West Boylston – Citing a new milestone in his multi-part plan to reduce recidivism, Sheriff Guy Glodis today presented graduation certificates to 24 inmates who have successfully completed the new Substance Treatment Offender Program (STOP) at the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction.  A total of 30 inmates completed the program, though 6 have since been released. 

“Today is a great day for the Sheriff’s Department, and the inmates who have taken part in this important new program” Sheriff Glodis stated.  “By investing in the recovery and rehabilitation of inmates while incarcerated, we dramatically reduce the likelihood that they will re-offend.”

The STOP Program, created by Sheriff Glodis and implemented in January, is an 18-week residential substance abuse treatment program in which inmates are separated from the jail’s general population.  36 medium security inmates are active in the program at a time, and apply to participate voluntarily.  Statewide, 75%-85% of incarcerated inmates have some form of substance abuse problem.  Of the 36 inmates in the first STOP class, 75% are repeat offenders.

The format for the program centers around one-on-one and group counseling, and includes a focus on post-incarceration treatment at Almost Home and Spectrum Health Care.  Three graduates of the STOP Program have enrolled in Almost Home, a halfway house for former inmates on the grounds of the Jail and House of Correction.  Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are included in the program to make inmates aware of services available once they leave prison.  Graduates of the Program who must fulfill the remainder of their sentence are likewise considered for re-classification, making them eligible for community-based programs such as COAP and Work Release. 

Retired Judge Milton Raphaelson, best known for his proactive, progressive approach to inmate rehabilitation, joined Sheriff Glodis for the event: “I commend the Sheriff and these graduates for making the commitment to substance abuse recovery.  This program is a huge step forward in breaking the revolving door of recidivism.”

The Sheriff explained that the new STOP class, beginning May 13^th, will be expanded to include a domestic violence segment, administered by New Hope, and parenting classes. 

Sheriff Glodis concluded: “The Sheriff’s Department remains committed to productive incarceration, using the time an inmate is here to truly rehabilitate and turn their lives around.”