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

The City Council of Indianapolis has taken a significant step towards enhancing support for women in the criminal justice system by approving a contract with Dove Recovery House for Women. This agreement, finalized during the Community Corrections Advisory Board meeting on June 26, 2025, will provide ten residential treatment beds specifically for a women's work release facility in Marion County.

The contract, valued at $110,000, will enable Dove Recovery House to offer essential services, including safe housing, substance use disorder treatment, mental health support, and life skills training. This initiative comes after a two-year gap in available options for women following the conclusion of a previous contract with Crane House, which had provided similar services but was never fully utilized.

Council members expressed optimism about the potential impact of this new facility, noting that while the initial capacity is limited to ten beds, there is hope for future expansion as Dove Recovery House undergoes renovations to increase its overall capacity. The discussions highlighted the historical challenges women have faced in accessing community corrections resources, particularly those with children or specific needs.

The board emphasized the importance of this contract as a starting point, with aspirations for a more permanent solution that could accommodate a greater number of women in the future. The approval of this contract marks a crucial development in addressing the needs of female offenders in Indianapolis, aiming to provide them with the support necessary for successful reintegration into society. The facility is expected to begin accepting residents shortly after the contract's execution, signaling a renewed commitment to improving outcomes for women in the community.