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Exceeding

Expectations

Hernando County Detention

Center’s Reentry Program

Daniel Carriveau In 2016, leadership at the Hernando
County Detention Center recognized a
need for assisting incarcerated individuals
with their reintegration into the commu-
nity upon release from the facility. After
exploring many options to find the best
possible services that could be provided,
the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office part-
nered with the Pasco Hernando Workforce
Board. They were awarded a two-year
Linking to Employment Activities Pre-
Release (LEAP-2 grant), which provides
funding for laptop computers, program
software, an instructor, and comprehen-
sive literature for the inmate participants.
The money provided by this grant was
enough to fund a salary for a reentry
deputy position, instructional staffing,
educational material, programs, classroom
space, and any other tools that could
help the participants succeed and the jail
to reduce its recidivism rate. The grant
also required performance-based objec-
tives that would allow for future renewal.
Although the objectives were lofty, our
program far exceeded any expectations.

AMERICANJails MAY | JUNE 2021 | 9