Washtenaw County, MI

Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office

MIchigan

Urban | Population: 365,536

Washtenaw County, Michigan, is confronting a profound substance use crisis, with opioids and stimulants driving devastating impacts across the community. In 2022, fentanyl was implicated in 86% of opioid-related overdose deaths, contributing to a 33% rise in drug overdose fatalities from 2020 to 2022. The Washtenaw County Jail processes thousands of individuals annually, many of whom struggle with substance use. Justice-involved individuals face compounded challenges upon reentry, including limited access to stable housing, employment opportunities, and behavioral health services. These systemic barriers perpetuate cycles of recidivism and overdose risk. The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) recognizes the urgency of addressing these obstacles to foster recovery, reduce recidivism, and support successful reintegration into society. 

Key COSSUP Initiatives

Comprehensive reentry support

Integrate housing support, case management, and occupational therapy into a unified reentry framework.

Develop individualized reentry plans and coordinate with probation officers.

Peer recovery support services

Provide peer recovery support services during a person’s transition from incarceration back into their community.

recovery housing

Provide housing-focused case management and secure transitional housing.

Program evaluation

Wayne State University will evaluate the impact of reentry services over the life of the project.

Anticipated Benefits of Project

• Increased public safety

  This project aims to increase public safety through seamlessly transitioning individuals from treatment in custody to community-based treatment.

• Improved reentry outcomes

  This project aims to improve the reentry process and therefore reduce recidivism by providing case management services.

• Increased treatment compliance

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

Collaborative Partners

• Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office

• Avalon Housing

• Dawn Farm

• Life After Incarceration: Transition & Reentry (LAITR)

• Wayne State University‘s Center for Behavioral Health and Justice

Project Director

Teresa Fox
Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office
foxt@washtenaw.org
734-660-8500

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.