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FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. (WESH) — Inside the Flagler County jail, dogs and cats are doing more than providing companionship. They are helping inmates learn responsibility, patience and routine as they prepare for life outside the jail.
The animals are part of the jail’s SMART program, which is designed to help inmates struggling with addiction and give them skills aimed at reducing recidivism.
Chief Daniel Engert, who runs the jail, said it is unusual to see animals living alongside inmates receiving treatment.
“You don’t see a lot of jails that have dogs live, sleep and eat right with these guys who are all in treatment,” Engert said.
Female inmates participating in the program have even renamed their pod the “House of Healing.”
One inmate described the experience as rewarding and said it provides a sense of belonging because “everyone cares here.”
The jail also offers inmates opportunities beyond caring for animals. In an auto body shop, inmates can learn hands-on skills they may be able to use to find work after their release. Other opportunities include earning a GED, taking culinary classes and learning vinyl graphics application.
Sheriff Rick Staly said the goal is to hold people accountable while also giving them tools to avoid returning to jail.
Engert said 54% of the SMART program’s 222 graduates have not reoffended or relapsed.
The work inside the jail is also getting national attention. Staly said the Flagler County jail will be featured on Discovery’s “120 Hours Behind Bars.”
Staly said producers who spent time inside the facility were impressed by what they saw.
“What they’ve said to me is how professional our team is, how clean our facility is compared to other facilities,” Staly said.
The Flagler County episode is scheduled to air Monday at 9 p.m. on Discovery.
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