The department shall:
(1) Study the sources and causes of crime, delinquency, and dependency and suggest and put into effect remedial measures in the prevention and ultimate eradication of antisocial acts and conditions; and (2) Encourage the employment of the inmates of the institutions under its control in such ways as will contribute to their physical, mental, and moral improvement and to meeting the cost of their maintenance. The department may utilize the product of inmate labor in the upkeep or maintenance of the respective institutions or for other departments of the state government, and may transfer from one (1) institution to another, or otherwise dispose of, any surplus products produced.