Dept. of Corrections Moves to Dissolve Contract with NEON

The Connecticut Department of Correction has initiated measures to dissolve a longstanding contract for residential services with Norwalk Economic Opportunities NOW, Inc. (NEON), who currently operates a twenty-seven bed male work release program in Norwalk, an eighteen bed female work release program in Norwalk, as well as a twenty bed women and children program in Waterbury.

On Tuesday, Oct. 8, the newly elected Chairman of NEON announced on Tuesday that he is working NEON's Board to resolve financial and program at the anti-poverty agency.  

“The lack of contract compliance has a direct effect on community safety, therefore swift action is necessary to ensure the safe supervision of these offenders,” said Interim Commissioner James Dzurenda in a release from the Dept. of Corrections.  “They will be placed in another facility, so that proper safety protocols are being maintained.”

The decision to terminate the state contract is a result of NEON’s inability to meet contract obligations, according to the release. The Department of Correction is committed to affording the best rehabilitation programs to support community re-entry while maintaining our priority mission of public safety.

Offenders under the supervision of the Department of Correction’s Parole and Community Services Division currently assigned to these programs will be relocated to appropriate programs and residence plans within the community immediately, according to the release.  The agency has confirmed capacity within our existing network and resources to make these alternative arrangements without having to revoke community release, return to custody or release any offender prior to their scheduled end of sentence date.