The Russell County Detention Center recently hosted its third Pre-Release class to inmates with upcoming release dates. Russell County’s Pre-Release Program aims to reduce recidivism among released prisoners. The Pre-Release initiative is a response to the Bureau of Justice Statistics found within five years of release, about 76% of released prisoners were rearrested. 

In an effort to break the cycle of criminal behavior, the Pre-Release program takes a comprehensive approach by offering tools to help individuals become productive members of the workforce. The education session at the Russell County Detention Center included information on healthy living, education, probation and parole, employment resources and much more.

Speakers included Cumberlands Workforce Development Board Director Myra Wilson, Health Benefits Assister Carol Johnson, and Lake Cumberland Area Development District Executive Director Darryl McGaha.

A number of agencies participated in the program, offering workshops and talks for the inmates:

Cumberlands Workforce Development
Russell County Department of Corrections
Goodwill Industries
Sky Hope Recovery Center
Oxford House
Rural Health Opioid Program
Lake Cumberland Area Development District
Russell County Attorney