Eight inmates from the Starke County Justice Center are now graduates of the Chemical Dependency and Addictions Program.
The program allowed inmates the opportunity to obtain counseling services and substance abuse education while incarcerated in the Starke County Justice Center. It was a 14-week treatment program facilitated by Porter-Starke Services and led by Chemical Dependency and Addictions Therapist Leo Smith. Therapists assisted inmates in restructuring behaviors and thoughts in addiction remediation. Skills taught included the management of stress, anger, cravings, triggers, critical reasoning and decision making.
A graduation ceremony was held Monday morning at the Starke County Justice Center where the graduates shared a goodbye letter to the drug of their choice and how they are motivated to change. Supporters were also given time to offer words to encourage a successful return into the community.
The program was also made possible in part by the Starke County Sheriff’s Office jail staff, Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall, and officials with the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office, Starke County Probation Office, and Starke County Community Corrections.
Monday’s ceremony concluded the 5th program of its kind at the sheriff’s office.
Photo provided.
