Jail Chemical Addiction Program Possibly Coming to Jefferson County

This program works with inmates who volunteer to learn how to live drug-free outside of jail.

Photo Courtesy of City-County Observer

(Madison, Ind.) – During last night’s City Council meeting the council heard a presentation from Attorney General Curtis Hill on the Jail Chemical Action Program (JCAP).

JCAP is aimed to help offenders leave the jail system having already begun the path to sobriety, this program has already been implemented in eight Indiana counties, and Mayor Courtney along with the Jefferson County Commissioners hope to start this program in the new jail facility.

This program works with inmates who volunteer to learn how to live drug-free outside of jail. This program was started in both Dearborn County and Boone County jails and has seen great success since its start.

Data from the Dearborn County Jail shows the number of repeat offenders has been cut in half after the program was implemented at the jail.

JCAP is a 90-day, minimum, inpatient program, where inmates will be receiving cognitive behavioral therapy and substance abuse counseling. During the program, inmates will receive individual counseling every two weeks.

Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Thomas stated that about 90 percent of those who are in the Jefferson County Jail are there for drug offenses.

The program also offers relapse prevention treatment, self-help meetings, peer support groups, parenting classes, and life skills groups.

“We must ensure that offenders in our jails and prisons are provided genuine and meaningful opportunities to turn their lives around and break the cycles that lead people repeatedly into criminal behavior,” said Hill. 

Statistics from the Dearborn County Jail show that 40 percent of the general population inmates are arrested again upon release, by contrast only 18 percent of JCAP graduates are arrested again upon release.

“It is a key imitative of this administration to bring additional treatment services and options to our community,” said Mayor Courtney. “This program will not compete with the other programs in the county because it works with those who are in jail.”

Those who participate in JCAP are isolated from the general population to ensure they can stay focused on their goals. 

With the plans on the new jail beginning to be in the final stages, County Commissioner Dave Bramer stated the jail will have areas where those participating can be isolated. He also mentioned the current jail facility could be used for those who participate in JCAP. 

Funding from this program will be part of the interlocal agreement between the city and the county, so the financial responsibility is split. The attorney generals office also offers grants to those facilities who implement JCAP.

If you would like to read more on JCAP and how Dearborn County is using the program you can click here.