KDOC is celebrating the opening of the first work release facility for substance use in Kansas prisons

LANSING, Kan. (KCTV) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly joined Kansas Department of Corrections leaders for the grand opening of the first substance use recovery and work release facility in a Kansas prison.

The grand opening was held Friday at the East Campus of the Lansing Correctional Institution. It is a 200 bed minimum security facility that offers a comprehensive reentry program. Kelly’s office said the goal is to break the cycle of addiction through cognitive behavioral training and preparation for re-entry into society.

“Effective rehabilitation and recovery services are key to breaking the cycle of addiction and crime,” Kelly said. “This campus customizes residents’ reentry programming based on their risks and must ensure a smooth transition as they transition back into society.”

Lansing Correctional Facility’s East Campus is designed to expand beyond the traditional 28-day substance abuse program, instead offering residents at least six months of pro-social behavior training.

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With what officials say is a relatively small population, a customized reentry plan is possible for residents, Corrections Secretary Jeff Zmuda said Friday.

It’s all part of Pathways for Success, KDOC’s strategic plan to provide residents with opportunities to succeed as they reenter their communities.

To be eligible for the program, a resident must be in minimum custody, have less than five years to serve, not be a sex offender, have a moderate or high risk of substance use, a strong desire to overcome addiction, and a willingness to attend programming or work as assigned.

State officials said the first residents to occupy Lansing’s east campus will arrive the week of Oct. 28, 2024.

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