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A new community correctional program is headed to Butler County.

Facilitated by Administrative Office of Courts Special Programs Manager Cheryl Leatherwood, the program will provide treatment and correction programs to newly released inmates.

Leatherwood presented the idea to the Butler County Commission. She wants to give people the opportunity to give back to the community and become a working part of society.

“One of the most important things is that the people we work with will be sent back into the community,” Leatherwood said. “Our primary goal is public safety.”

The program specializes in smaller counties and invests money back into the community and clients. They currently provide services in Dale, Coffee, Pike, Barbour and Bullock counties.

The project will provide faith-based treatments, psychological evaluations and mental health medications to newly released inmates.

The program is ready to start accepting cases appointed by the judge and district attorney.

They will not take cases involving weapons, sexual abuse and cases where victims were physically hurt unless the judge makes an exception.

Leatherwood is excited for the chance to get familiar with a new area.

“I really look forward to working with the community,” Leatherwood concluded.