New numbers are showing how reentry programs and services at the Chautauqua County Jail are greatly reducing the facility’s recidivism rate.

According to CodyAnne Weise, employment and reentry facilitator at the jail, nearly 100 inmates participate in these programs every year. In 2013, nearly 60 percent returned to jail after two years of their release. In 2014, only 35 percent returned to jail after two years.

“This 35 percent year-to-date (figure) for two years is wonderful … that’s half the national average,” said Weise, during a reentry task force meeting Wednesday at Jamestown Community College. “I think it’s a very big improvement.”

Weise also touted the success of the “200 Percent of Poverty Alternatives to Incarceration” grant programming, which focuses on individuals with families whose income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty line.

Inmates going through the programming have to complete certain tasks within a specific timeframe: within 30 days, they need to have a case plan created and referrals made; at the halfway point, they need to begin Ready, Set, Work, a job readiness program; at the three-quarter point, they need to complete four hours of parenting training and obtain a current child support order; and successful completion means obtaining employment, or having three job interviews or job training.

If the number of inmates at each point matches or exceeds the program’s milestone number, then reimbursement of programming is secured.

“In 2015, we achieved or overachieved every one of our milestones … this means that we made maximum reimbursement,” Weise said. “This is the first year that we have done this.”

As far as the leading causes of recidivism, the lack of a job or personal identification continue to top the list.

“One of the top eight crime-causing factors is idleness and boredom,” Weise said. “You’re 35 percent less likely to recidivate if you obtain gainful employment.”

Weise said linking up with employers is critical.

“I would like to try another employer event like a reverse job fair where the employers can come and see what service providers have to offer them,” she said. “It’s hard to get employers out of their work site.”

The reentry task force has also been involved in “Ban the Box” efforts, aimed at persuading employers to remove the check box from applications that ask if applicants have a criminal record. Although it is illegal in New York state for employers to discriminate against a candidate because of a criminal record, some employers continue to take it under consideration.

Weise said a lack of personal identification also contributes to lack of employment.

Many inmates tend to lose much of their personal belongings upon incarceration, including their hard-to-replace personal identification materials, Weise said. To fix this, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office started to provide government-issued photo identification for those inmates unable to get one. Background checks are given prior.

Weise emphasized that such solutions, along with the support of other agencies and employers, are vital for a successful reentry into society.

For more information, contact CodyAnne Weise at 224-0539 or weisec@co.chautauqua.ny.us.