LUDLOW, Mass (WWLP) – The Hampden County Jail in Ludlow, has the lowest return to jail rate, not only in the state, but in the country.
A recent report shows the state recidivism rate after 3-years for other county jails is 48%, while the national average is almost 50%. Hampden County Jail's rate is a little over 33%.
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The Hampden County Sheriff's Department's Assistant Superintendent James Kelleher, said the program is designed for this result; "Structure, accountability and supportive programs to our population just offers a sense of hope and sense of encouragement."
Governor Charlie Baker proposed spending $1-million to expand the western Massachusetts re-entry model statewide.
The Sheriff's Department works with the regional employment board to help released inmates find jobs, housing, and schooling.
Former inmate Celeste Gainey of Chicopee said the 28-day program saved her life; "It was possible for me to reclaim my life back, which I did, and I thank them very much for that."
Sheriff Michael Ashe said the goal of the jail is to have a zero return to jail rate, and that his jail is closer to that goal than any urban county jail in the country.