Community Corrections
Center FAQs 68 KB
What’s a community-based
correctional center?
It’s a non-secure facility that reduces chronic criminal
behavior that leads to numerous arrests and re-imprisonment
– by offering residential housing, treatment, case
management services and supportive programs for people who
are finishing a local jail sentence or are on community
supervision. The facility may be called a Community
Corrections Center, a Day Reporting Center or a Work Release
Center.
How does a corrections center
operate?
There often are three components to the facility.
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Residential housing for
residents participating in substance abuse treatment.
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Residents who get treatment
and support services are employed while they complete
jail sentences. They reimburse their housing costs and
must pay for victim restitution, child support, fines,
etc.
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Recently released residents
can visit the center for support in living a positive
social lifestyle. They can participate in treatment
programs or meet with their mentor.
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Programs offered by the
correction center include substance abuse treatment,
mental health counseling, cognitive training skills,
education, job training, anger management, life skills
classes, housing, family reunification, mentors and
support to transition into the community. Residents who
need additional supervision will have regular drug
testing.
What’s the status of the
Sarasota County center?
The project is in an early stage. Although the Criminal
Justice Commission has decided how it wants this type of
facility to operate, decisions have to be finalized about
the location, funding and facility management. These
decisions will be the primary work of the Criminal Justice
Commission with the final recommendations presented to the
Sarasota County Commission.
When people are assigned to
the facility, what kind of crimes did they commit?
Only people who have been given a county jail sentence will
be sent to the center. Those who receive a state prison
sentence for violent crimes or serious felonies won’t be
eligible for admission to the facility. Facility residents
will complete their sentence within 120 days and will be
living in the community. The center will provide services to
people returning to the community so they have no reason to
re-offend. This will increase public safety and reduces the
number of future crime victims.
How are residents selected to
participate?
Everyone who receives a county jail sentence will be
evaluated for their eligibility to participate in the
program. The evaluation uses a validated national risk and
needs assessment. The process incorporates the candidates’
records, openness to treatment and individual tendencies
that may lead to further crime if they aren’t offered
supervision and treatment
What kind of security does
the facility have?
Interaction with jobs and community services helps people
transition from custody back into the community. The program
uses security with a focus on a system of rules. It uses
rewards and negative discipline rather than the steel and
concrete of a traditional jail.
The facility is designed to be non-secure, with a living
environment focused on treatment and rehabilitation.
Residents’ activities are closely monitored by trained staff
24 hours a day. Resident’s trips outside the facility are
for specific purposes and are verified and approved in
advance. The facility is constantly monitored for any
unauthorized opening of doors and windows. Anyone leaving
the facility without authorization is subject to a new
criminal charge of escape.
What kind of results have
these centers had in other communities?
Nationally, these facilities have lower rates of re-arrests
than any other correctional model. Sarasota County is basing
its program on a center in Washington County, Oregon, where
the arrest rate has dropped to 10 percent, compared to a
national average of about 44 percent.
How can citizens support the
facility and its residents?
There are a number of ways citizens can help support the
rehabilitative efforts to transition residents back into the
community. Volunteers provide mentoring, support groups,
education, career training and assist with many other
programs.
