Craven County, NC
Craven County Government
north carolina
Suburban | Population: 102,391Craven County, nestled in the Coastal Plain region of eastern North Carolina with its county seat in historic New Bern, is charting a new course in public safety and community health through its COSSUP-funded initiative led by the Craven County Sheriff’s Office. Launched in 2022, the program responds to the opioid crisis and the growing demand for effective reentry support by offering a coordinated, treatment-centered approach for individuals with substance use disorders. Focusing on reducing recidivism and enhancing long-term recovery, the initiative integrates four core components: clinical treatment, peer recovery support, transitional housing, and transportation assistance.
Key Components of the Program
Jail-Based Substance Use Disorder Screening and Treatment Services
269
individuals received telehealth clinical services
Through its COSSUP-funded initiative, Craven County has embedded a part-time direct care clinician into its detention-based operations to conduct all SUD assessments via telehealth. This approach has allowed the jail to maximize clinical reach while reducing the logistical burdens associated with in-person provider visits. The clinician holds between four and six weekly appointments, ranging from initial assessments to follow-ups, and every interaction is captured in a comprehensive clinical summary report shared with the program team. Since implementation, 269 individuals have received these telehealth-based services while in custody.
Transitional Housing
In response to growing concerns around jail overcrowding and its impact on public safety, Craven County partnered with community-based recovery homes. Individuals are moved into community-based supportive living environments while remaining under the supervision of the Sheriff’s Office via GPS ankle monitors. This strategy alleviates strain on jail infrastructure and strengthens reentry outcomes by connecting individuals to recovery services well before release.
9
beds offered in transitional housing facility, with 6 more coming soon
Follow-up care continues for up to six months post-release, reinforcing stability and reducing the likelihood of relapse. The program has expanded significantly since its launch, increasing its transitional housing capacity from four to nine beds, with six more beds soon to be added through opioid settlement funds. Transportation barriers have also been addressed through rideshare coordination, ensuring individuals can access treatment, job interviews, and other critical supports.
Peer Recovery Support Services
269
individuals contacted by peer support specialists in jail
Craven County’s partnership with Hope Recovery Clinic is the foundation for its peer recovery support services, both inside the detention center and in the community. Despite staffing shortages among sworn officers limiting access, Hope Recovery continues to provide consistent and meaningful support to individuals in custody. Since the launch of the COSSUP-funded initiative, Hope Recovery’s Peer Support Specialists (PSS) have completed 269 unique in-jail contacts, building trust and guiding participants toward long-term recovery.
System Collaboration
Collaboration across agencies and sectors is a defining strength of Craven County’s approach. Hope Recovery, the program’s core partner, is uniquely positioned to offer flexible and responsive services for individuals with pending charges due to its proximity and established community reputation. These partnerships extend well beyond the jail, thanks to a vibrant network of stakeholders who meet regularly to share resources, discuss challenges, and drive systemic improvements.
Monthly county networking breakfasts bring together mental health professionals, police officers, women’s services providers, clinicians, and representatives from local shelters. These gatherings foster strong referral networks and build relationships to support successful transitions from custody to community. Additionally, the Recovery Alliance Initiative (RAI) convenes monthly to address broader issues, such as transportation access and recovery housing availability, drawing participation from county leadership and funding partners. Sheriff’s office leadership actively promotes these collaborations, encouraging engagement with legal stakeholders and community providers. Together, these efforts strengthen the system’s capacity to respond holistically to the needs of individuals affected by substance use, while enhancing public safety and community well-being.
“At the Craven County Sheriff's Office, we believe that incarceration is the first step to transition. Our jail rehabilitation and re-entry programs are opportunities for those seeking to change. We provide the tools, guidance, and support necessary for inmates ready to break free from addiction and reclaim their lives. Recovery starts here, and we stand committed to helping every willing individual who takes that first step toward a better future.”
—Major david mcfayden
Program Outcomes
Since its inception, the program has achieved significant milestones:
Launched impactful peer support services within the facility, creating a safe and encouraging space where incarcerated individuals receive mentorship, emotional support, and guidance, fostering personal growth, accountability, and stronger pathways to recovery.
Successfully hired and integrated a dedicated direct care clinician, enabling timely, expert evaluation of individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health needs—dramatically improving the identification and placement of eligible participants into external rehabilitation and recovery programs
Looking Ahead
The program’s impact is already visible. A recent recovery celebration honored 12 Hope Recovery graduates, including one woman whose journey from incarceration to employment at Hope Recovery is inspiring others to pursue lasting change. The initiative has received strong backing from local judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement leaders, further reinforcing the community’s shared investment in recovery and public safety.
The program plans to build on this foundation by focusing on three core priorities: expanding in-facility services, enhancing long-term data collection, and strengthening staff training. New educational, vocational, and rehabilitative programming will be explored to serve those in custody better. At the same time, refined data tracking systems will allow for more accurate measurement of key outcomes such as recidivism, employment, and housing stability. Additionally, a renewed emphasis on staff development will ensure that the facility continues to foster a supportive and trauma-informed environment for recovery. By investing in these areas, Craven County is positioning itself as a leader in recovery-focused public safety and community wellness.
Community Partners
Craven County Government
Craven County Sheriff’s Office
Hope Recovery Homes
Journeys to Success
Craven-Pamlico Re-Entry Council
Project Director
Tami Munson
Craven County Sheriff’s Office
tami.munson@cravencountync.gov
252-636-6675
This project was supported by Grant No. 15PBJA23GK02258COAP awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.