Department of Corrections

The Mission Statement of the Program Services Department is to provide information, social services, technical assistance, and cultural enrichment programs to detainees at the Cook County Department of Corrections.

Program Services has 38 employees that provide services to approximately 10,000 detainees on a daily basis. In 1996, 169,456 informational and job–related services were provided for the detainees population.

Law librarians stock, manage and update the law libraries in ten divisions. In 1996, 70,000 detainees were afforded an opportunity to research their cases, and in many cases, defend themselves in Court.

If DOC rules and regulations are broken by detainees, the infraction is written up by a DOC officer or supervisor. Two inmate boards hear and administer findings on these infractions. During 1996, 9,916 cases were heard. The detainee, who has experienced an injustice, has a right to file a complaint regarding housing, or general or medical treatment and to grieve the situation. The Department attempts to alleviate tension by resolving as many of these problems and concerns as possible.

The Program Services Correctional Rehabilitation Worker serves as a liason for detainees in regard to their families, attorneys, the courts and other social service agencies. There are 19 Correctional Rehabilitation Workers; each has an average case load of 550. Notary service is also available.

The Cook County Department of Corrections also relies on interns and volunteers to supplement staffing; 30 college students expanded their learning fields of criminal justice or social work as interns under the supervision of a seasoned Correctional Rehabilitation Worker. Tutoring, bible study, self–enhancement and cultural enrichment programs, holiday treats (holiday dinner, candy, etc.), socks and soap are provided by more than 450 volunteers.

Religious services are held daily in every division with 20 chaplains providing services and counseling to the detainees.

Beauty shops and barber shops, staffed by detainees, are also available in each division to enhance personal hygiene. Veterans can keep abreast of benefits by requesting veteran services. Other agencies available through the DOC include the Department of Children and Family Services; Chicago Legal Aid to Incarcerated Mothers (CLAIM); the John Howard Association, a prisioners’ rights organization; TASC (Treatment Alternative to Street Crime); and after–care programs such as My Sister’s Keeper.

Detainees are encouraged to vote in local and national elections; voters’ registration and absentee voting are provided and stringently monitored by the Cook County Board of Elections.

Marriages are also performed by a judge in Criminal Courts on a monthly basis.

Detainees, with the encouragement of officers, teachers, and civilian staff, participate in programs saluting ethnic holidays such as Kwanzaa, Cinco de Mayo, etc. Professional entertainers and motivational speakers also make frequent presentations at the Department of Corrections.