FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – More than a dozen kittens are ready for adoption after graduating from the kitten-fostering program at the Flagler County Jail.
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Court and Division Services Chief Dan Engert presented the 14 kittens with ‘CertifiCATes’ of Completion before they returned to the Flagler Humane Society to await their forever homes.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office launched the homeless kitten foster program over the summer at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. In partnership with the Flagler Humane Society, the program allows female inmates to care for homeless kittens, providing a unique therapeutic experience.
This initiative is part of the Sheriff’s Office’s Successful Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Treatment (SMART) Program, which is nationally recognized for helping inmates overcome substance use and reduce rearrest rates.
“Addiction often creates isolation and self-centered patterns,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Fostering kittens requires empathy, structure, and consistency—qualities that support recovery and rehabilitation.”
The program was inspired by an inmate’s suggestion during a conversation with medical staff. The Flagler Humane Society now provides kittens needing attentive care, which inmates feed, socialize with, and bottle-feed daily.
These responsibilities give inmates a sense of purpose, routine, and emotional support—key elements in effective addiction treatment. The program aims to foster long-term recovery for both the kittens and the inmates.
Male inmates will also assist the Humane Society with building projects for animals awaiting adoption at the Palm Coast location.