Cuyahoga County is taking a significant step toward improving its support for individuals leaving jail, addressing long-standing concerns about the lack of resources to help prevent re-incarceration. Starting next month, a new reentry program will connect those exiting the county jail with vital services like housing, employment, and healthcare.
The initiative, spearheaded by Sheriff Harold Pretel and other county leaders, follows years of criticism over inadequate reentry support in a facility plagued by reports of poor conditions and a high rate of repeat offenders.
“This is a step in the right direction,” said Evan O’Reilly, spokesperson for the Cuyahoga County Jail Coalition, an advocacy group pushing for reforms. “Releasing people without resources only sets them up for failure.”
The push for enhanced reentry services gained momentum statewide after the Ohio Supreme Court’s Reentry Task Force published a detailed report in September 2023, emphasizing the importance of such programs. The report highlighted the role of reentry initiatives in helping individuals reintegrate into society and reducing recidivism. Other counties, like Lorain and Franklin, already operate dedicated offices to provide services before release, offering a model Cuyahoga County aims to follow.
Learning from Other Jails
Sheriff Pretel and his team visited facilities in Ohio, Indiana, and Tennessee to study their reentry programs, gaining insights into best practices. Pretel emphasized that the sheriff’s office has a responsibility not only for public safety but also for helping individuals in custody prepare for a successful return to their communities.
“We must provide the tools and resources people need to rebuild their lives—stable housing, employment, and access to essential services,” Pretel said.
The new program will initially focus on two groups: those nearing the end of their sentences and individuals who frequently return to jail, including veterans. Officials plan to incorporate reentry services into the design of a proposed new jail facility in Garfield Heights to ensure these programs remain a priority.
Addressing the Cycle of Repeat Offenses
The county jail houses approximately 1,600 individuals daily, with hundreds cycling through the facility repeatedly. According to Laurel Diaz, the county’s justice and health equity officer, about 300 people have been booked at least eight times in the past three years, many of whom struggle with substance abuse and mental health issues.
“Our goal is to break this cycle by addressing the underlying causes of recidivism and creating pathways to success,” Pretel said.
Bridging the Gap
Currently, reentry services are managed by the county’s Office of Reentry, located miles from the jail, which funds community organizations to assist former inmates but does not engage directly with those exiting custody. Two staff members are now being trained as reentry resource navigators to work within the jail, aiming to establish stronger connections between inmates and essential services.
The absence of structured reentry support has been partially addressed by the Public Defender’s Office, which provides hygiene items, clothing, and informational flyers on housing and health resources. Other organizations distribute bus passes and Narcan kits to mitigate overdose risks.
Ashley Stebbins, deputy chief public defender, welcomed the county’s efforts to formalize reentry services. “We look forward to collaborating with them as this program takes shape in the coming weeks and months,” she said.
While challenges remain, officials acknowledge that creating an effective reentry system will take time, effort, and tailored approaches to meet the diverse needs of individuals leaving custody.
“This won’t be a simple fix,” said Simeon Best, director of the Office of Reentry. “But it’s a necessary step to help people rebuild their lives and reduce the strain on our justice system.”
By addressing these gaps, Cuyahoga County aims to turn the page on a troubled history and offer those exiting jail a better chance at a fresh start.