New Jersey Association on Correction’s Clinton House Halfway House, The first halfway house in the state of New Jersey. The Clinton House has been in operation since 1966 and houses up to 40 residents. Dec. 25, 2012. (Photo by Zebedee Jones/Zawbdiyel Media)

New Jersey is the nation’s leader in drug incarcerations. In fact 25% of all inmates incarcerated in NJ are non-violent drug offenders. This is due, in part to mandatory penalties imposed on convicted drug offenders. The guidelines for sentencing date back to the 1980s when former president Ronald Reagan declared war on drugs. Last July, Republican New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, called the war on drugs a failure and announced plans to reform efforts to battle the state’s drug epidemic more effectively. In June, Governor Christie signed a bill that would require non-violent offenders to go to drug rehabilitation centers and transitional housing facilities instead of doing time in prison. These changes in legislature are meant to help with the overcrowding of New Jersey prisons, reduce the $11 billion New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) budget and get drug addicts the help and treatment they need. Currently, 22,000 inmates are able to be housed in New Jersey Correctional facilities. In 2011, 10,839 were committed to the NJDOC. Each inmate costs approximately $49,000 per year to keep locked up. The overcrowding causes dangerous conditions for prisoners and the corrections officers that look after them. Halfway houses cost $30,000 per inmate per year and provide more intensive and direct care to inmates. Governor Christie’s efforts have fallen under considerable scrutiny because of his close personal relationship with John Clancy, CEO of the Community Education Centers (CEC). The CEC Grossed over $71 million dollars in 2011 and received high praise from Christie in their rehabilitative efforts. Last June, Sam Dolnick, of the New York Times published an article about the CEC.  In Dolnick’s 10-month investigative report, he highlighted the ineffectiveness and dangers to the community caused by CEC facilities.  Among these highlights were uneducated staff, frequent escapes and the murder of Viviana Tulli by an escaped inmate David Goodell. Dolnick stated in his report that the CEC had become a “shadow corrections system with lax oversight.”

Clarence Carmichael (Left) and Ronald Sherman (right) pose for a photo at the New Holy Cross Church Food Drive , in Trenton, NJ. Clinton House residents work at the food drive to help satisfy their community service obligations. Jan. 10, 2013. (Photo By: Zebedee Jones/Zawbdiyel Media)

In contrast to the large modern CEC facilities, there are smaller halfway houses that are run in residential dwellings. These houses can be found throughout neighborhoods and communities. In1966, the New Jersey Association on Correction (NJAC) opened New Jersey’s first halfway house, Clinton House.  NJAC was also the first organization in New Jersey to work with federal and state government in pre-release programs for inmates.

A Clinton house resident at work at the New Holy Cross Food Drive in Trenton, NJ. After assisting with the distribution of food, Clinton House residents are able to receive food. Jan. 10, 2013. (Photo by: Zebedee Jones/Zawbdiyel Media)

The Clinton House has provided New Jersey inmates the opportunity to serve the final months of their sentencing in a community setting. Supported by trained professionals, residents of the Clinton House are able to re-adjust to community living.  While at the Clinton House, residents are afforded the opportunity and assistance to find employment or attend college or an approved training program.  Case Managers work with the clients in order to provide them with the tools necessary to gain meaningful employment or training.

The Albert M. “Bo” Robinson Treatment Center in Trenton, NJ. This Community Education Center, (CEC) facility serves as an assessment center for inmates being released from prison in New Jersey. Here, inmates are evaluated and it is determined what release program that they are eligible for Jan. 10, 2013. (Photo by: Zebedee Jones/Zawbdiyel Media)

According to Clinton House Supervisor James McGovern and Facility monitor Clarence Carmichael, Clinton House resident process through treatment centers like Bo Robinson before coming to the Clinton House. At treatment centers inmates are further reviewed to determine if they are suitable candidates for community release programs. It is from these centers that they are moved to various programs and facilities throughout the state of New Jersey. CEC facilities in particular are the facilities that Dolnick reported on in his investigative report on.

Barb wired fences surrounding the northern side of the Albert M. “Bo” Robinson Treatment Center in Trenton, NJ offer a stark contrast to the community setting and environment offered by The Clinton House. Jan. 10, 2013. (Photo by: Zebedee Jones/Zawbdiyel Media)

Residents choose to come to the program voluntarily and consent to abiding by the house rules. Residents agree to a program contract which is developed with the Clinton House Case Managers.  The Program Contract is composed according to the needs of the individual resident and takes into account their personal goals as well as educational, employment, financial, and counseling needs.

Clinton House Facility Monitor, Clarence Carmichael speaks to Zawbdiyel Media about Governor Christie’s initiatives and changes in legislation, during an interview at the Clinton House in Trenton, NJ on Nov. 18, 2012. (Photo by: Zebedee Jones/Zawbdiyel Media)

Clinton House Facility Monitor, gives his perspective on transitional housing and halfway houses in the state of New Jersey during an interview at the Clinton House, in Trenton, NJ with Zawbdiyel Media in Trenton, NJ on Dec. 25, 2012. (Photo by: Zebedee Jones/Zawbdiyel Media)

Residents receive counseling individually and in groups.  Individual counseling allows residents to focus on the issues that are specific to them, while in group sessions, discussions focus on the development of communication skills and social responsibility.  Also, specialized mental health and substance abuse counseling is available. While staying at the Clinton house residents are required to volunteer at least once a week with a local non-profit organization.