Hodgson Focuses on Release of Inmates
Into Society By Ray Henry, Standard-Times staff writer
Bristol County Sheriff Thomas
M. Hodgson kicked off his re-election campaign yesterday by calling
for better integration of prisoners back into society.
If re-elected, the Republican
Sheriff said he would focus on developing a program to better
phase
released inmates back into society. While his jails already offer
addiction treatment programs, job training and other life skills,
Mr. Hodgson said he wants to create a new facility capable of providing
a structured life immediately after release.
For the complete Standard Times
story, click here:
Restoration
House
This Public/Private Partnership utilizes the purchase of a Fall
River house and integrates it into Sheriff Hodgson's Reintegration
Program. This unique program reduces burden on the taxpayer,
provides inmates a transitional mechanism for returning to work,
and creates a pathway for socialization with the goal of transitioning
from institutional life to a productive life outside. Look for more on this story in the coming weeks.
Fatherhood
Initiative Program
Sheriff Hodgson has set up a fatherhood program complete with a
full set of learned skills leading toward a graduation exercise.
For inmates dealing with family on the outside, this program is
designed to equip them with parenting skills when their sentence
is fulfilled. "We want these fathers to go through this program
and join their families as productive, loving parents who give
their
kids a future," says Hodgson. "This program has produced
positive results and is one of our key reintegration strategies
for the inmates."
Drug Addiction Program This program is designed to help inmates
who are stalled in getting out and leading a productive life because
of an addiction to illegal drugs. With the help of trained specialists,
inmates get training and mentoring to help overcome their dependence
on drugs.
Work Skills Training Now, at the Bristol Country House of Correction,
inmates have opportunities they never had before to develop additional
work training in culinary arts, woodworking and refinishing, computer
basics and beyond.
Additionally,
inmates can find healthy alternatives
in art programs run by Bill Middendorf, the Inmate Choir, as
well
as spiritual meetings and services.
This adds up to inmate accountability
and productivity, starting inside the institution and continuing
once they are outside. Sheriff Hodgson is dedicated to showing
inmates the way to a path of productivity, self respect and accountability.
