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Serving families and friends of Incarcerated Loved Ones at RJD
Office of the Ombudsman
Ombudsman Mission Statement
The Office of the Ombudsman works independently as an intermediary to provide individuals with a confidential avenue to address complaints and resolve issues at the lowest possible level. The Office proposes policy and procedural changes when systemic issues are identified.
RJD Assigned Ombudsman
Sara Smith, Chief
(916) 324-5458
Institutions covered:
- Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF)
- California Institution for Women (CIW)
- California Men’s Colony (CMC)
- Folsom Women’s Facility (FWF)
- Richard J Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD)
- CCTRP/MCRP
What the Office of the Ombudsman Can and Can't Do
The Office of the Ombudsman listens, answers your questions, analyzes your situation, explains CDCR policies and procedures, advocates for the fairness of a process as opposed to advocating for an individual party, provides information and at times advice and develops options, suggests appropriate referrals, apprises administration of significant trends and may recommend changes in policies and procedures.
The Office of the Ombudsman does not conduct formal investigations; does not change rules, policies, or procedures; does not participate in any formal hearing or grievance process; does not supersede the authority of other CDCR officials; does not disclose and may not be required to disclose information provided in confidence, except to address an imminent risk of serious harm where there is no other responsible option; and does not engage in any activity that might be perceived by others as advocacy for any individual.
With regard to medical issues please note due to patient privacy laws the Office of the Ombudsman cannot divulge or discuss specific health treatment an inmate-patient is receiving; rather, this Office can assist concerned family members by listening to their concerns and referring them to the appropriate health care staff at an institution.
