12 Jun Utah Corrections’ Inmate Placement Program celebrates student’s success in Garfield County

Family and friends gathered Friday at the Garfield County Jail to recognize incarcerated individuals who graduated from high school, treatment programs and technical colleges this year.

The graduates are under the supervision of the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC), and are housed in the Garfield County Jail as part of UDC’s Inmate Placement Program. 

Six students received their high school diplomas while 15 others earned certificates in graphic design, foreign language and computers. Five completed Dare to Soar, a substance abuse treatment program. The graduates are assigned to Garfield County Jail as part of the Inmate Placement Program (IPP), which manages the contracts between UDC and jails statewide.

“We are proud of the hard work of all the offenders who graduated and of the programming staff for their time and commitment,” said Randall Honey, Director of IPP. 

Approximately 25 percent of those in state custody are housed in county facilities across Utah. While in a contracted county jail,  incarcerated individuals are able to participate in programming and educational opportunities  as they would in a state correctional facility. Garfield County’s graduation ceremony – held outdoors and abbreviated by thunderstorms moving into the area – was one of many taking place at county facilities across Utah.

“The relationship between the Sheriffs Association and the Utah Department of Corrections is extremely important and vital to the success of the offenders,” added Honey. “The county jails provide a variety of programs, classes, and work opportunities that the offenders can utilize for their progress.” 

Congratulations to all.

Liam Truchard, Communications Office