The Kansas legislature approved the construction of a correctional facility at Ellsworth in 1986. But summer of 1988 is recognized as the opening of the facility because it was then that inmates were first brought in to assist with ECF’s construction, said KDOC Deputy Secretary Johnnie Goddard, who joined the staff of ECF in March 1988.
Warden Michael A. Nelson, who oversaw the construction phase, hosted Governor Mike Hayden and KDOC Secretary Steve Davies for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in June 1990. Nelson was then succeeded by Warden Robert L. Harrison.
Originally slated to house 96 minimum-custody inmates, ECF has passed through several phases and grown in size. It currently occupies a 68.6-acre site on the north edge of the community and employs 271 staff (235 state and 36 contract employees). Seven wardens have taken the helm at ECF including current Warden Dan Schnurr. At present, ECF can house up to 915 male inmates and operates on an annual budget of $14,438,876.
The goal of ECF’s inmate programs is to prepare inmates for a crime-free life after incarceration and to make Kansas communities safer. Among its many programs, ECF has received recognition for its service dog training program, the construction of cabins at state parks, and an ongoing program to refurbish bicycles and wheelchairs.
Private industry partnerships within the facility allow inmates to earn wages and gain marketable skills such as welding agricultural equipment. And the facility’s recently added minimum-security East Unit is designed to give inmates experience at jobs around the Ellsworth community.
Ellsworth and surrounding communities have returned the favor. The facility and supporters on the outside have formed a strong bond, due in large part to ECF’s Spiritual Life Center, which connects inmates with mentors and volunteers who lead spiritual and educational programs. The Spiritual Life Center, built in 2004 and funded entirely by private donations, provides a central hub for activity at the facility. The center offers religious programming of all faiths and links inmates to volunteers from Ellsworth and surrounding communities.
One of the most visible connections of ECF with the community is its annual dinner theater performed by inmates and attended by hundreds. Viewers of plays such as The Ransom of Red Chief, and Arsenic and Old Lace are warmly greeted by inmates who prepare and serve food, design and make sets and costumes, run the lights and sound, and perform with surprising skill.
ECF Timeline:
1986 The Kansas Legislature approved construction of a correctional facility to house 96 minimum-custody youthful inmates convicted of non-violent crimes.
1987 Ellsworth is selected as the location to receive the new facility that will house 256 medium-custody inmates. The facility will be called the Ellsworth Correctional Work Facility (ECWF).
1987 Michael A. Nelson is named ECWF’s first Warden. (Additional administrative staff was added in 1988.)
1988 The word “Work” is removed from the title of the facility.
1988 The first inmates were transferred to ECF to help with construction of the facility.
1988 The Kansas Legislature approved an expansion of the original project to provide housing for 516 multi-custody inmates.
1990 Governor Mike Hayden and KDOC Secretary Steve Davies dedicated the facility at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 5.
1994 For two years, the facility housed parole condition violators, conditional release violators and post-release supervision violators KDOC wanted to house separately from the general prison population.
2004 ECF’s Spiritual Life Center was constructed entirely with private donations to provide religious programs to inmates.
2006 Then-Senator Sam Brownback, contemplating a presidential run in 2008, spent the night at ECF and met with inmates on May 31.
2012 In the fall, a minimum-security unit (ECF East Unit) opened in the southeast corner of Ellsworth, housing 95 inmates, increasing the total operating capacity at the ECF Central and East Units to 915.
ECF Wardens:
Dan Schnurr (2011-Present)
Johnnie Goddard (2007-2011)
Sam Cline (2003-2007)
Raymond N. Roberts (1999-2003)
L.E. Bruce (1992-1999)
Robert L. Harrison (1990-1992)
Michael A. Nelson(1987-1990)
The Brothers in Blue Re-Entry Program began in Kansas as the InnerChange Freedom Initiative at the Winfield Correctional Facility in 2000. It eventually moved to the Ellsworth Correctional Facility and then to LCF in 2007. During this time the name of the program was changed to the Brothers in Blue. This is a
privately run, voluntary faith-based reentry program designed to give inmates an inner-change and equip them to function as givers instead of takers in the community. Several of the program’s goals are to provide tools for productive living, build attitudes of accountability and to provide a mentor to each man. One
result of Brothers in Blue is fewer men returning to prison. On average, for every dollar spent on human service-oriented programs in criminal justice, a savings can be seen of $5 to tax payers and $7 to victims. According to information provided by the Brothers in Blue, only 13% of the program’s graduates return to prison.
