Change in prison services funding concerns advocates
(Harrisburg) — Three nonprofits providing services to inmates and re-entrants in Lancaster County plan to end their programs next month.
Prison reform advocates are worried a for-profit provider will fill the gap.
The nonprofits are bowing out because of a change in the way the county awards contracts for prison services.
Last year, the board of commissioners voted to create a request-for-proposals (RFP) system.
Commissioner Josh Parsons said the previous method was more ad-hoc; nonprofits would pitch ideas in order to receive funding.
“But I think the average citizen, the average taxpayer wants a process when the county government’s making a decision about funding groups and outlaying large amounts of money,” Parsons said.
Parsons added the new process is more transparent and efficient.
But critics say the RFP was written in a way that excludes the current providers.
The group Have a Heart for Persons in the Criminal Justice System claims a for-profit company bidding to provide services won’t have the best interest of the community at heart, and that could have a negative impact on recidivism rates and public safety.
“Their motivation is basically to their stockholders, who want to see a return on their investment,” said group president Jean Bickmire.
Commissioners note no contract has been awarded yet.
Sometimes, your mornings are just too busy to catch the news beyond a headline or two. Don’t worry. The Morning Agenda has got your back. Each weekday morning, host Tim Lambert will keep you informed, amused, enlightened and up-to-date on what’s happening in central Pennsylvania and the rest of this great commonwealth.
