Houston County Community Corrections operates under the authority of Alabama Act 93-693 and was created in 1993 to alleviate overcrowding in the Houston County Jail. Over the years the mission and scope of Community Corrections broadened. While keeping misdemeanor offender numbers manageable it was now possible for eligible felony offenders to be diverted from state facilities in an effort to ease overcrowding and growing correctional expenses being shouldered by the tax-payers.
In 2002 the Houston County Work Release Facility opened becoming the largest facility of this type in the State. This allows low risk, non-violent offenders the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions in a local setting rather than being placed in a higher security prison facility. Offenders are required to obtain employment, participate in substance abuse treatment and complete educational programs designed to assist in changing their lives with a focus on both their personal and professional needs. Community Corrections partners with several local service providers and agencies to further build upon the "community" aspect of their mission.
In 2015 the Prison Reform Act was passed in legislation that not only recognized the importance of Community Corrections but also laid the groundwork for a bigger role in the criminal justice system. While not all Community Corrections Programs offer the same services they are all governed by Minimum Standards through the Alabama Department of Corrections.
The Community Corrections Center is located at 164 North Oates Street in downtown Dothan. Normal business hours are Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM. Security Officers are on duty 24 hours a day 7 days a week including holidays and an on-call staff member is scheduled for after hour emergencies.
In 2002 the Houston County Work Release Facility opened becoming the largest facility of this type in the State. This allows low risk, non-violent offenders the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions in a local setting rather than being placed in a higher security prison facility. Offenders are required to obtain employment, participate in substance abuse treatment and complete educational programs designed to assist in changing their lives with a focus on both their personal and professional needs. Community Corrections partners with several local service providers and agencies to further build upon the "community" aspect of their mission.
In 2015 the Prison Reform Act was passed in legislation that not only recognized the importance of Community Corrections but also laid the groundwork for a bigger role in the criminal justice system. While not all Community Corrections Programs offer the same services they are all governed by Minimum Standards through the Alabama Department of Corrections.
The Community Corrections Center is located at 164 North Oates Street in downtown Dothan. Normal business hours are Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM. Security Officers are on duty 24 hours a day 7 days a week including holidays and an on-call staff member is scheduled for after hour emergencies.
