County Probation got an “atta-boy” from the California State Association of Counties for a program that helps people stop from re-offending and ending up back behind bars.
County Probation was given the 2015 CSAC Challenge Merit Award for its innovative, “Post Release Offender Meeting” program or PROB, “which quickly connects offenders with services soon after their release from incarceration,” County Probation said in a news release. “More than 250 entries were submitted for this year’s awards and the County’s program received one of only 42 awards distributed this year.”
Chief Probation Officer Jim Salio said, “Our ultimate goal is to create a safe community and this program helps us achieve that goal. These offenders face serious challenges that, if not addressed, can lead to new law violations and jeopardize their ability to successfully reenter the community.”
The weekly PROMs serve as the immediate reporting location for newly released offenders in SLO County. At each meeting, they are drug and alcohol tested, assessed for both supervision and placement needs, and quickly connected with treatment and services.
Using a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, PROM unites services offered by the County with job and vocational services, tattoo removal and support from community-based organizations.
“Our coordinated and streamlined approach,” Salio said, “has shortened the time needed to place these offenders in appropriate rehabilitative programs, including critically needed drug and alcohol treatment.” For more information, see: www.slocounty.ca.gov.
