Job Court, a re-entry employment supervision program, is believed to be the first endeavor of its kind in the nation, Lancaster New Era reported on July 13.

Deon Roth, founder of the program and director of Lancaster County's Adult Probation & Parole Services, based his idea on the county's existing drug court program, which uses sanctions and intensive case supervision to help those with substance use problems recover and avoid jail time.

Job Court will connect recently released offenders between 18 and 25 years old with jobs offered by local employers. Most of the positions are in the construction field so far, but Roth expects them to diversify over time. Over three dozen employers have already expressed an interest in partnering with the county.

A judge will oversee the cases, and parole officers will act as case workers, guidance counselors and mentors to the court participants.

Before release from prison, applicants to the program meet with parole officers to discuss their skills and goals. Once accepted, participants begin skills classes, work release or employment, sometimes with electronic monitors.

After they are paroled from prison, Job Court participants remain under the program's supervision for at least one year. Those who fail to meet program guidelines may face additional jail time.

Roth believes that the program, set to begin in August, will help reduce recidivism.

'People with a job, a house, and a mortgage are less likely to commit crimes because they have a lot more to lose,' Roth said. 'We want to give them the tools to become grounded... and this is a start.'