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Commission approves state-funded continuation of forensic social work and reentry programs after reported savings on recidivism
Summary
County staff told commissioners a state appropriation will continue a forensic social work pilot and fund a sheriff’s reentry program for another year; officials said the combined programs have reduced recidivism and saved roughly $1.5 million over two years.
The Weber County Commission approved a memorandum of agreement with the Utah Department of Public Safety on July 21 to implement a legislative appropriation funding a forensic social work pilot and a sheriff’s department reentry program.
Stephanie Russell explained that a prior two-year appropriation supported the forensic social work pilot and that the county sought continued funding during the recent legislative session. County staff combined the pilot with a federally funded sheriff’s reentry program whose grant was expiring, secured a new state appropriation to cover both programs for another year, and will report required outcome data to the state. Russell told the commission that combining the programs has produced “unprecedented numbers for reducing recidivism” and estimated the combined effort has saved the county about $1,500,000 over two years by reducing incarceration and returns to jail.
Commissioners noted that the programs have deferred the need to add additional jail capacity and urged continued tracking of outcomes and legislative support for sustained funding. The MOA was approved by motion and voice vote; staff said the contract will run through the coming July and that the county will continue reporting outcomes to the Department of Public Safety.
