Pound Pup Legacy

For the 2003—2005 biennium, the total appropriation to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) was $117.1 million ($83.5 million general funds; $33.6 million other funds). The above amount includes a $1.7 million general fund deficiency appropriation provided by the 59th Legislative Assembly. As noted by the need for a deficiency appropriation, the DOCR encountered significant budget issues during the 2003—2005 biennium. Although the driving force behind the budget issues continues to be a growing inmate/offender population, other factors such as medical and utility costs, employee workload and compensation, declining federal appropriations, and an aging building infrastructure have and will continue to significantly impact DOCR appropriations.

The 58 initiatives:  

• Funding was provided, through the issuance of bonds, in the amount of $2.6 million to expand the footprint of the JRCC on the grounds of the North Dakota State Hospital. The project involved the transfer of ownership of the State Hospital’s food service and laundry facilities to the JRCC. The buildings were then retrofitted to a correctional setting. As a result of JRCC Phase II, the JRCC now provides food and laundry service to the State Hospital. 
• Legislative Assembly authorized the following majorJames River Correctional Center (JRCC) Phase II—Female Inmate Housing—Funding in the amount of $6.6 million was provided to contract with a county facility to house female inmates sentenced to the DOCR. This funding allowed the DOCR to convert the JRCC to an all male facility. In addition it allowed the DOCR to contract with the Southwest Multi County Correctional Center (SWMCCC) to house female inmates. With the female inmate housing contract in hand SWMCCC opened the Dakota Women’s Correctional and Rehabilitation Center (DWCRC) in New England, ND. The DWCRC is an all female facility and is now the main facility used by the DOCR to house female inmates.

Children and Family Services

The public child welfare system in North Dakota is county administered and state supervised. The Department of Human Services' Children and Family Services Division is responsible for many programs and services, and sets policies and procedures for public child welfare services.

Most of the state's public child welfare services are provided directly through the county social service offices. Staffs at the department's eight regional human service centers serve as resources for the counties by providing program supervision and direction.

Programs and Services

• Adoption Program
• Early Childhood Services In North Dakota
• Child Protection Program
• Children's Mental Health Services
• Family Preservation Services
• Foster Care Services
• Head Start State Collaboration Project
• Refugee Services

For more information, please see publications section, or direct your communication to the appropriate program administrator (such as Adoption Program Administrator, Family Preservation Services Administrator, etc.)