By Staff
Gov. Bob Riley has awarded two grants for programs that hold juvenile offenders in Morgan County accountable for their actions and help them make a successful transition from detention to society.
The Morgan Co.Commission will use a $60,000 grant to continue an electronic monitoring program for juvenile offenders. A $111,039 grant will help the Morgan Co. System of Services operate a transitional home for male juveniles just released from incarceration.
The county’s electronic monitoring program confines juvenile nonviolent offenders to their homes. Offenders are required to wear monitoring devices that permit program supervisors to track their movements electronically. Unannounced visits also are conducted to verify compliance. Offenders also are required to perform community service.
The transitional home program provides services designed to help participants make a smooth and gradual return to society after incarceration.
The services address specific needs, including mental health therapy, educational training, life skills education and recreational programs. The home’s goal is to reduce the number of repeat offeners in the county.