STAR House Recovery- Working to Create New Neighbors

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2020

Challenged with individuals with mental illness and substance abuse disorders cycling through the county jail, Shelby County, Ohio developed the S.T.A.R. (Sheriff’s Treatment And Recovery) House, a pilot, male transitional program, that aligns with NACo’s Stepping Up initiative. The STAR House is an innovative, residential program for individuals who are participating in the Shelby County Jail’s re-entry programs.The STAR House is a stand-alone facility on the grounds of the Sheriff’s Office designed specifically for those recovering from co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness disorders. The STAR House provides a sober living environment for up to 20 residents who have completed their incarceration, but remain on court probation. Through the collaboration and shared vision of many agency partners, the STAR House’s MAT (Medication Assistance Treatment) program provides residents the opportunity to take the Vivitrol injection/Naltrexone pills before jail release. The program assists residents to obtain employment; offers aggressive behavioral cognitive therapy; teaches coping skills; ensures residents have insurance/Medicaid and safe, secure residential housing during and upon completion of the program.The STAR House is an innovative alternative to the cycle of offenders returning to “old neighborhoods” – the same people, places and things.