Franklin County, ME

Franklin County Government

maine

Rural | Population: 30,808

Franklin County, Maine, faces significant challenges related to substance use disorders (SUD), co-occurring mental health disorders, and poverty. As the least populous county in Maine, with rural isolation and limited access to healthcare, Franklin County has struggled to address the opioid crisis effectively. In 2023, the county reported approximately 140 overdoses. Justice-involved individuals are disproportionately affected, with 82% of those screened at the Franklin County Detention Center testing positive for substance use. The jail lacks adequate programming, staffing, and infrastructure to provide comprehensive SUD treatment and recovery services. Additionally, recidivism rates remain high due to insufficient reentry planning and continuity of care post-release.  

Key COSSUP Initiatives

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Expansion of MAT services at Franklin County Detention Center.

MAT will be offered during incarceration and pre-release phases, ensuring continuity of care post-release. 

Comprehensive reentry planning

A full-time certified social worker will provide case management, counseling, and connections to community-based resources while overseeing individualized treatment plans. 

Evidence-based reentry programs will focus on workforce readiness, parenting skills (e.g., Nurturing Fathers program), financial literacy, and GED completion. 

Implementation of an electronic tracking system for recidivism rates, medical diagnoses, MAT enrollment, and reentry outcomes.  

Peer recovery support services

Peer coaches will offer overdose prevention education, recovery navigation, and emotional support during incarceration and post-release. 

Anticipated Benefits of Project

• Reduction in overdose fatalities

  This project aims to reduce overdose fatalities through access to timely and effective treatment, including medications for opioid use disorders (MOUD) and naloxone distribution.

• Improved reentry outcomes

  This project aims to reduce recidivism by addressing barriers to treatment, including housing, employment, and transportation.

• Increased treatment compliance

  With the support of peer recovery specialists and dual-diagnosis treatment services, this project aims to increase treatment compliance and effectiveness.

Collaborative Partners

• Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

• Franklin County Detention Center

• Healthy Community Coalition

• Maine Prisoner Reentry Network

• Franklin County Children’s Taskforce

Project Director

Sergeant Ryan Close
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
rclose@franklincountymaine.gov
207-778-2146

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.