County and New Warden Laura Williams Embrace Reforms and Opportunities at Delco Prison

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Laura Williams is the new warden for the Delaware County prison.
Image via Jessica Griffin, The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Laura Williams, the new warden for the George W. Hill Correctional Facility.

When Delaware County’s prison returns to county control in April it will be led by new warden Laura Williams with a background in behavioral health, writes Vinny Vella for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Laura Williams, 36, has worked as a substance abuse counselor and has had various roles at the Allegheny County jail.

She was drawn to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility in Thornton because Delaware County’s leaders want to bring changes.

People who work in the prison system often know how to fix problems, they just don’t get the resources to do it, Williams said.

 “To have a whole county behind this effort, this facility could be an example of putting our money where our mouth is, and lift reforms out of the criminal justice system.”

A priority will be better crisis training for guards.

“This is not a place I desire people have to come to, but I understand the need for them to be,” Williams said. “But while they’re here, they will be presented with opportunities to help them build a better life.”

Other sweeping changes are promised at the prison by county officials.

Read more at The Philadelphia Inquirer about Delaware County’s new prison warden Laura Williams.

This TED Talk compares the american prison system with the Norweigan system with a focus on reform.

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