Wyoming County Correctional Facility clears state regulatory review

The Wyoming County Correctional Facility has cleared its latest state regulatory review, securing operational compliance through 2028 after meeting or exceeding all regulations set by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.

County Commissioner Tom Henry and Warden James Wilbur delivered the announcement during a Tuesday morning meeting of the Wyoming County Prison Board on October 27. The result arrives after what leadership characterized as a tumultuous stretch for the facility.

“It’s definitely been tumultuous year in that building,” Warden Wilbur said during the board meeting, pointing directly to the staff who weathered the operational strain. “I want to recognize the staff that has been there through it all and has done a tremendous job. We want to have a standard of excellence at the jail, and this is part of that process and it’s going to up even more from here.”

Inmate Populations and Regional Housing

Operational stability at the facility comes amid ongoing management of local and regional inmate housing figures. During his report to the board, Wilbur outlined the current jail census, noting that the facility houses 36 male inmates in-house alongside one boarded at another facility. Meanwhile, two female inmates are currently being held at the Lackawanna County Prison.

While exact tallies shifted during the proceedings, Wilbur stated that approximately six or seven inmates are being held from Susquehanna County, with another two individuals from Sullivan County.

Expanding Reentry Care and Housing Support

Beyond standard corrections oversight, county commissioners took steps toward broader social and healthcare infrastructure during their regular meeting. Commissioners voted to submit a letter of intent to participate in the Health Medicaid 1115 Reentry Demonstration pilot. The initiative, piloted by the Department of Human Resources, is designed to maintain continuity of care for incarcerated individuals as they transition back into the community.

In tandem with the reentry pilot, Commissioner Ernie King announced that Wyoming County is taking part in the Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity program. Known as ECHO, the initiative provides small, temporary, transportable, and accessible modular or manufactured homes designed for placement in the side or rear yards of a family member, relative, or close friend. The program targets lower-income adults, typically aged 60 and older, giving them a way to maintain independent living while staying close to family or caregivers who can offer daily support. Residents seeking information on the housing initiative can contact 570-558-2490.

Opioid Settlement Funding and Community Calendar

In administrative business, commissioners approved the resignation of Stephen Poirier, who served as a caseworker for Wyoming County Children & Youth Services.

Due to Election Day on November 3, the next scheduled meeting of the Wyoming County Commissioners has been pushed back one day. It will take place on Wednesday, November 4, at 10 a.m. inside the commissioners meeting room at the Wyoming County Courthouse.

Worth a look