Delaware DOC Seeks 5% Budget Increase

DOVER, Del. — The Delaware Department of Corrections is requesting a $12.2 million funding increase next year to cover the rising costs of compensation and health care, according to a DOC report.

 

The DOC needs $10.3 million for increased salary and health insurance costs for its 2,600 corrections officers, parole agents and administrative staff for the 2012 fiscal year, which begins July 1. An additional $1.9 million is needed to cover the rising medical costs for its 5,500 prisons, many who are aging.

 

Since July, the corrections system has been changing to a new provider of medical services for inmates after years of turmoil and criticism of the former provider.

 

The quality and availability of health care in Delaware’s prisons became the subject of a 2006 U.S. Department of Justice investigation following a series of articles about filthy infirmaries and high inmate death rates, especially from AIDS and suicide.