UTAH

SLC County Jail announces a new resource reentry program

Aug 4, 2022, 5:00 PM

Grand opening event for the Salt Lake County Jail Resource Reentry Program....

The new reentry program helps aid those released from jail back into the community. (Waverly Golden, KSL NewsRadio)

(Waverly Golden, KSL NewsRadio)

SALT LAKE CITY — The new Salt Lake County Jail Resource Reentry Program, JRRP, is the first of its kind in the country. And on Thursday, the program opened it’s doors.

The JRRP helps individuals navigate the transition from jail back into the community. Furthermore, its existence may help break the cycle of those who are released returning to the system. 

Resources such as food, water and transportation are available. Additionally, people can access court information, conditional release supervision information, Medicaid enrollment, legal advice, and referrals for substance abuse or mental health treatment.

In a press conference accompanying the grand opening, Division Director at Salt Lake County Criminal Justice Services Kele Griffone discussed the available employment services.  

“We refer them to the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) who we have a relationship with, who works with many companies who are familiar with people involved in the criminal justice system,” Griffone said.

“We have four different locations of DWS where people are skilled in working with people who are involved in criminal justice who can go to the appropriate employers who want to give people a chance.” 

That said, Griffone also acknowledged the challenges faced by those with records as they try to find employment. She said that once that box is ticked, having a record, some employers automatically exclude you. 

“…you’re (still) punished for maybe a mistake you made years ago… which is why we want to remove that barrier because there are people who want to work and they shouldn’t be defined by a mistake they make.

“That’s why we’re so lucky in the state of Utah, we have many employers who want to give people a chance and opportunity,” Griffone said. 

More on the new reentry program

According to Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, 650 individuals have already gone to the program for resources. 

“They’ve already served five people today,” said Mayor Wilson in a press conference officially announcing the program. 

Wilson said that having such resources not only helps those transitioning out of jail, but they benefit the community as well. JRRP supports the reduction of disruptive behavior in communities after people are released from jail. Furthermore, the likelihood that a re-offense will occur decreases with the reentry program. 

“Don’t we all benefit showing some humanity?” Wilson said. 

More:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Utah

SWAT...

Kennedy Camarena

Suspect arrested after standoff with SLCPD and SWAT team

SLCPD and SWAT arrested a 26-year-old man Thursday night for threatening a woman. He reportedly said he was going to kill her and then pulled out a knife.

17 minutes ago

a person pumps gas, which is expected to lower in price in 2023...

Andrew Adams, KSL TV

Data shows significant uptick in gas prices over past month in Salt Lake area

AAA gas prices showed Utah with an average price of $3.77 as of Thursday morning, up from nearly $3.13 a month ago.

3 hours ago

Killer Mike poses in the press room with three trophies he won at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on ...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Recent Grammy winners highlight Ogden Twilight Concert Series lineup

Hip hop star Michael Render, known by his stage name Killer Mike, fresh off of three Grammy Award wins last month, is one of several musical artists set to headline this year's Ogden Twilight Concert Series.

13 hours ago

pets...

Curt Gresseth

Don’t surrender pets to a shelter. Send in a pro to reverse bad behavior, says Utah trainer

An expert discusses controlling the unwanted behavior of pets.

16 hours ago

Exclusive video obtained by KSL NewsRadio shows Salt Lake hit-and-run in the Avenues neighborhood. ...

Eric Cabrera

WATCH: Exclusive video shows woman survives Salt Lake City hit and run

KSL NewsRadio has exclusively obtained footage of a Salt Lake City hit-and-run, where a woman was struck while out for a run in the Avenues.

16 hours ago

(Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio)...

Simone Seikaly

Possible carjacking in West Valley City leads to car fire, ramp closure

The UHP said a car was following another car eastbound on the 201 and moved onto the ramp toward NB I-15 when one car rolled and caught fire.

19 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

SLC County Jail announces a new resource reentry program