Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Muncie Innovating Rehabilitating Criminals

 From Muncie's Star-Press: JUMP program opening up to all employers in Delaware County.

John Bush, the adult probation officer who developed the program, told Delaware County Council last week that It has worked so well for clients and employers that the acronym for JUMP has changed. It was Judicial Users Manufacturing Partnership.

Today it's the Judicial Upward Mobility Partnership as the program continues to grow and branch out from its original aim to help manufacturers facing a labor shortage to other employment needs in the community.

"We're very enthused about the progress we've made so far," said Jeff Hansard, chief probation officer for Delaware County.

Probation officials reported to council members about the last six months of the effort that has been ongoing for a year.

"We're having a lot of positive impact on many of our clients and we're looking forward to the next six months," said Hansard.

He said the economic impact of the program, which matches nonviolent offenders recently released from jail with employers needing workers, delivered $1.5 million in wages for the 50 probationary clients during its first year, based on $15-an-hour wages.

"Obviously there is a direct tax benefit to the local jurisdiction and the state as well in terms of payroll taxes. Also, the money that gets spend in the community." Hansard said. "But more than that, it also reduces recidivism of offenders, it increases public safety and kind of one of the biggest pieces out of this is that it has really promoted good collaboration, especially between out department and Ivy Tech."

Think about it.

sch 7/11

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