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Delaware County oversight board hears program and reentry updates; staff say capacity limits slow PREP 2 enrollment
Summary
Officials described PREP 1 and PREP 2 substance-use programming, reentry and education outcomes and vacancies in program staff. The board heard that PREP 2's closed enrollment and facilitator shortages can create enrollment lags that affect court-ordered treatment timelines.
Program and reentry staff told the Delaware County Jail Oversight Board in July that education, substance-use and reentry programming continue to produce measurable outcomes but are constrained by staff capacity and enrollment logistics.
Kelly Shaw, program and reentry administrator, reported that grant-funded reentry work through Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) had three referrals in June and that First Step job-readiness cohorts were active: one cohort completed with eight sign-ups and six graduates, another remained in session. Shaw also reviewed New Leash on Life, a 12-week dog-handler program: handlers train dogs, develop job readiness skills and may transition to paid internships after release.
Warden Williams and program staff described substance-use services. PREP 1 is open enrollment and admits weekly; PREP 2 is a closed 12-week curriculum often stipulated by courts. Staff said PREP 2 can create delays when qualified facilitators are not available, which can extend the time a person waits to complete court-ordered programming. That delay has budget and custody implications, Williams said, because longer detention periods can increase costs.
Education outcomes were highlighted: 20 incarcerated people earned a GED in the quarter, and the facility reported a 62% passing rate among test takers, a rate staff said is above typical correctional averages. Staff also reported 164 people participated in a career and resource fair, and Aramark's vocational class (ServSafe certification) has graduated participants and plans to relaunch in September.
Why it matters: Court-ordered treatment, program capacity and reentry supports affect how long people remain in custody and whether they have services on release. Staff asked the board to consider additional staffing to reduce enrollment lag for closed programs and expand offerings tied to reentry and employment.
Attributions: Kelly Shaw (program and reentry administrator) and Warden Williams provided program and enrollment data during the presentations. Pat O'Connor was referenced as the substance-use director leading program recommendations.
