Sheriff Sean Casey and the mental health team at the Adult Detention Center recently recognized inmates for graduating from Ready for Change, a motivational interviewing group consisting of 10 sessions, where participants explore and address their substance use disorders.

Ready for Change groups began in January and participants met weekly in their respective housing units. They worked with therapists to better understand how drug and alcohol use has impacted their lives, relationships, and decision-making. Participants received supportive group counseling and motivation from one another, as well as developed healthy coping strategies and prepared for the Sober Living Unit Program, which had been suspended during the pandemic.

A total of 29 participants successfully completed Ready for Change, and on March 30, 24 attended a graduation celebration at the detention center. The event featured guest speaker Harold H., who began his recovery journey over 30 years ago while at the detention center. He drew upon his own experiences and offered insight and encouragement to the participants.

A representative from each housing unit shared their challenges, their experience in Ready for Change, and their potential to live a life in recovery. After their remarks, graduates were presented with certificates of achievement from therapists who facilitated Ready for Change and then congratulated by Sheriff Casey.

As the program closed, Sheriff Casey thanked the staff for their work and the graduates for their endeavors in completing the group. He also reminded them that the mental health team would continue providing them with support throughout their time at the detention center and upon returning to the community.

Following the formal program, graduates enjoyed pizza, cupcakes, and soda.

Mental health resources, including substance use services, are delivered to residents of the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center by employees of the Department of Community and Human Services with support from the Community Services Board.