It’s now a little easier for people on parole or probation in Klamath County to get treatment services, as Klamath County Community Corrections is re-opening a wing that had been closed due to funding cuts.
Community Corrections Director Kiki Parker-Rose says the former Work Release Center has re-opened for a new use…
“We’ll be able to provide on-site services for all of our offenders that are in need of everything from alcohol and drug treatment, mental health services, employment, education, and those types of things.”
“We have created sort of a one stop shop with many of the community partners and providers.” Adds Program Manager Christina Eddy.
Parker-Rose notes that funding cuts have left Community Corrections with limited resources to watch over 780 convicted felons…
“In 2011, we went from an agency of 39 employees down to 17.”
But new state funding, and local support is helping to fill some of the gaps.
Program Manager Eddy says those needing treatment are now getting it…
“Right now I think we probably have between 50 to 100 have come through in the last 3 weeks.”
Parker-Rose adds that similar services will soon be available next door at the Klamath County Jail…
“We’re going to be in a position that we can open ‘C’ pod, we will be opening that in partnership with the Klamath County Jail, Lieutenant Davidson on Monday.”
It’s hoped that improving access to treatment will have a long-term benefit of improving public safety.
The money comes from a bill passed by Oregon state lawmakers aimed at reducing the number of people being sent to prison.
Over 170 thousand dollars was earmarked for Klamath County.
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