FOSTER HOMES FOR FELONS

A new community correctional program from the land of nuts and fruits. Foster homes for low-risk felons. Is this for real? From PacoVilla’s Corrections blog:

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION ANNOUNCES HOME DETENTION OPPORTUNITY FOR CASH-STRAPPED HOMEOWNERS

For Immediate Release
Contact: Gordon Hinkle / Terry Thornton
(916) 445-4950

November 2, 2009

Sacramento — Due to a significant decrease in available minimum custody beds resulting from the planned closure of 3 community correctional facilities, CDCR is accepting applications from qualified homeowners interested in certification under the new My Home Detention Program (MHDP).

MHDP certified homeowners will be eligible to house up to six (6) low-risk, non-violent, non-sex-offenders in their homes, garages or suitable outbuildings. Rates will be variable, with the average MHDP Home netting approximately $1750.oo per month. CDCR is currently seeking legislation to exempt MHDP receipts from the California State income tax.

"Empty-nesters, retirees and others with a minimum of 1,000 square feet of available floorspace have an opportunity to help CDCR fulfill its vital public safety mission while supplementing their incomes," said Undersecretary of Operations Scott Kernan. “There are a number of factors for the trend in lower-level inmates entering the system, including recent parole reforms that authorize minor parole violators to be diverted to community programs instead of prison. My Home Detention Program is an evidence-based alternative. All around, it's a win-win.”

……….CDCR today issued an open 60-day notice to all California homeowners to submit bids. Renters with subletting rights may also be eligible. Qualifying residences must meet additional criteria including a chain-link perimeter fence, a permanent landline telephone for calling in counts, street-visible address numbers and "vocational programs." The notice and residential minimum qualifications are posted at: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/MHDP.html.

"'Vocational' programs are critical to an offender's 'rehabilitation.' For this reason, each MHDP facility must provide hands on training in yard maintenance, laundering, pet care, residential waste management and other evidence-based skillsets which are appropriate in low-to-middle-class suburban settings," Kernan noted.

……….Applications must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2009 and received no later than 5:00 P.M., January 7, 2010 at the following address:

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
My Home Detention Program
1515 S Street, Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95814
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Is this for real? NO IT ISN’T! It's a facetious joke Paco posted on his blog today.