The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department, Detention Division, appreciates the many volunteer hours of service and benefits provided through volunteer activities.  Properly implemented, volunteer activities aid in reducing tension and are beneficial to the facility.  Volunteer activities provide a link with the community through educational and inspiring programs, positive role models, and may assist the inmate in discovering options, available resources, and aid in decision making processes.  It is our goal, that with the proper utilization of inmate programs, the inmates will make constructive use of their time in jail, and re-entry into the community will be successful. 

Overseen by the Inmate Services Officer, the following programs are available within the Detention Facilities:

Adult Education
                       
The jail’s education program is operated by the El Dorado Adult School  and is staffed by a full time Adult Education teacher with assistance from volunteers around the community.  This program was developed to meet the needs of those who are incarcerated.  Inmates who wish to attend must have the desire to learn and be in custody at least six weeks to enroll.

            Courses offered:

• General Education Development-G.E.D.

• English As a Second Language

• Adult Basic Education

• High School Diploma

• Adult Enrichment

• Career Awareness

HEARTS

Is an acronym for Health Education, Addiction Recovery Toward Self-Responsibility.  The program teaches substance abuse education along with personal development and the tools necessary to stay clean and sober.

The three month HEARTS program consists of two sessions per week, covering alcohol and drug use and health ramifications, family issues, career and recover steps.

Religious Services

The jail has a volunteer chaplain and a staff of volunteers from the community that offer all inmates a variety of religious services and bible studies.

Alcoholics/Narcotic Anonymous

The AA and NA programs are the standard programs that are utilized around the country.  The facilitator s for these programs are volunteers from within the community.

HIV/Infectious Diseases

These are state mandated programs that are conducted by the El Dorado County Health Department.  The subject is covered with the use of visual media and lecture.  How HIV and other infectious diseases are transmitted and preventative measures are discussed.

In addition, the following is offered:

• Prenatal Counseling

• Anger Management

* Programs may be added or deleted at the discretion of Jail Management.