Proceeds from this year’s Governor’s Flint Hills Freedom Ride made this donation possible. Besides the Brothers in Blue contribution, proceeds from the ride will be donated to the Wounded Warriors project, the
Department of Military Welfare, the Native Stone Scenic Byway and the FlintHills National Scenic Byway
Since its inception as a cabinet-level agency in 1997, JJA has often been scrutinized for lack of supervision, insufficient programing, and mismanagement. The criticism contained in a recent audit prompted Brownback to recommend the management of juvenile correctional services be moved under KDOC.
"Moving JJA to KDOC will increase the emphasis on safety while continuing to provide programs proven to
get our youth back on the right path,” said Brownback of the reorganization order.
Legislators took time during the session to contemplate the order, but their approval of the move was expressed by their allowing it to take effect without a vote. By not rejecting the order within 60 calendar days of its introduction, they allowed the order to take effect today, July 1.
The new division will now be known as “Juvenile Services” within the KDOC, and will contain all of the facilities and programs dedicated to the juvenile correctional population. The division will be overseen by a Deputy Secretary of Juvenile Services. KDOC veteran Terri Williams took the role of Acting JJA Commissioner in March 2012 and will continue to direct the division as the Deputy Secretary.
“I am proud and appreciative of the hard work of staff during the transition,” said Williams. “Improvements have already been seen as we have shared resources and the expertise of our talented and dedicated juvenile services and KDOC staff members. These efficiencies will allow for the continuation of evidenced-based programs and quality assurance measures in our facilities and our communities. Those initiatives, coupled with our improved facility safety and security, will further enhance public safety and rehabilitative outcomes for the youth and families we serve.”
State law allows youth from ages 10 to 23 to be in the state’s custody. There are approximately 1,500 juveniles presently in the system. Juvenile services focuses on prevention, intervention programs, community-based services and the concept that a youth should be placed in a juvenile correctional facility only as a last resort.
There are approximately 325 juvenile offenders placed within the two state juvenile facilities – the Larned Juvenile Correctional Facility and the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex in Topeka. Youth not placed in a juvenile correctional facility are rehabilitated through a network of community-based programs consisting of graduated sanctions, delinquency prevention and community placements.
KDOC Secretary Ray Roberts supported Brownback’s recommendation to merge the programs, believing the consolidation will provide opportunities to strengthen public safety, build upon successes realized through a minimal administrative consolidation of functions two years ago, and provide for the unique needs of the two populations. He assured the legislature that the juvenile offenders will be treated with appropriate care for their age.
"It is imperative that basic safety and security practices are routinely employed in correctional environments while we maintain the distinct differences in program needs and management strategies for juveniles and continue the rehabilitation of the juvenile population," said Secretary Roberts. "A consolidation will make both agencies stronger and better equipped to provide comprehensive corrections in the State of Kansas."
]]>“We are very pleased that we could celebrate 10 years in this current facility with several retirees, as well as many of our staff that have been here much longer than 10 years,” said Acting Superintendent Wendy Leiker.
“We have a team that is very supportive of each other,” Leiker added. “The excellent staff and the support of the community is what makes LJCF great.”
Juvenile services have been housed in Larned for more than 40 years, dating back to the opening of the Larned State Hospital Adolescent Rehabilitation Unit, which opened in 1971. When the state created a stand-alone agency for juveniles in 1997 – the Juvenile Justice Authority – the Larned facility took on its current name. It was around that time that the need for a new building became clear, said former Superintendent Leo Herrman.
“Once we were moved from (Social and Rehabilitative Services) to JJA, we recognized that we had a need for a facility that could focus on juveniles with mental health and substance issues,” recalled Herrman, superintendent from 1996-2004. “Because of our connection with Larned State Hospital, we were seen as a good fit to house the mental health treatment component.”
Herrman guided LJCF through the transition to JJA. And in 2001, approval was granted for the construction of LJCF’s current building. Herrman oversaw the construction and opening of the building, which was dedicated June 9, 2003. The decade-old building is 132,000 square feet and was built at a cost of $21,725,000.
LJCF can house up to 152 males, ages 15-22 who have a juvenile offender commitment from the state. Mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment and educational training are just a few of the areas LJCF prepares the youth for reintegration into the general population.
LJCF employs more than 120 staff, as well as 30 employees of the Larned school district, and its identity is interwoven with Larned and the surrounding communities.“This facility has a reputation for having a high-functioning program with high quality staff,” said Herrman. “A program is only as good as its staff. LJCF has been very fortunate to be able to recruit the high quality of people it has from this area.”
The program has gone through many changes, the latest of which being the merger of the Juvenile Justice Authority (JJA) with the state’s adult department of corrections – the KDOC. As of July 1, JJA is now known as “Juvenile Services” within KDOC.
