LAWRENCE COUNTY Alternative program proposed
Grants are being sought to start the program.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The Lawrence County Human Services Center is working on a proposal to find alternative housing for Lawrence County's female jail inmates with drug and mental health problems.
Dennis Nebel, who is HSC executive director, said the center hopes to have a full proposal by September that would allow for alternative housing. Female inmates are often shipped off to other counties because of lack of room. The county jail can house about 35 females.
During a presentation Wednesday before the Lawrence County Prison Board, Nebel explained that they would want to treat those with drug and mental health problems in an effort to curb recidivism.
Roger Smith, also of HSC, said they are looking at a secure community-based facility that would give judges an alternative to sending offenders to jail.
Judge likes idea
Judge Dominick Motto, Lawrence County's president judge, said he would welcome an alternative. He said it is frustrating for judges to send those with drug or mental problems to jail where they get no treatment.
He noted one troubling case in which he sentenced a woman accused of stealing something valued at less than $2 to one year's probation. Probation officers later found drugs in her system, causing her to go to jail at least two times during her probation period.
"It's frustrating. You feel you are just warehousing someone. Not helping them," the judge said.
Smith said they want to start with women and then possibly use it as a pilot program for male inmates with drug and mental-health problems.
County officials noted that the program has to be revenue-neutral before it could even be considered. The county is facing a $1.3 million deficit by year's end.
Smith said they will be looking for grants and other alternative funding sources.
cioffi@vindy.com