An eastern Kentucky jailer is trying to help recently released inmates get a second chance and re-enter the work force. Pike County Jailer Rodney Scott talked with local business owners at a forum that are willing to work together with these rehabilitated inmates.

At the meeting, Scott discussed the benefits for employers, including a tax break, and details of the six month rehabilitation program called Westcare Kentucky.

Though many business owners are leery to give former criminals a chance, program supervisors say some of these men and women are motivated to turn their lives around.

"These are the stepping stones that they have to keep working the program once the leave. They have to keep going to meetings, they have to get sponsors, they have to get jobs. And for a lot or people it's the first ray of hope they ever had in their life," says Rodney Bentley, a supervisor for the program.

Several Westcare Kentucky participants will graduate in June and be ready for work. Several local business owners we spoke with say they look forward to giving some of these program graduates a second chance.