]]>“I want to thank you for what you do. What you do is very important,” Brownback told the graduates. “You should be proud to say to yourself ‘I’ve got a really important mission in what I do. I make sure that the people of the state of Kansas are safe.’”
The Leadership Development Academy is offered every other year and brings together staff from the various facilities and programs of the KDOC to study leadership concepts, share their knowledge across departments, and participate in skill-developing activities. The program was coordinated by KDOC Human Resources Director Jan Clausing and the Leadership Development Team: Becky Galbraith, Craig Kibbe and Beverly Fertig.
Clausing said candidates were selected from all the various entities of the state system: three from the KDOC Central Office and from each of the large facilities, and two from each parole region, KCI, the smaller facilities, and two from the juvenile services programs. The participants met monthly for presentations and group discussions on textbook assignments and issues in corrections and leadership, as well as to work on group projects.
“This concerted effort by the System Management Team, Human Resources/Staff Development Staff and participants is important to assure that KDOC maintains the highest quality of leadership at all levels. I am proud to work for an agency that recognizes the importance of programs that provide staff with the tools they need to be successful and make KDOC a better, no…the BEST place to work!”
Look for “Leadership Development Academy – the Year in Review” as a featured intranet article in the coming weeks. See below links to photos and speeches from the event:
Governor Sam Brownback's speech
Deputy Secretary Kathleen Graves' speech
Deputy Secretary Johnnie Goddard's speech
Deputy Secretary Terri Williams' speech
Facebook album of photos from the ceremony
Facebook album of photos of the graduates
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By learning the different means for making water available to communities, including the use of chemicals, biological treatment, and mechanical processes, these Kansas youth are putting themselves in position to apply for jobs in water technology upon release from the correctional facility, jobs which have a median annual income in Kansas of $41,000.
The facility is host to instructors from Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) who are employing a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to train the next generation of water technicians. The Department of Labor has identified that a shortage of technicians in the field is looming, as the mean age of those in the industry is in the mid-50s. The agency’s grant is targeting trainees in the 18-21 age range, and FSCC is bringing the opportunity to those in the Kansas juvenile justice system.
In addition to time in the classroom, the residents are finding opportunities to employ their diverse skills. They have grown food in a garden, which they donate to local charities, they have produced a video public service announcement, and they even recorded a heavy metal song to promote environmentally friendly habits.
“The talents of the youth are coming out, and they are engaging with this program,” said Megan Milner, deputy superintendent of KJCC, who oversees educational programs at the facility. “They understand the wonderful opportunity they are being given to prepare for a successful career, and they are applying their youthful energy and enthusiasm to it.”
Classes in Environmental Water Technology, which are offered to residents of KJCC who have received a high school diploma or a GED, began in March. Enrollees in the program typically study in a classroom setting during the morning, then engage in hands-on lab work in the afternoon, said Milner.
“I like that we’re getting treated like college students,” said one resident of the facility, who hopes to become the first in his family to graduate from college. “I like the hands-on part of it. Using tools and accomplishing something, it makes me proud to see what I’ve done.”
Students who complete each six-week course receive a credential from FSCC for that specific topic area – credentials that could open the door to jobs at water treatment facilities or in related industry fields, according to Matt Brillhart, the program director of the FSCC grant.
“So far, it’s been going really great,” said Brillhart. “The hands-on activities have given them an opportunity to be creative and to really invest themselves in the program."
The program is a collaborative effort between the community college, Washburn University, the Department of Labor, and the correctional facility.
“We are excited to serve students and provide opportunities for career readiness through this partnership with KJCC,” said Dr. Clayton Tatro, president of FSCC. “Water technology is very much an ‘in-demand’ field with high potential for employment. Working together through this partnership, we can assist in the placement of trained individuals into the industry and their respective communities.”
Students have the opportunity to receive credentials in four different water technology programs: Water Plant Operation, Water Distribution System Operation and Management, Waste Water Plant Operation, and Waste Water Collection System Operation and Maintenance.
The classes will apply toward an associate degree in Applied Science in Environmental Water Technology for students who wish to further their training through FSCC.
]]>Four members of the FHSU team, with Assistant Coach Sean Dreiling, visited the facility on Sunday to teach a group of juvenile offenders about basketball, as well as to encourage them to make healthy life choices.
“They’ve been doing this for several years, and it really makes an impact on the young men,” said LJCF Chaplain David Hales. “This is a chance for them to interact with heroes in their eyes.”
Hales said due to the popularity of the event, it has become a reward to youth who have attained “upper level status” at the facility – i.e. ones who have worked hard and stayed out of trouble.
