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Argus-Champion - James F. Lowe Staff Reporter Transitional Housing program innovative in the stateUNITY - The Sullivan County Department of Corrections is earning national attention for a new program meant to prepare inmates for life after jail. Behavioral Intervention Inc., of Boulder, Colo., is at working on a study of the innovative program, citing it as an example for county jails around New Hampshire and across the country. Sullivan County House of Corrections Superintendent Scott Hagar said the program got its start in December 2003 when the jail did a trial run of some new tracking equipment supplied by Behavioral Intervention. A month later, the Transitional Housing Unit (THU) was born. Situated on the third floor of the Sanders building at the Sullivan County Complex in Unity, the THU was originally conceived as a way to relive overcrowding in the jail. Hagar, however, was able to convince county officials that there was a better use for the space. For too many inmates, he said, leaving jail means returning to the same conditions that led to imprisonment in the first place. As a result, more than half of all county jail inmates in the state are "recidivists"- people who, once released from jail, violate their parole or probation, usually through returning to drug or alcohol abuse. The primary function of the THU is to teach inmates how to make better, more responsible decisions. At the THU, that begins with giving inmates some freedom, but also a lot of responsibilities. "This is the first time, for a lot of them, they've had any structure at all," said Community Corrections Officer Ken Swain. Swain runs a tight ship at the THU, making sure everyone keeps his assigned space neat and clean. Inmates are expected to make their beds every morning and wash their own dishes. They even have uniform inspections. Swain said this type of discipline, as well as sharing the space with others, helps prepare them to function and behave well in society. "If they can't respect that in this atmosphere, chances are they can't when the get out," he said. Inmates in the transitional housing program go through three phases. The first is a job and housing search. IN phase two, inmates are allowed to leave the county complex-wearing ankle bracelets as well as GPS locators-in order to go to work everyday, as well as to programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. While they're housed at the THU, inmates pay $20 per day in rent and also pay for their own food. When an inmate had earned the trust of the THU staff, he or she is allowed to enter phase three. In this phase, they are allowed to live outside the THU, provided they continue to wear the tracking devices as well as a "Sobrietor." a device that analyzes the inmates breath and speech for any signs of alcohol use. Corrections staff also make random personal visits to inmates where they work, making doubly sure they are where they're supposed to be when they're supposed to be there. Doug Roberts, director of inmate programs for the county, said phase two is the most difficult for inmates to get through, since it often requires a beig change in their habits and attitudes. Hagar and Swain said there is some level of risk involved whenever a new inmate is admitted to the THU. But the staff does have a chance to observe each inmate before admitting any to the program, and for the most part, those who take part have demonstrated a commitment to bettering themselves. To that end, the THU offers a number of programs to help inmate manage their finances, look after their nutrition, build their resumes and prepare for interviews. They can even take classes in bible studey, and parenting or earn their GED. "They have a lot to lose if they screw up, but then again, they have a lot to gain if the excel here," Swain said. By the end f the program-which in most cases lasts 90 days-inmates already have found places to live, are gainfully employed and have some money saved up. Leaving jail otherwise, Hagar said, often means the only thing former inmate have to fall back on is drugs and alcohol. Since the THU's start in early 2004, about 75 inmates have passed through the program, Roberts said. County Attorney March Hathaway said the program is too new to draw any meaningful static's from it, but that is certainly shows potential. "I think it's working very well," he said. "I think it provides tremendous opportunities on a multitude of levels." In the long run, Hagar said the THU may be able to ease the overcrowding at the Sullivan County jail better then simply putting additional beds in the Sanders building. If we are successful in this program with cutting down on recidivists...then that should have the result of lowering the population and the Department of Corrections," Hagar said.
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