Sheriff's Office Launches Re-Entry Navigator Program

NEWS RELEASE 20-028 - FEBRUARY 14, 2020 
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The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office will host a press event Wednesday to announce the launch of the agency’s inaugural re-entry navigator program.
 
Thanks to a partnership with the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the sheriff’s office secured a grant to help incarcerated men and women both before and after release. Two new positions known as “re-entry navigators” begin their work while inmates are still behind bars. As part of a holistic approach to treatment, navigators ensure inmates have access to a range of practical and emotional support services while inmates are still incarcerated. Once inmates are released, navigators help address substance abuse issues and provide case management for recovery, to help former inmates succeed in their communities.
 
“This is a phenomenal way to ensure continuity of care so we can continue to reduce recidivism in Sarasota County,” commented Sheriff Tom Knight. “It’s with gratitude to Gulf Coast that this program has finally come to fruition and I look forward to seeing its successes.”

“This is much more than a grant,” said Mark Pritchett. “It is a start-up investment in an innovative, best-practice program that is part of the larger strategy to transform criminal justice in our community from punitive to rehabilitative. It also builds on a decade of work under Sheriff Knight’s leadership to improve the lives of inmates while also improving our community.”

Sheriff Tom Knight and Gulf Coast Community Foundation CEO and President Mark Pritchett, will host a press event on Wednesday, February 19 at the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office headquarters. The office is located at 6010 Cattleridge Blvd. and the event will begin at 10:00 a.m. Media is asked to arrive no later than 9:45 a.m.