The FHSU visitors coached the youth on techniques of the game, as well as helping them learn teamwork and conditioning concepts. Hales says most of the youth come to the facility “wanting to be little Michael Jordans.” He said they don’t know the skills that lead to success on and off the court.
Hales said one young man who recently was released from LJCF is now a walk-on with a college team in central Kansas.
“They love to play, and many of them are very good,” said Hales. “They do have a hope of getting noticed, and of having an opportunity to play somewhere.”
For the FHSU players, the benefit of helping with the clinic is in the experience of coaching. Though NCAA rules prohibit them from playing against the youth, they can supervise drills and demonstrate techniques. The clinic includes contests and competitions as well as drills, and culminates with a scrimmage which the FHSU players coach and officiate.
“A lot of these guys are going to be coaches when they’re done playing, so a great experience for them,” said Hales. “It’s a win-win for everyone."
FHSU assistant coach Jeremy Brown has been bringing players from his program to LJCF for clinics for the past several years. He said the college students benefit from the experience of seeing life inside a correctional facility, and from giving of their time to a good cause.
“Our guys have worked hard and made a lot of good choices to be where they are, and for them to go and set a good example and encourage the youth at LJCF is a really special,” said Brown. “We don’t do it for the attention. We do it because it’s important to (the youth of the facility) and they really appreciate it.
“Our guys enjoy it and they really look forward to doing it every year,” said Brown.
]]>Ellsworth Correctional Facility and Barton Community College have long known this to be true, and stand as proud partners wielding the life-changing power of education where it’s arguably needed most. Barton has underscored the successful nature of the partnership by honoring Ellsworth Correctional facility with its Partners in Education Award, which is given twice a year to businesses and organizations in the community that have worked closely with Barton to accomplish goals that benefit both organizations and those they serve. Barton presented ECF personnel with the award at a ceremony Monday night at the prison’s Spiritual Life Center.
“Barton Community College has been an invaluable resource as we work for the rehabilitation of the offenders in our facility,” ECF Warden Dan Schnurr said. “They have created a win-win partnership for both parties, and have been truly innovative in the endeavor to prepare our men for real-world success.”
The organizations have been working together toward that goal of providing educational opportunities to inmates since 2001. Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman emphasized the win-win situation the partnership
creates.
“Collaboration and partnership: that’s how you get the job done,” he said to the roomful of educators and corrections professionals.
Though Kansas Department of Corrections Secretary Ray Roberts was unable to attend the event, he said he hopes the partnership between Barton and ECF will serve as an example and model for similar partnerships across the state.
“The education offenders receive while incarcerated plays an essential role in their success upon release,” Roberts said. “The great work of partners like Barton Community College is an investment in the safety of our
state, as well as in the well-being of the men of this facility, because it gets them ready for a law-abiding, productive future.”
Employing little more than paper, glue and paint, the man crafts model vehicles of all types which appear so realistic, you’d swear they came out of a kit from a hobby store.
He recently donated a 1920 Model-T pickup truck to a raffle. The item brought $200.00 to benefit the K9 halfway house dog program at the Kansas Department of Corrections Stockton Facility. He hopes to sell the helicopter to benefit St. Catherine’s Hospital in Garden City, KS.
The inmate has created models of numerous antique vehicles, but also has made an airplane and a large John Deere tractor.
“He’s totally self-taught,” said NCF Public Information Officer Terry Petrie. “He’s incredibly resourceful. He uses cardboard paper, toilet paper and regular paper which he buys from the canteen. And what he does with it is just remarkable.”
Petrie said the inmate uses his own money for the materials. When he completes a project, a member of his family will usually takes it home with them after one of their regular visits.
“He’s very happy when people are able to see and appreciate his projects, and he wants to use them to benefit others,” said Petrie. “He hopes that they can be auctioned or sold for a good cause.”
Petrie said the inmate will devote several hours a day on a project, when his schedule allows, and sometimes he works for weeks or months to achieve a finished product. His most recent project is the Eagle Med Flight for Life Helicopter which he started in March 2013, and which took him three months and 22 days to complete.
“We’re always looking for productive outlets for the inmates, where they gain a sense of accomplishment and learn new skills,” said Petrie. “This particular inmate is a real testament to the kind of talent these men have and the potential they have to do good in our society.”
]]>“We held a thorough selection process to ensure we filled the position with the best possible candidate,” said KDOC Deputy Secretary Terri Williams, “all the while Wendy was directing the day-to-day operations of the facility. She has done an outstanding job leading the dedicated staff at LJCF over the last several months and I am confident she will continue the good work done there.”
