County social services report progress on reentry programs and jail partnerships; data tracking to be presented in October

Vigo County social-services staff reported progress on reentry and recovery programs that operate in partnership with the county jail and community providers. Molly, social-services staff, said the department continues to run Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), peer coaching and the Seeking Safety program; the courts have ordered some clients into Seeking Safety. Molly highlighted the work of a new staffer, Jeremy, who conducts peer-recovery coaching and assists formerly incarcerated clients with immediate needs such as clothing, food, and assistance restoring Social Security. She said Jeremy has actively linked clients to housing, food pantries and other supports, and has accompanied some clients to appointments to close barriers to reentry. Staff are compiling outcome data comparing people who completed the MRT program with those who did not and plan to present a chart in October showing rearrest and outcome metrics. Molly said the department has produced a resource guide approved for use inside the county jail and that peer recovery coaching has been deployed inside the facility; staff noted strong local collaboration in a multiagency RISE meeting with the sheriff, judges and prosecutor. Why it matters: Tracking outcomes and building transition supports for people leaving jail are core components of reducing recidivism and connecting individuals to services that address housing, employment and substance-use needs. Staff said they will return with graphical outcome data in October and continue the jail partnership and the resource guide distribution.