Maine Legislature Considers Bill for Prison Ombuds With IOA Standards

Yesterday, Maine State Senator Jill Duson introduced "An Act to Establish the Corrections Ombudsman" (Maine LD 1962). In most respects, the proposed Ombuds would resemble those in other states' prison programs, which are exclusively Classical Ombuds. However, Duson's bill would require the Ombuds to "act in accordance with the International Ombuds Association's or a successor organization's published code of ethics and standards of practice." 

As described by the bill, the Maine Corrections Ombudsman would have several formal duties that are outside IOA standards. 

2. Office established. The Office of the Corrections Ombudsman is established within the department to support a humane and transparent corrections system for incarcerated persons and staff. The office shall open opportunities for persons affected by incarceration to raise issues and resolve conflicts, recommend positive changes and report individual and systemic concerns. The office is responsible for: 

A. Receiving, investigating and resolving complaints and suggestions from incarcerated persons and from staff; 

B. Providing information to the Governor, the department and its staff, the Legislature, incarcerated persons and their families and the public; 

C. Promoting public awareness and understanding of the problems and challenges of incarceration; 

D. Identifying systemic issues and responses upon which the department, the Governor and the Legislature may act; and E. Ensuring compliance with relevant statutes, rules, regulations and policies concerning covered facilities, services, staff and treatment of incarcerated persons. 

The bill has been referred to the legislative Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety. (Maine Leg. Bill Status.)