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Committee approves pilot re‑entry specialist to support people on medication‑assisted treatment
Summary
Kenosha County will recruit a full‑time community re‑entry support specialist to coordinate post‑release care for people on medication‑assisted treatment; the role is funded via a Department of Corrections contract with an annual cap of $130,000 and is planned to start referrals in early June if hiring proceeds on schedule.
The Finance Committee unanimously approved a resolution to authorize the creation of a full‑time community re‑entry support specialist in Kenosha County’s Behavioral Health Services, a pilot program in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
Carrie Fossen, Director of Behavioral Health Services, told supervisors the re‑entry specialist will receive referrals from state correctional facilities for people on medication‑assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. The state contract—classified through Human Resources—will pay up to $130,000 per contract year to cover salary and benefits; Behavioral Health staff said the money is not intended to pay for direct services, which will be provided through existing grants and community providers.
Fossen described referral mechanics: social‑work teams in each DOC adult facility will refer people scheduled to return to Kenosha County and local probation and parole will coordinate referrals for people leaving local detention. She said planning meetings with DOC, probation and parole and the Sheriff’s Office are scheduled and that standard operating procedures will be developed during a planning session set for April 24.
Supervisors pressed on timing and outreach. Fossen said the department expects to post the job promptly, hopes to fill it by mid‑May and aims to receive the first referrals in early June, contingent on filling the position and finalizing referral protocols. She also linked the pilot to a state Medicaid waiver (Waiver 115) that would allow incarcerated individuals to apply for Medicaid three months before release — enabling medication continuity upon re‑entry once the waiver is implemented.
Why it matters: The position is designed to reduce gaps in continuity of care for people leaving incarceration who are on MAT, a key intervention for preventing overdose and supporting re‑entry stability.
What’s next: The hiring process will begin once full board approval is obtained; staff will report back within two months on initial SOPs and referral procedures.
