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Essex County Corrections outlines reentry program after state $100,000 grant; commissioners ask for program metrics
Summary
The county’s Department of Corrections said a state grant of $100,000 will support reentry coordination. Officials described one coordinator, four case managers, and services to 2,843 participants last year; commissioners pressed for details on staffing, grant continuity and recidivism tracking.
The Essex County Department of Corrections told the Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 6 that a $100,000 state grant will be inserted into the county budget to support reentry staff and services.
Director Ron Charles said the funds come from the New Jersey Department of Corrections and are intended to support the mandated county-level reentry position established by state law. "By way of background, in 2022, the governor signed into law and created all county jails had to have the reentry position," Charles said. County Treasurer Hussam Mohammed confirmed the resolution inserts the grant into the county budget.
Dr. Roxanne Vega, who oversees inmate programs, described the reentry operation and staffing. She said the department has one reentry coordinator (Kristen Sanfilippo), one social-services coordinator, four reentry case managers and a substance-use counselor assigned to reentry. Doctor Vega said staff provided programming and reentry services to 2,843 participants last year. Case managers conduct intake and assessments, develop individualized treatment plans and follow clients through release; staff compile referrals to more than 108 community services and begin targeted release planning about 30 days before discharge.
Commissioners asked whether the $100,000 is a recurring appropriation or a one-time grant; County Treasurer Mohammed and Director Charles said it is a grant inserted into the budget and is subject to future state appropriations. Commissioners pressed for data on program outcomes; Charles and Vega agreed to provide recidivism statistics and other measures to the board through the county’s administrative office.
Union representatives and a public commenter earlier in the meeting raised separate concerns about whether correctional data are fully included in countywide drug statistics and whether jail staff are included in related first-responder accounts; the Department of Corrections representatives acknowledged earlier public questions would be forwarded to the administration for written response.
The board approved the grant insertion by roll call. The motion was moved by Commissioner Richardson and seconded by Vice President Cooper; the roll call recorded a majority in favor with Commissioners Gill, Mercado, Richardson, Seibold, Vice President Cooper and President Palmeri voting yes and commissioners Luciano, Murray Thomas and Sermons absent.
