Lycoming County commissioners approved an award for GEO Reentry Services to open and operate a Reentry Service program in Williamsport for non-violent adult probationers and parolees beginning in September. GEO Reentry will provide treatment and case management services at the Lycoming County Reentry Service Center for court-ordered offenders with the goal of reducing recidivism, preparing them for successful reentry and reducing jail crowding. The RSC will be located at 330 Pine St.
Program participants will be referred from several sources, including county probation, parole, treatment court, domestic relations and pretrial.The RSC will service individuals ordered by the courts and will participate in a phased program that includes aftercare. Failure to comply with rules and guidelines of the program will result in increased sanctions such as tighter curfews, additional services, more frequent reporting or incarceration.
GEO Reentry Services will closely monitor the behavior of individuals referred to the Lycoming County RSC with daily check-ins, drug and alcohol testing and case management. Participants receive the ongoing treatment needed to help break cycles of criminal behavior. Classes include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Life skills
- Employment readiness training
- Anger management
- GED preparation
- Actuarial risk/needs assessment tools
This intensive approach helps reduce recidivism when compared to traditional offender programs. It also targets employment or full-time school enrollment upon program completion, generates savings for taxpayers through lower incarceration costs and alters participants’ attitudes and behavior through treatment and training. The RSC will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
GEO Reentry operates reentry programs in several other Pennsylvania locations, including Allentown, Chambersburg, Ebensburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Wilkes-Barre and York.