her time of need.
What is a functional incapacitation release?
Kansas law provides some residents, who are very ill, with the option to apply for a functional incapacitation release. Functional incapacitation is defined as a medical or mental health condition, including one rendering the resident terminally ill to the extent that death is imminent, resulting in the afflicted resident being incapable of causing physical harm.
Applications are submitted to the KDOC and subsequently referred to the Kansas Parole Board. The application cannot be approved unless the Parole Board determines that the resident is functionally incapacitated and does not pose a risk to public safety.
Are there legal services available to an resident?
Residents also have access to a prison law library and legal materials through LexisNexis research which provides legal research materials.
Residents also may use a Form-9 or write a letter requesting services to obtain the assistance of Legal Services for Prisoners, Inc.
Legal Services for Prisoners, is a non-profit group that provides legal services to indigent residents in Kansas correctional facilities. The program's goal is to ensure that residents' rights to the courts are met to pursue non-frivolous claims. Funding for Legal Services for Prisoners is administered by the State Board of Indigents' Defense Services although the entity is not a state agency.
The program currently operates offices in El Dorado Correctional Facility, Lansing Correctional Facility, and Topeka Correctional Facility. However, a resident may apply for services at any correctional facility. Legal Services for Prisoners. For more information, contact Legal Services for Prisoners at (785) 746-7437.
What happens the day of release?
Each facility works with the resident to ensure the resident receives all remaining funds in his/her resident account. Transportation is established prior to the day of release and the resident is given civilian clothes to wear out of the facility. The resident will be given instructions on reporting to his/her parole officer upon release. The person picking up the resident must show their driver’s license to facility staff prior to leaving.
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