Reducing the rate of returns to jail

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Rob Bradley, Ripley County Sheriff, announces more is being done to help reduce the recidivism rates for inmates leaving the Ripley County Jail. “I believe, and the research overwhelmingly supports it, individuals have a much greater chance of success outside of the jail if they are provided an opportunity to better themselves while inside the jail.”

Inmates of the Ripley County Jail are now offered real opportunities to address challenges and barriers while serving their executed sentence. Sheriff Bradley said multiple programs such as AA, Peer-To-Peer, GED/HSE, Skill Based Groups, Faith Based Support Groups and reentry efforts are now taking place in the new Ripley County Jail Programs Room.

Sheriff Bradley explained the new Jail Programs Room was developed as a result of the collaborative work shared among various Ripley County Stakeholders who serve on the Ripley County Local Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council (JRAC), co-chaired by Ripley Circuit Judge Ryan King and Ripley Superior Court Jeff Sharp.

Sheriff Bradley stated, “The Ripley County Community benefits when agencies work together towards a common goal, and the new Jail Programs Room serves as an example.” Sheriff Bradley would like to thank Director Shannon Schmaltz and his Court Services Team for their collaborative partnership and effort in the sustainability of the project. Sheriff Bradley also wanted to extend his appreciation for the financial grant support from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation and the ongoing programming support from River Valley Resources/Work One.

The Ripley County Jail Programs Room was developed, equipped and funded without the use of Ripley County Tax Funds.