Adult Probation Dept. has new programs

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Van Wert County Common Pleas Court’s Probation Department is initiating two new programs for criminal offenders funded by a state Community Corrections Grant.

“Thinking for Change” and “Moving On,” are evidence-based programs. Thinking for Change helps criminal offenders change their behavior by changing the way they view their criminal behavior and how they make changes in their lives.

Moving On is specifically designed for women and helps them free themselves from dependence on negative male figures in their lives, while also helping them make positive social choices for themselves and their families.

Chief Probation Officer Bruce Showalter said both programs would be assigned based on Ohio Risk Assessment Scores. Thinking for Change will be available for high-risk men and women, as well as moderate-risk males, while moderate-risk women are eligible for the Moving On program.

Over the next few months, program candidates will attend a session at Westwood Behavioral Health Center for a needs assessment/diagnosis. Candidates will also apply for Medicaid through the Van Wert County Department of Job and Family Services, Showalter said, noting that, while Medicaid qualification is not a program requirement, is may offset some of the expenses of the program.

After a pool of candidates has been screened, candidates will begin treatment in the programs. Participation for those assigned is mandatory and sessions will be scheduled to avoid conflict with employment as much as possible.

“It is not our desire to cause anyone to lose employment,” Showalter said, “however, should someone deliberately change their working conditions to avoid participation, it could result in referral back to the court.”

Showalter said high-risk candidates would be phased into the program first, while moderate-risk candidates would follow.

Both programs are curriculum-based and are recommended by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. Treatment will be provided by licensed therapists through Westwood Behavioral Health Center.

Projected starting date for the first high-risk group is January 2014, with other groups to be phased in as they become qualified.

Showalter said new language would also be included in judgment entries for eligible defendants and would read: “The defendant is ordered to participate in and successfully complete all treatment and rehabilitation programs as directed by his probation officer.”

Showalter said his department is also exploring court-ordered intensive outpatient substance abuse programs through Westwood in an attempt to deal with the increasingly negative effects of substance abuse.