Corrections_Today_May_June_2023_Vol.85_No.3

NIC Update

workforce development for justice involved adults while identifying the components of a system that is both effective and efficient. Reintegration challenges related to brief length of stays in jails and lack of coordinated post-release support and employment services also need to be addressed. Research has indicated the need for strategies that improve outcomes through programming and services targeting criminogenic risks while addressing the collateral conse quences related to incarceration. In response, Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson of Genesee County, Michi gan, established a program—Inmate Growth Naturally and Intention ally Through Education (I. G. N. I. T. E.)—to provide hope and opportunity for justice-involved adults transitioning from the Gen esee County jail. With the goal of breaking the chain of generational in carceration, IGNITE was announced on September 8, 2020. Established to exceed historical jail educational programs beyond the ability to earn a GED, Sheriff Swan son’s program sought to provide incarcerated people the opportunity to return to the community with an education and the foundation for sustainable life success. Passion … Purpose … Possibility As an executive of the fifth largest county in Michigan, Sheriff Swan son directs the operations of the 580-bed Genesee County Jail. With nearly three decades of criminal justice and law enforcement experi ence, Sheriff Swanson embraced a holistic approach to change the culture of his facility. His aim was to provide hope and opportunity while

Emphasizing procedural justice from the very beginning, Sheriff Swanson was steadfast in creating a program that included community leaders, community activists and individuals dedicated to criminal justice reform. Engaging and including members of the community from wide ranging backgrounds helped the jurisdiction develop a new level of law enforce ment and community trust. These were supported by a commitment to provide 24/7 jail access to commu nity leaders to ensure transparency. Who Ignite serves Many adults have few oppor tunities for advancement when they are released from jail because of the collateral consequences of incarceration; in fact, many are at a disadvantage prior to their incarcera tion because of a family history of poverty, inadequate education, a his tory of substance abuse and mental health disorders and poor physical health and/or chronic illnesses. In response, IGNITE was designed not only to help participants overcome these barriers, but also to re-energize them through both formal and informal educational opportuni ties. Participants can complete their high school education, enroll in credit-bearing college courses, earn a certification in food and beverage safety, health & wellness, finan cial literacy and automotive trades. Eligibility is open to all individuals, with diverse programming allowing for participation at various academic levels. Participants are enrolled in 10 hours of classes per week based on the results of an assessment completed at intake. A class runs five days a week, two hours per day.

creating a structured and safe envi ronment for staff and incarcerated individuals. Established to exceed historical jail educational programs beyond the ability to earn a GED, Sheriff Swanson’s program sought to provide incarcerated people the opportunity to return to the com munity with an education and the foundation for sustainable life success. They could identify com mon barriers to unemployment and underemployment while address ing the evidence-based practices that help decrease recidivism rates and improve reentry outcomes. the opportunity to return to the community with an education and the foundation for sustainable life success. Established to exceed historical jail educational programs beyond the ability to earn a GED, Sheriff Swanson’s program sought to provide incarcerated people

Corrections Today May/June 2023 — 15