Halfway house walkaways addressed

Monday, November 10, 2003

By JEAN JONES
Bridgeton Evening News

Department of Corrections Commissioner Devon Brown says the number of inmates walking away from halfway houses is decreasing but still is a concern.

"There are about 21 halfway houses to provide those services in New Jersey," Brown said, including Kintock House in Bridgeton. A request for proposals is being put out by the state the requirements will be performance-based. The rate of walkaways is decreasing. The number per facility will become available later this month. It will be made available to them during a meeting so they can see their rate," he said of the facilities

"No number is truly acceptable but all too often it is people about to be released and there is anxiety. They have been incarcerated many years and they're worried about how they will adjust to society," he said.

"Finally, this nation has realized that what goes into the penal system is what comes out. Ninety-five percent of inmates will one day be released. If we can keep an inmate from recidivism we are protecting ourselves. When we invest in programs, we're investing in you and your family."
Changes are taking place in New Jersey's penal system and Brown said these changes should help inmates prepare for the day of their release.

"We've got to start planning for release as soon as a prisoner comes through the gate," he said.

New Jersey now has programs to make sure an inmate being released has a Social Security card, whether they qualify for Medicaid or veterans benefits and whether they have special health needs. All these things will help them be less apprehensive about rejoining society, he said.

At the same time, halfway houses are going to be evaluated on their performance, he said, including the number of inmates who walk away.

(This article has been reprinted courtesy of the Bridgeton Evening News.)