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DATE: |
October 22, 2024 |
03 |
SUBJECT
Title
SHERIFF - REPORT OF INCARCERATED PERSONS' WELFARE FUND EXPENDITURES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
The Incarcerated Persons' Welfare Fund (IPWF) was established to provide for the welfare of incarcerated individuals. Funds are expended primarily for educational, vocational, and behavioral training that supports individuals transitioning from a detention facility back to their local communities. These types of programs are essential to decreasing the rate of return to custody, contributing to the successful reunification of families, and promoting an overall positive impact intended to reduce future involvement with the justice system.
Today’s request is for the Board of Supervisors to receive an itemized report of expenditures from the Sheriff's Incarcerated Persons' Welfare Fund for Fiscal Year 2023-24, as required under California Penal Code section 4025.
RECOMMENDATION
SHERIFF
1. Receive the San Diego Sheriff’s Office Fiscal Year 2023-24 report of Incarcerated Persons' Welfare Fund expenditures.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The Incarcerated Persons' Welfare Fund (IPWF) is expended to provide for the welfare of incarcerated persons and to assist in their transition from detention facilities back into the community through educational, vocational, and behavioral training. Providing quality educational and psychosocial intervention in detention facilities assures that vulnerable populations who have experienced incarceration will not be deprived of opportunities to create post-release positive outcomes. Successful reentry and reintegration allows individuals to not only become, but hopefully remain, contributing members of their communities. Due to the unique detention and reentry environment, it is critical to partner with program providers that can adapt to the setting and provide the highest quality learning experiences, credentials, and behavioral treatment. The benefits supported by the IPWF are made available to all eligible incarcerated persons.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The proposed action to receive the department's Incarcerated Persons' Welfare Fund (IPWF) expenditure report contributes to the County of San Diego's Sustainability Goals of providing just and equitable access and protecting the health and wellbeing of everyone in the region. Individuals need access to quality educational and psychosocial intervention programs while in custody. The wellness programs in the detention facilities provide wellness education to incarcerated persons. The programs and services provided through IPWF are built to mirror the quality of programs in the community. Access to quality programs is vital for incarcerated persons to be successful when they return to society. These programs provide meaningful experiences and credentials, which are beneficial for employment opportunities upon release.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommendation to receive the Fiscal Year 2023-24 report of Incarcerated Persons’ Welfare Fund expenditures. Expenditures totaling $5,686,010, noted in the report, are offset by revenue in the Incarcerated Persons’ Welfare Fund. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
N/A
BACKGROUND
The Incarcerated Persons' Welfare Fund (IPWF) was established to provide for the welfare of incarcerated individuals. Funds are expended primarily for educational, vocational, and behavioral training that supports individuals transitioning from a detention facility back to their local communities. These types of programs are essential to decrease the rate of return to custody, further contribute with the successful reunification of families, and promotes an overall positive impact intended to reduce future involvement with the justice system.
Penal Code section 4025, which provides requirements for the administration of an Incarcerated Persons' Welfare Fund, subdivision (e) requires that an annual itemized report of expenditures be submitted to the Board of Supervisors (Board). This section also states that the money and property deposited in the Incarcerated Persons' Welfare Fund shall be expended by the Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff) primarily for the benefit, education, and welfare of incarcerated individuals. The Incarcerated Persons' Welfare Fund revenue for Fiscal Year 2023-24 was derived from excess revenues from the sale of commissary items purchased by incarcerated individuals.
The report (Attachment A) is submitted in accordance with the above provision. Expenditures totaling $5,686,010 are offset by revenue in the Incarcerated Persons' Welfare Fund. There have been no significant changes or deviations from the previous spending patterns. Approximately 76% of the expenditures are spent on educational services which include academic classes, psychosocial classes, vocational trades, and wellness. The next highest expenditure of 11.2%, is directed towards free indigent goods such as IP welfare kits, public transportation, and incentive items.
Today’s request is for the Board to receive an itemized report of expenditures from the Sheriff's Office Incarcerated Persons' Welfare Fund, for Fiscal Year 2023-24, as required under California Penal Code section 4025.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
This request supports the Equity and Justice Strategic Initiatives in the County of San Diego's 2024-2029 Strategic Plan by taking steps to increase access and well-being for individuals who are currently in San Diego County jails. Programs such as these are essential to decreasing the rate of return to custody, contributing to the successful reunification of families, and having a direct impact on reducing future involvement with the justice system.
Respectfully submitted,
Kelly A. martinez
Sheriff
ATTACHMENT(S)
Attachment A - San Diego Sheriff’s Office Incarcerated Persons' Welfare Fund Expenditures Fiscal Year 2023-24