Congress has begun to take steps in tackling the enormous fiscal and human costs associated with mass incarceration and the barriers affecting reintegration into society for those convicted of crimes. On Dec. 21, 2018, President Trump signed a bipartisan federal criminal justice legislation known as The First Step Act of 2018. The new law, which […]
U.S. Government Takes First Step Towards Easing Mass Incarceration Read More »
With recidivism rates on the rise, an Arkansas County Jail has taken an intuitive step to help inmates achieve a more successful life after incarceration by providing a peer support group dubbed the PACT (Peers Achieving Collaborative Treatment) Program. This program, launching in 2019, will provide group meetings and one-on-one sessions for inmates addicted to
A County Jail Peer Recovery Group Aims to Improve Recidivism and Addiction Read More »
The latest Bureau of Justice Statistics recidivism study found that within five years 77 percent of almost 70,000 prisoners released from 30 states have been convicted of new crimes. Prison efficiency is frequently measured by the rate of re-offense by those released into the community. The relatively high recidivism rate observed among prisoners demonstrates the
Reducing Recidivism: Why it’s Time to Move On From a Punitive Approach Read More »
In the beginning of February, the House of Delegates in West Virginia approved a bill to help alleviate the overcrowding of their regional jails. The bill (HB 2190) requires individuals charged with certain misdemeanors to be released on personal recognizance instead of bail. This leads to both humanitarian and practical advantages, according to House Judiciary Chairman,
West Virginia Makes Bold Move to Alleviate Overcrowded Jails Read More »
The National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) have announced the establishment of a Joint Task Force to reduce recurrence of prisoners through continuity of health care services. The NACo-NSA task force plans to convene at least twice this spring and summer. The National District Attorney’s Association (NDAA) has been asked to
New Task Force Plans to Reduce Recidivism with Increased Health Care for Former Inmates Read More »
On February 5th, Donald Trump held his State of the Union Address, and someone very special attended. Edward Douglas, one of the first people to be released from prison after the enactment of the First Step Act, has benefited greatly from this new justice reform. After being incarcerated for a low-level drug offense he was delivered a life
The First Step to a Changed Life Read More »
Nearly 700,000 people are released from incarceration in the U.S every year. The repercussions of incarceration are extensive and everlasting, hindering job opportunities, housing, education, and financial stability. In Kentucky, a national initiative is being implemented to reduce recurrence using data and personalized approaches. Safe Streets and Second Chances (S3C) is an innovative program that
Kentucky Prisoners Have a Second Chance with Evidence-Based Re-Entry Program Read More »
The youth of today are our future and giving them resources to become a better generation is critical. In California, the new Governor, Gavin Newsom, disclosed his plans to improve the future of the youth in our juvenile justice system. His proposal is to move the Division of Juvenile Justice from the Department of Corrections
Why California is Proposing Changes to Improve the Juvenile Justice System Read More »
The dilemma of recurrence is a complex but urgent one. Not only have many people who leave prison lost valuable years of their life, most have little to no support to fulfill their basic needs upon reentry. Those who want to make a better life, often lack the tools to do so. A new community
Shelby’s Goal to Reset Recidivism Read More »
According to the Tennessee Department of Correction, the delinquent population in Tennessee has increased by 11.7% in the past 5 years. On March 1st, 2019, a state grant provided support in the amount of $250 thousand to a Dyer County Jail program which aims to reduce recidivism. Funds were also awarded to Franklin County, Knox
Dyer County Jail Fights Recidivism With Employment Read More »