U.S. Department of Justice officials say Jefferson County will use a federal grant to create a service center for inmates who are paroled from state prisons.
Federal officials said in a statement that the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles is being given a Second Chance Act grant of more than $687,100 to launch a day reporting center. The day reporting center is meant to help inmates navigate inmates' return to society and cutting the likelihood of Birmingham-area probationers committing new crimes.
Officials say the day reporting center will offer inmates employment options, education, substance abuse rehabilitation and behavioral training. Officials say programs meant to help inmates transition from incarceration are proven to cut recidivism rates.