COLUMBUS — The state has shelved plans to expand Ohio's halfway house program by 220 beds because of budget cuts.

        The current version of the budget funds only 41 extra beds next year.

        “If you don't have enough beds there are people that go straight back into the community without any adjustment ... and then end up back in prison,” said Harry Hageman, deputy director for Parole and Community Service with the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

        During budget deliberations, the department's Halfway House program requested an extra $4.5 million annually. In the final budget signed by Gov. Bob Taft, the program received an increase of $2.7 million next year and $1.4 million in 2003.

        The state wanted the $4.5 million to fund three 40-bed facilities, and contract for 100 more beds in Cuyahoga County where more than a quarter of all inmates in the state reside.

        The state requires that high-risk offenders approved for parole be released to family or sent to a suitable facility such as a halfway house for 90 days or more. In 2000, there were 24,374 Ohio inmates released from prison.

        There are 1,587 beds among the 23 halfway houses in the state. About 6,400 prisoners a year — a third of all released prisoners — live in halfway houses before moving into the community.

        Despite the drop in additional funds, most halfway houses are pleased with any additional funding.

        The state budget “still allows us to provide services,” said Richard Billak, chief executive with Youngstown-based Community Corrections Association.

        Mr. Billak says about 25 percent of prisoners who go through halfway houses return to prison after three years. That compares with the 35 percent to 40 percent of prisoners that return to prison without going through a halfway house.

        Reginald Wilkinson, director of the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, said budget cutbacks are forcing the prison system to move away from rehabilitation programs such as halfway houses that help inmates complete resumes and learn interviewing skills before they are set free.

        Mr. Wilkinson said the loss of those programs will cost the state in the long run with more inmates returning to prison.

        Lawmakers cut $24.8 million from the prison department's $1.4 billion prison budget this year and plan to cut $55 million more in 2002.

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