One of the county’s initiatives that was highlighted was the RESTART program or Re-Entry Stabilization Transition And Reintegration Track, designed to provide treatment and reentry services, reduce recidivism and assist inmates as they transition back into the community.
RESTART is a voluntary program available to male and female inmates housed in the Dutchess County Jail who are at the highest risk to commit new offenses.
“We as a County are committed to reducing the rate of recidivism by providing alternatives to incarceration and programs for inmates, while in-jail and post-release. RESTART is another example of our concerted efforts to help divert individuals from re-entering the criminal justice system and providing a pathway for success," said Molinaro. "I thank the county employees and our community partners who have worked tirelessly over the last year and a half to ensure this program was developed to deliver the best possible services while also providing for the continuum of care in our community.”
The programs, for use in jail and upon release into the community, utilize cognitive behavioral interventions, mental health and substance abuse programming, psycho-educational classes, in-jail case management, education vocational training, and structured transition plans post-release. The average duration of program participation is 45-60 days.
RESTART services began in the jail in the fall of 2015. Participant capacity was quickly reached due to the lack of program space and treatment units at the current jail facility. Currently, 50 male and 20 female inmates are participating in the program. The new Dutchess County Justice & Transition Center will allow for an expansion of the program, with adequate space for services, including large group areas, office space for staff, and an environment encouraging engagement in program offerings.
To learn more about RESTART and other reentry programs available in Dutchess County, click here.
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