The Pre-Release and Reentry Services Division of the Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation has undergone some major changes in the past few months, revolving around one small change that has made a big difference. The use of prepaid cell phones in the Montgomery County Pre-Release Center has allowed inmates, especially those soon to be released, maintain contact with family and friends and, most importantly, search for jobs.
Stefan LoBuglio, the Division Chief, filled the Innovation Program in on what this legislation entails and how it will help Montgomery County. The use of prepaid cell phones is meant to fix two issues, “the decline of public payphones and the increased expectations of employers to contact potential hires and current workers immediately.” The ability to contact future employers allows inmates to line up a job while waiting to be released. The Pre-Release Center carefully screens individuals who are ready for a community setting to live in the Center for a few months while finding job opportunities.
“This policy was implemented 20 months ago, has been highly successful, and actually received a national award for its many benefits while also imposing no additional costs to the county,” LoBuglio notes. The prepaid cell phones are not funded by the county, but by the individuals and their families, so no cost to the county is charged. The legislation was enacted in July 2012 and has proven successful since then.
With the changed labor market, employers want to be able to talk to their future workers, and with the county paying nothing, this bill has shown significant success with very few challenges. Great job Montgomery County Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation!