I am with the State of NY DOCS (Dept of Correctional Services), the long term adult institutional corrections jurisdiction statewide (parole supervision is performed by another State Agency, DOP-Division of Parole)
We are interested in learning of the experiences of other State DOC, institutional corrections, including
the following relative to Federal WIA (Workforce Investment Act) funding, and whether the State DOC
has formal representation on the State WIB WIB (Workforce Investment Board)/Boards, as well as
on Regional/Local WIB (Workforce Investment Board)Boards.
-have you received, do you currently receive Federal WIA funds from your Statewide Governor's WIB (Workforce Investment Board), Regional/Local WIB (Workforce Investment Board), or any constituent component entity thereof?
-if so, what type of instutional adult long-term correctionprogram/s is/are funded and what is your funding specifics under WIA?
i.e. support of innovative prerelease programs in the 12 months prior to release to the community
support of job/industrial/vocational training in the facilities
support of related education programs in the facilities
other related programs (please specify)
-what type of WIA funding is involved, i.e.
Governor's Fifteen (15) Percent, socalled Set-Aside for Statewide Projets
Title 7A Wagner-Peyser
Title II (Adult Education)
Other WIA funding
-if you are funded under WIA, do you have outcome evaluation studies from such funded programs and are
such studies available through your offices
-is your State DOC represented on your State WIB/Board and if so, in what capacity (Commissioner/Director,
designated staff representing Commissioner/Director etc). Please specify if applicable.
-is your State DOC represented on any Regional/Local WIB/Boards and if so, in what capacity (Commissioner/
Director, designated staff representing Commissioner/Director etc). Please specify if applicable
We already understand that in the Great State of California, the State WIB, the State DOC (known as
CDCR) and Local WIB/Boards have since Feb 2008 been in a planning mode (for one year)
on a comprehensive program concept known as "New Start"
We also understand that the renowned State of Texas Project RIO, funded possibly originally during the 1980s
by WIA funding predecessors (CETA, JTPA), may be the basis for programmatic thinking in some jurisdictions.
We also understand that in at least (2) two jurisdictions, the State DOC has a formalized role within the
State WIB.
-We understand that in the State of Maryland, there is a Seat on the State WIB/Board for the
State Director of Public Safety/Corrections.
-We also understand that in the State of Oklahoma,
the State WIB/Board is kown as the reconstituted entity known as The Oklahoma State Council
for Workforce Economic Development. We understand further that the Council has established
a Division (of such Council) known as the Oklahama Commerce Department Workforce Solutions Staff
Team---and the Department of Corrections has a Seat on such Team.
-we hear that the long overdue Reauthorization of The Federal Workforce Investment Act may occur next
Spring 2008, after the new President and the new Congress are seated. We understand that the
WIA, enacted 1998 - 2003, would normally have been reuathorized during 1998 but did not occur due
to President-Congress differences regarding WIA.
Based upon your experience with the Federal WIA funding
and State-Level WIB/Boards (and Regional/Local WIB/Boards), do you have any funding and policy-relevant
recommendations for WIA beyond 2008 when Reauthorization of WIA is reviewed by the relevant
Congressional Committees/Subcommittees possibly beginning during 2009
We are appreciative of any possible assistance. Thank you
Sincerely
Leonard I Morgenbesser PhD, Program Research Specialist III
Division of Program Planning, Evaluation, Research
State of NY DOCS (Dept of Correctional Services)
West Mall
875 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
E-MAIL LIMorgenbesser@docs.state.ny.us
TEL VOICE 518.457.8551 518.457.3007
FAX 518.457.2689