Fitzpatrick Secures Funding for Bucks County Outmate Program in Effort to Reduce Recidivism

U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) announced he secured $900,000 in funding for the Bucks County Department of Corrections for their innovative Outmate Program.

The objective of this project is to reduce recidivism throughout Bucks County, as the County has seen a recent increase in repeat offenders. The Outmate Program will help these formerly incarcerated individuals be more successful once released on parole, by providing them with extended mental health and medical treatment as well as social services, said Fitzpatrick.

Lehigh County implemented a similar program with great success: in over four years, according to data from Muhlenberg College, over 100 inmates incarcerated in Lehigh (15-18 per semester) took inmate college courses through the College and set themselves up for a better future, explained Fitzpatrick.

With hopes to replicate this success closer to home, the Outmate Program will reduce recidivism and help individuals transition back into society with a greater rate of success. Fitzpatrick said, through opportunities and access to resources, this program will directly benefit the community at large while showing the commitment to serving and supporting all community members in need.

For more information on the Outmate Program, click here.