UCHRA Day Reporting Centers Start Work With First Participants

One of three UCHRA day reporting centers are operational with the first inmates enrolled in the program.

The agency received $4 million last year to create three locations to rehabilitate drug offenders instead of incarcaration. Executive Director Mark Farley said the Putnam County location has two participants.

“We’re very excited, because it is a very structured, evidence-based program where we work with these individuals over an extended period of time,” Farley said. “It’s not just helping them with substance issues but also making sure they have the life skills and technical skills to come back into the workplace.”

Farley said individuals come appointed from the court system. Farley said they start out spending 20 hours a week with licensed clinical staff. As they progress, the time is gradually reduced until they re-enter society.

“Sometimes these individuals need help getting treatment and getting on the right path,” Farley said. “The whole goal of this is to try and reach these individuals before they need in-patient treatment. Hopefully, we can catch them in the very early stages to give them the support they need.”

Farley said clients should be enrolled at the Smith and Warren County locations soon. Farley said he sees the program as another tool to help curb substance abuse issues in the Upper Cumberland.

“Gradually, it will get to the point we are just doing aftercare,” Farley said. “Working with them and continue to reach out to them to see if they are alright. Hopefully by that point, they are moving in the right direction.”