Northern Panhandle Reentry Program
The Reentry Program's goal is to reduce West Virginia's prison population by providing an intensive supervision, treatment, and rehabilitation program for eligible candidates, addressing their drug and mental health issues in the hope of breaking the cycle of recidivism.
The only operating reentry program in West Virginia is in the First Judicial Circuit (Brooke, Hancock, and Ohio Counties). Prisoners with addiction or mental health issues are monitored and enrolled in out-patient treatment, overseen by parole officers.
The Brooke County Reentry Court targets offenders who have serious addiction or mental health issues. Participants are required to attend a minimum of one year of intensive out-patient treatment and regularly scheduled court appearances. The treatment team includes the parole officer, Lee Day Report Center staff, probation officers, case managers, and counselors, who all work together to monitor the progress of each participant. Reports on drug test results, attendance, and participation in treatment are reviewed with a participant at each court appearance. Encouragement is provided to those who are making progress in the program. Lack of progress or non-compliance in the program will result in the application of a series of graduated sanctions, which include increased judicial supervision, increased frequency of treatment, house arrest, and short-term incarceration.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be eligible, a candidate must
- Reside in Hancock, Brooke, or Ohio County and be at least eighteen years old;
- Have been determined to be addicted to drugs/alcohol, or have an Axis I mental health diagnosis; and
- Be amendable to treatment.
Exclusions to eligibility include
- Having recently committed a serious infraction of the rules of the Department of Corrections;
- Conviction of a sexual offense; or
- Having escaped or attempted to escape from a correctional institution.
Brooke County Reentry Court Contact:
Gina Hicks, Reentry Court Coordinator
Brooke County Probation Office
840 Charles Street, Second Floor
Wellsburg, WV 26070
Phone: 304-737-3669 Fax: 304-737-3597
The program demonstrates extensive cooperation between the judicial and exexutive branches of government.
For more information about the program in general, please contact Special Projects Director Jennifer Singletary at 304-558-0145. or click here.