Leiker was hired as a Juvenile Corrections Officer I in February of 2003 and served in many capacities at LJCF over the past decade. She rose through the ranks, serving as a Juvenile Corrections Officer II, the facility Disciplinary Hearing Officer, Captain and was appointed as the Deputy Superintendent in 2009.
Leiker earned an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from Hutchinson Community College, a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Washburn University and has done graduate work at Fort Hays State University, where she has also worked as an adjunct faculty member.
]]>Kansas employs the private contractor Correct Care Solutions to provide medical and mental healthcare services at all its prison facilities. NCF is staffed by 21 Correct Care Solutions employees, including doctors, nurses, physical therapists and mental health professionals.
“We were the first facility in Kansas to be held to the new healthcare standards, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results,” said NCF Warden Jay Shelton. “It reflects the great service we provide at our facility, which is a reflection on our entire staff.”
The audit, in fact, went beyond the work of Correct Care Solutions, commending the entire NCF staff, citing exemplary food and laundry service, uniformed and non-uniformed staff. The auditors indicated the staff/inmate interaction was found to be very positive, and the inmates seemed very satisfied with medical services at the facility. Also, they stated the physical plant and grounds were exceptionally clean and well-maintained, and that the staff obviously cares a great deal about its work. In particular, the auditors said the medical and mental health team was very professional and quite organized in the NCF clinic.
]]>“Each one of these ladies has been told all their lives that they can’t do something,” announced the inmate emcee of the program that was entirely written and performed by the residents of the facility. “So this was their chance to do something – to show that they can make it. They’ve been given hope, and they’ve given me hope.”
The story, about three teens on the verge of high school graduation and their interactions with friends and family - including an incarcerated relative, encourages healthy choices and hope for a brighter future. The fact that many of the women performing the drama had already run afoul of the law in their teen years is telling.
“I grew up in a house of drugs and violence,” said one woman who shared her personal story at the conclusion of the drama. “I was always told I would never be nothing, have nothing.”
After describing her hazardous past of drug abuse and prostitution, the woman received an ovation from her peers for announcing she had earned her GED, participated in other educational programs and become a peer leader in the facility.
“Everybody can make it,” she said. “I’m now gonna go through my sentence, and through the rest of my life being somebody.”
“We’ve watched the women take such a pride and ownership in the group, you can see the self-worth and self-confidence growing within them,” said TCF Warden Hope Cooper. “These are women who had already been making good choices within the facility, and this group gives them an opportunity to share their hope and their courage with others.”
The three primary characters in the drama wore face paint reminiscent of the happy/sad Janus Masks. Others wore shirts elaborately decorated for the
performance. Minimal costuming and props kept the focus on the story and the ability of the actors.
In addition to the drama and personal testimonials, the performance included a short rap and interpretive movement performances to gospel songs that gave the program a distinctly religious theme.
“They had to be (disciplinary incident) free, and they have to have had a record of staying out of trouble and shown a change in behavior to be in the group,” said First Sergeant Richard Short, who provided supervision and some guidance to the group as it wrote, planned and rehearsed for the performance. “They wrote everything, did all the artwork. It’s very impressive how much they put into it.”
“They want to do a Christmas show now,” said the woman who served as the primary writer of We’re Gonna Make It. “So I guess there’s more work to do.”
]]>The Dental Technician Program at the Topeka Correctional Facility is designed to provide women inmates with education and hands-on experience in the art and science of denture-making, in order to better support themselves and their families upon release. The dentures they create benefit the medically-underserved of Kansas.
]]>McNeal will also assist with the implementation of the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, which aims to reduce recidivism through improved supervision and services for parolees.
McNeal has served as administrator for the Prisoner Review Board (formerly the Parole Board) since 2008. Prior to that, McNeal worked in community corrections, and also has worked at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility.
Deputy Secretary Kathleen Graves highlighted McNeal’s diverse experience in announcing the appointment as the new director. Graves pointed to McNeal’s experience in budgeting, data extraction and analysis, personnel management, project management and sentence computation.
“Marie brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of corrections to this new position,” said Graves. “She has been a tremendous asset to the agency in several diverse roles in the past, and her skills and knowledge will provide a real boost to our community corrections division.”
Graves said McNeal is familiar with evidence based practices, strategic planning and has worked with a wide variety of stakeholders in the criminal justice field over the years, including judges, prosecutors and, most recently in conjunction with the Attorney General’s office regarding board litigation matters.
Prior to joining the Kansas Department of Corrections in 1998, McNeal worked for 9 ½ years in the travel industry, handling official government travel for the Department of the Army, Ft. Riley, and corporate travel for General Electric in Phoenix.
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