Marion County Council approves Dove Recovery House's women work release contract

The City Council of Indianapolis made significant strides in addressing the needs of women in the criminal justice system during the Community Corrections Advisory Board meeting on June 26, 2025. A key highlight was the approval of a contract with Dove Recovery House for Women, which will provide ten residential treatment beds for a women's work release facility in Marion County. This initiative marks a crucial step forward, as there have been no options for women's work release in the area for the past two years.

The contract, valued at $110,000, will offer essential services including safe housing, substance use disorder treatment, case management, mental health support, and life skills training. The board expressed optimism about the potential utilization of these beds, despite historical data suggesting that demand may not exceed ten. However, there is hope that the new facility will fill quickly, given the increasing number of women in the criminal justice system.

Concerns were raised about the limited capacity for women compared to men, with board members advocating for a more permanent solution that could accommodate a larger number of female offenders in the future. The discussion highlighted the unique challenges women face in the system, including the need for facilities that can cater to pregnant women and those with children.

In addition to the contract approval, the board discussed ongoing facility assessments and the need for a new work release building to replace aging infrastructure. The goal is to create a more therapeutic environment that supports the transition of women back into the community.

Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to improving services for women in the criminal justice system, with hopes for future expansions and enhancements to meet the growing demand.