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News 8: AG Schimel launches recidivism reduction pilot program in 4 counties
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel announced a recidivism reduction pilot program in four counties.

In Wisconsin and across the United States, inmates struggle to reenter society. General Schimel is addressing this challenge head on with a creative pilot program. Whether the obstacle is related to finding a job, remaining substance free, or mentally preparing for the world outside, we need to share what works.

News 8 (WKBT) reports:

Attorney General Brad Schimel announced that the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) will award $320,000 to four Wisconsin counties to develop programs designed to assist jail inmates to successfully reenter society.

Bayfield, Dunn, Eau Claire, and Milwaukee counties will receive the funds, according to a news release from the DOJ.

“This funding will help four counties in Wisconsin develop an evidence-based program to reduce recidivism that we hope to share with other Wisconsin communities after demonstrating success with the pilot program,” said Attorney General Schimel. “We want to make sure those serving time have a plan for re-entering society.. Getting a job, staying healthy, and seeking help for substance abuse issues are all necessary if we don’t want people coming back to jail time and again.”

Each county will receive approximately $80,000 to develop a program designed to reduce recidivism. The program should provide a plan for housing, health care, employment, and training, and benefits and/or other services as needed so the individuals can successfully reintegrate back into the community upon release.

As noted in the release, the program may be expanded to other counties if these four pilot programs are successful.

The grants are being awarded through the federal Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program, and will be awarded over many years.

For more information about Wisconsin’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, go to
cjcc.doj.wi.gov.

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