Vermont legislature revives family support program within Department of Corrections

In a recent meeting of the Vermont House Judiciary Committee, discussions centered around the reinstatement of a family support program within the Department of Corrections, which had previously faced a veto from the governor. The program aims to assist incarcerated parents and guardians in maintaining connections with their families, a crucial aspect of rehabilitation and support.

The governor's veto was primarily due to concerns over a proposed requirement that the Department of Corrections secure sufficient funding in its budget, which he deemed an unconstitutional overreach into executive authority. However, after discussions with the governor's counsel and the Department of Corrections, the contentious language was removed, allowing the program to move forward without infringing on the separation of powers.

The committee confirmed that the funding for the program, amounting to $390,000 for the fiscal year 2026, is already included in the Department of Corrections' general appropriation. This funding will not only sustain the existing program at the women’s treatment facility but also initiate similar support at the Newport facility for male inmates. The goal is to expand this family support system across all correctional facilities, ensuring parity regardless of gender.

The program has been in operation for over 20 years at the women’s facility and has shown effectiveness in helping incarcerated individuals maintain contact with their children. The committee emphasized the importance of codifying this program into law, as it had not been formally recognized in statute before.

While the expansion of the program is set to benefit Vermont facilities, challenges remain regarding the implementation of similar support for out-of-state facilities, which may require virtual solutions due to logistical constraints.

As the committee moves forward, the focus remains on enhancing family connections for incarcerated individuals, a step seen as vital for both personal rehabilitation and community reintegration. The discussions reflect a broader commitment to reforming the correctional system in Vermont, ensuring that support systems are in place for those affected by incarceration.