—photos courtesy of U.P. Michigan Works—
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel visited the Delta County Sheriff’s Department this week to meet with community and business representatives about developments being made to rehabilitative programs in the state.
The meeting focused on restorative justice programs throughout the state, but Nessel was most interested in hearing feedback from the community on what else could be done.
The conversation shifted to focus on a new rehabilitative program coordinated in Delta county by the Sheriff’s department and UP Michigan Works! utilizing the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program model.
It is the first adaptation of its kind in a county jail setting—designed to help younger inmates get their lives on track after their sentence by supporting and providing them with opportunities for education or advancement. The program will run a two-year pilot before looking to expand to other locations.
UP Michigan Works staff will build soft skills and workplace competencies, offer guidance, assist with job or training searches, and check-in with participants often to ensure progress. Check-ins will continue for at least a year after release to ensure that the former inmates have the support they need.
Employers are also encouraged to consider justice-involved individuals during their hiring processes. There are opportunities and tax credits available to encourage hiring justice-involved individuals, and UP Michigan Works! may be able help with offsetting the cost of hiring from this often-untapped talent pipeline.
“Utilizing the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program model and adapting it to build skills for success for justice-involved young adults will yield successes for individuals in employment, education and life” said Darren Widder, Special Initiatives Manager. “Additionally, with the added goal of reducing recidivism and providing more people prepared for the workforce, success can be felt throughout the community.
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