The “Re-Entry Coalition” spoke with the Ross County Commissioners Monday. Their mission is basically to help Ross County residents to avoid re-offending after being released from drug-related incarceration.
The Reverend Wayne McLaughlin chairs the coalition of organizations, and recently retired Dr. Pat Friel is the program manager. They explained their efforts to me after speaking with the commissioners about expanding a new program to stop or prevent drug addiction after re-entry to society.
That is a third component they are adding to their original two efforts at post-incarceration assistance. First, they offer a “safety net” when inmates are released, like food and shelter. Second, they help them find a job.
One of the responsibilities of the Ross County Commissioners is to fund the county’s Juvenile Detention, and McLaughlin says the Re-Entry Coalition’s assistance may reduce that cost by discouraging future bad behavior.
Hear McLaughlin and Friel explain more in the interview video in the longer article on the Scioto Post.
Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact Kevin Coleman or the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom.