Grant to help repeat offenders approved

The Jackson County commissioners have approved a federal grant which will allow the establishment of a $442,000 program intended to reduce the number of repeat offenders returning to jail.

The grant has been paid for in full by federal grants from the U.S. Department of Justice, and will be used to fund the two-year Second Chance Family-Based Offender Program, which will target 60 families with individuals who have a high risk of returning to Jail soon after being released. 

In addition to resources, the grant will pay for a part-time court clerk, a part-time mental health professional, and a full-time case manager, who will facilitate visits between children and their parents at a location outside the jailhouse setting.