By: Joe Robbins, equivant Corrections’ Product Implementation Specialist
Local jails have long been caught in a cycle—an endless loop of inmates coming and going, often the same faces over and over again. It’s a frustrating reality for staff and community members alike, and for a long time, it seemed like there was no end.
But things are changing. More and more local jails are beginning to realize that simply holding people for a while and then releasing them isn’t making the community any safer or reducing recidivism. If we want to break the cycle, we need to take a different approach. And that’s where inmate programs come in.
Why Inmate Programs Are Different in Local Jails
We hear a lot about programs and rehabilitation efforts in prisons, but jails are a whole different ball game. While prisons have inmates for years at a time, local jails might only have someone for a few days, weeks, or months. That short timeframe means jails need to think about programming differently—what works in a prison setting won’t necessarily work in a jail.
Local jails must focus on programs that are quick, impactful, and immediately applicable. The goal is to give inmates something they can take with them when they walk out the door—something that might just stop them from coming back. We must also remember that, unlike prisons, the inmates leaving our local jails are likely headed right back into our community. Below are five key considerations for implementing inmate programing in local jails.
- Focusing on the Basics: Life Skills and Education
Inmates in jails often need help with the basics. This could mean offering short workshops on things like job readiness, basic education, or even something as simple as how to write a resume or even manage your checkbook. For those in and out of the system, many lack the skills needed to find and hold down a steady job or to navigate daily life without falling back into old patterns.
Quick, hands-on programs like these can make a world of difference. Imagine being able to leave jail not just with the clothes on your back, but with a sense of purpose and a few tools to build a better future.
- Addressing Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Many of the people coming into local jails are struggling with mental health issues or substance abuse problems. But short-term programming in these areas can still make an impact. Brief counseling sessions, group therapy, or connections to community resources can lay the groundwork for change.
While there may not be time for a full treatment plan, starting a conversation and connecting inmates with support on the outside can prevent some from falling right back into old habits.
- Building Connections to Community Resources
Partnering with local organizations, community groups, and social services can provide that bridge between jail and the outside world. Think about providing a connection to a food pantry, a list of housing resources, or an introduction to a local mental health clinic. Having a way to keep track of these programs and service providers is key. This is where tools like an inmate programs module come in handy. They allow jails to not only track what programs are offered, but also monitor which inmates are participating, and see what’s making a difference over time.
- Promoting Personal Growth with Cognitive Behavioral Programs
Even though jail stays are short, brief cognitive behavioral programs can help inmates look at their thinking patterns and behavior in a new way. Workshops focused on anger management, decision-making, or communication skills can be offered in a format that’s effective and fits within the limited time frame. These kinds of programs aren’t about “fixing” someone in a couple of sessions, but rather planting a seed that can grow over time.
- Preparing for Release: Thinking Beyond the Jail Walls
The most successful inmate programs are the ones that look beyond the time spent inside. Local jails can play a huge role in release planning, even for short-term inmates. It’s about asking questions like, “What’s waiting for you on the outside?” and “How can we set you up for success when you walk out?”
Whether it’s a referral to a local job placement agency or a connection to temporary housing, the more support inmates have when they leave, the less likely they are to come back.
Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Do Things Differently
The old way of doing things—of cycling people in and out of jail without addressing the root causes—clearly isn’t working. By embracing inmate programs that are tailored to short-term stays, local jails have an opportunity to change lives and make a real difference.
Even if it’s something small—a workshop, a brief counseling session, or a connection to a community resource—it can be the first step in breaking the cycle. If you’d like to discuss inmate programming in your jail—or ways to track effectiveness, please contact us.
