In June 2023, the Department of Corrections (DOC) reached out to several dozen people in an effort to form a team willing and capable of providing valuable feedback regarding their experience. The Director of the DOC wants to lead the Department in learning how they can improve the experience of those under their jurisdiction and support them toward living a fulfilling life outside the judicial system.
The Citizens Advisory Council is an informal, volunteer group of 20 people contributing to the DOC from their lived experience. Combined, members of the group have over:
- 200 years incarcerated and/or on community supervision
- 240 years living full and productive lives after justice system involvement
Through a number of meetings the group has outlined a statement of purpose, a few guiding principles, and identified a few core values.
Purpose
From our collective experience, we partner with DOC to cultivate hope and positive change while assisting with the Department’s culture shift.
Guiding Principles
Aim for the Heart
How we share our message is as important as the message itself. We speak from our heart directly to your heart.
Focus on What Matters
We focus on impactful activities that empower growth
Compassionate Accountability
We prioritize compassionate accountability that promotes positive change in a manner that builds the individual.
Be a Conduit for Hope
We share our personal experience of hope to model the possibility of living an authentic life.
Values
- Integrity
- Family
- Helping Others
- Honesty
- Meaningful Work
The Work of the Council
Hope Inside the Walls
Members of the Council share their stories inside secure facilities in an effort to give hope and help change the narrative for those incarcerated.
Criminal Justice Workgroups
Members of the Council participate in workgroups alongside judges, county attorneys, public defenders, DOC staff, probation and parole officers, and members of the Crime and Justice Institute.
- Effective Supervision Workgroup
- Conditions Workgroup
Internal DOC Functions
Members of the Council participate in training events for the DOC and contribute thoughtfully to staff in the performance of their duties.
- Department All New Staff Orientation
- Prison New Employee Orientation
- Placement Unit
- Desistance Coordinator
A Balanced Stance
It is important to note that most people would not reflect with fondness upon their experience under the DOC. Life in an institution is not good. However, acknowledging it could be better does not diminish the people who run the institution. Most employees of the DOC are trying their best to do difficult and important jobs. Some approaches are better than others; and good training and support helps. But the employees themselves have worth.
The individuals under the care of the Department of Corrections equally have worth. Residents of secure facilities are there as punishment, not for punishment. If there is dignity in the law, there is dignity in what it requires and what it imposes. Those under the care of the DOC are more than just their crimes.
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