Inmate Programs

The START Program is designed for inmates with felony drug-related charges and histories of repeat offenses. Participants may volunteer or be court ordered to complete the 90-day program at no cost. The curriculum includes HIV education, GED preparation, substance abuse treatment, workforce preparation, and life skills development. Continued counseling and treatment services may be available after release through the DeKalb Community Service Board.

Inmate substance addiction challenges are addressed through partnerships with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Volunteer facilitators provide addiction recovery programs, peer support, and educational resources designed to encourage long-term sobriety and personal growth.

Through a partnership with Goodwill Industries, the DeKalb County Jail periodically offers vocational education courses. Programs typically last approximately 10 weeks and may include electrician helper, HVAC, commercial maintenance, resume writing, budgeting, and interview preparation to improve employment opportunities after release.

General Education Development (GED) and Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes are administered weekly by Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Inmates enrolled in START, AA, or NA programs who have not completed high school may attend educational courses. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office covers GED testing costs for participants.

The Chaplaincy Program provides spiritual, motivational, and emotional support to inmates. More than 80 volunteer chaplains representing numerous faith traditions and denominations serve the inmate population. Chaplaincy services are also available to Sheriff's Office employees upon request.

Qualified inmates may participate in the Inmate Workforce Program, performing various labor assignments that support facility and equipment maintenance. Participation requires approval and may reduce incarceration time for eligible inmates. The program saves DeKalb County significant operational costs while providing valuable work experience for participants.

The court-ordered Work Release Program allows qualifying inmates to maintain employment while serving their sentences. Participants are housed at the jail but are authorized to leave for employment in cooperation with the State Court and the DeKalb County Probation Office.

This Life Skills Program is designed to improve self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and workforce readiness. Highly trained community volunteers provide instruction in communication skills, personal responsibility, employment preparation, and successful community reintegration. The program is a component of START but is also available to other qualified inmates.

Individuals sentenced to community service in lieu of incarceration participate in the Alternative Sentencing Program. In partnership with the DeKalb County Probation Department, participants complete supervised work details throughout the county but are not housed in the jail facility.