Glossary
What is Inmate Welfare Fund?
A fund, often built from commissary profits, that a jail or prison uses for programs meant to benefit incarcerated people.
An inmate welfare fund is a pool of money, often built from commissary profits, that a facility uses for programs meant to benefit people in custody. Names vary. San Diego County calls its fund the Incarcerated Persons' Welfare Fund.
The San Diego Sheriff says its commissary profits go directly into that fund, which supports the benefit, education and welfare of incarcerated people under California Penal Code 4025. In the federal system, the BOP's Trust Fund is supported by profits from commissary, phone service and TRULINCS fees.
Oversight varies. The DC Department of Corrections says its commissary fund is independently audited, with an annual report available through a public records request.
Read more
- How Does Prison Commissary Work? A Plain-English Guide for Families
- Prison Commissary Prices: Why They Feel So High