Press Releases

Options Program Assists Inmates

Monday, May 5, 2008

The Office of Motor Vehicles Mobile Unit traveled to Lafayette Parish Correctional Center to issue 46 inmates state identification cards. LPCC was the first parish correctional facility the OMV has served in this manner. The inmates paid for their state identification cards out of their commissary funds. This service was made possible through Options, the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office Reentry Program.

Options evaluates offenders' needs and develops reentry plans for those involved in the correctional system. The idea is to address the needs that most commonly lead to recidivism and relapse - employment, social service linkages, housing, clothing, social identification, physical and or mental health assistance, and substance abuse.

Through collaboration with local and state agencies, the transitional coordinator for the Options Program arranges services to best suit the inmates needs. Upon release, the progress of the ex-offender is monitored and transitional action plans are modified as needed. Since the program's inception in February 2008, more than 100 inmates have been assisted.

Leah Dishong
Project Development Manager
Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office
231-6365 ext 239