Over 15 classes/programs are currently offered including:
* Health Education, Addiction Recovery Toward Self-Responsibility (HEARTS)*
* Parenting * Culinary * Anger Management * Moral Recognition Therapy (MRT) *
* AA * NA * Adult Education * GED * ESL * Employment Success *
Program Graduates:
M.R.T.
H.E.A.R.T.S.
Parenting
Anger Management
Diploma Recipients
4
22
38
24
6
Culinary Training Hours:
July 2016 - June 2017
July 2017 - December 2017
5,486
1,067
In 2017, Custody staff have been working in corroboration with Public Guardian Patrol’s Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) to administer valuable resources to the county's transient population while they are incarcerated.
Depending on the circumstances of arrest, many inmates do not have adequate resources or support upon release and end up becoming homeless or continue to be homeless. Many transients do not possess essential items such as Identification Cards, Birth Certificates, Social Security Cards and other documents necessary to obtain assistance. This year, Custody staff and
HOT have been working together to determine individuals in need of these services and are working to locate resources specific to an individual's needs.
Frequently, transients contacted by HOT officers in the field are struggling with addiction and are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As a result, they are often not in the best position to accept help and are sometimes resistant to the services offered to them by HOT.
The involvement of correctional officers in the Homeless Outreach program has created new opportunities as it allows those with addiction issues to make important life decisions in a sober state.
Custody Officers are actively working to address a person's needs and then connect them to the appropriate resources while they are in custody. In doing so, they hope to provide them the tools to become independent and create a better outlook on ending their transient state. In building these relationships with our homeless population, officers are more familiar with an individual and are better equipped to provide a continuum of care both in and out of custody.
The Sheriff's Office is optimistic that these
efforts will continue to help these individuals
break a destructive cycle of homelessness,
addiction, and incarceration, and therein have a
positive impact on the surrounding community.
Continuity of Care
34
(Left) South Lake Tahoe inmates growing their own fresh basil.
(Above) Inmates learn basic kitchen skills, food safety, and many different culinary specialties including baking and catering.