March 2026
MDOC in the News: Highlighting a Recent Story
MLive:The department announced the launch of its “Safe Prisons Initiative” on March 20, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections.
The initiative identifies five key areas that impact prison safety: prisoner classification and bed space; contraband introduction and technology; prisoner programming; training and staff support; and recruitment and retention.
“The department is committed to our core mission of public safety, with the vast majority of day-to-day prison activities being conducted in a safe and compliant way,” MDOC Director Heidi Washington said. “Our staff, those we supervise, and the friends and family of both, deserve nothing less than our best when it comes to their well-being and the safety of the ones they love.”
We Can Do It: Cara’s Comeback
Cara was just recognized with a 'Rosie Award' during Rosie the Riveter Day in Lansing, an occasion that honors Michigan’s legacy of women in manufacturing! Her award was focused on ‘resilience’, recognizing the growth she had during her time at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility – including higher education and vocational programming – and the success she is having back in her community now working in manufacturing.
Cara with her Sinto colleagues after receiving the Rosie Award.
Employed at Sinto America for six months now, she’s an Engineering Support Technician supporting the design and manufacture of a range of industrial equipment.
She completed the robotics and 3D printing trade at the Vocational Village and earned associates degrees from Jackson College and a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University while at the facility.
Towards the end of her Vocational Village program she met Mandy DeBord, an HR generalist at Sinto who had come to the facility with the Capital Area Manufacturing Council to help the women practice mock interviews.
When Mandy saw Cara’s resume, she thought she might be a good fit for a role Sinto needed to fill. Cara interviewed via video call while still incarcerated and one week after she was paroled started full time.
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Today Cara’s determination to take advantage of every opportunity she had at Women’s Huron Valley is paying off. She has stable employment, purchased her first new car, and has become a valued part of the Sinto team.
Giving men and women the tools to contribute to their communities after prison is critical to keeping the public safe in the long term. Cara is proof that by taking advantage of those tools, and with the support of community members like Mandy from Sinto, success is possible.
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MDOC Minute: A Helpful Tip
Costs for video visits will now be more accurate based on the duration of the call. Video visits will still be up to 20 minutes in length and cost $0.16 per minute. However, visitors will now be charged a hold of $3.20 to cover the full 20 minutes in advance, but the total will be adjusted based on call length once the call concludes.
This change, which will be implemented April 1, aims to offer families the full allotted 20 minutes of video visiting but returns payment for any time which was not used.
Our First Youth Career Academy
Applications are now open for our department’s first MDOC Youth Career Academy this June at Green Oaks Training and Professional Development Center!
This free opportunity allows 15- to 20-year-olds interested in a career in corrections to explore available opportunities, while participating in hands-on activities with experienced professionals.
Apply now for an exciting and informative week that could shape you or your young person’s future career! Michigan Department of Corrections: Youth Career Academy
Hiring Across Michigan in April
It’s no April fools; we have a lot of upcoming hiring events! Take a look for one in your area or apply online here.
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