Recidivism in Wisconsin Stable

The most recent recidivism rates provided by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections have remained relatively stable. On average, those released three years prior show a recidivism rate of 31.3 percent. According to Lieutenant Tammy Sternard of the Door County Sheriff’s Department, “Operation Fresh Start (OFS) is a collaborative community effort which seeks to improve on this by providing a path forward for inmates in the Door County Jail through education, mentoring, and employment training.” OFS programs seek to reintegrate offenders back into the community and to reduce recidivism by engaging all available community resources and opportunities. OFS seeks to create a successful re-entry program for inmates by providing them with the needed tools to be successful once they return to the community after their incarceration.

Milly Gonzales, domestic violence coordinator with HELP of Door County, hosts weekly group sessions with female inmates in the Door County Jail, working with them on a variety of topics related to developing healthy relationships which many have struggled with prior to their incarceration. Gonzales’ Healthy Relationship Group works to develop those supportive familiar relationships which are a key component for success for re-integration. When needed, Gonzales also meets one on one with inmates to provide additional support and advocacy. Ed DiMaio, who coordinates HELP’s Alternatives To Violence Program, also works with inmates providing them with relaxation techniques, creative (poetry) writing and one-on-one support.