|
|
| Corrections & State Leaders from 50 States Take On Recidivism |
| By The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center |
| Published: 01/09/2012 |
Washington, DC — Teams of policymakers—which include the heads of the department of corrections, legislative leaders, judges and governors’ staff from all 50 states—are meeting in Washington today for an extraordinary forum on improving success rates for people released from prison. The purpose of the results-oriented event is to position states to set goals, or in some cases expand on existing goals, for reducing reincarceration rates for individuals committing new offenses or violating the conditions of their release.
Republican and Democratic leaders in Congress, as well as representatives of the U.S. Department of Justice, are joining the state leaders to highlight how the federal government can work in partnership with them to pursue cost-effective strategies that provide a strong return on their investments in public safety. “Federal, state and local governments are working together to promote public safety and reduce recidivism in our communities. Helping offenders return to their communities as productive members of society ultimately improves their lives, and saves money for the communities in which they live. Reducing recidivism, through programs like those funded by the Second Chance Act, keeps us all safer,” said Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT). A recent report from the Pew Center on the States that is discussed at today’s forum states that “if just the 10 states with the greatest potential cost savings reduced their recidivism rates by 10 percent, they could save more than $470 million in a single year.” Experts at the forum are focusing on states that are applying the latest science to their policies and programs, such as concentrating limited supervision and treatment resources on the individuals identified as most likely to reoffend. “I urge states to draw on these compelling ‘best practices’ to set or expand measurable goals for across-the-board, reductions in recidivism, which will improve public safety while saving taxpayers money,” said Representative Frank Wolf (R-VA). Other data made available by the Pew Center on the States highlights that although recidivism rates seem stubbornly flat nationally, with more than four in ten offenders returning to prison within three years of release, many individual states have made dramatic reductions. The forum is designed to help participants learn about strategies that are working in states that have reduced these rates of reincarceration. “What’s so important about the research being brought to our attention is that we can really change the behaviors of people who are incarcerated and on community supervision. But we should be cautious about who we focus on because that research also demonstrates that prioritizing low-risk offenders can have the unintended consequence of increasing recidivism,” said State Representative Pat Colloton (R-KS), who chairs the Board of Directors for the Council of State Governments Justice Center. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) lauds leaders at the forum and praises policymakers from his home state of Ohio for passing new laws that set research-based standards for community supervision and treatment programs, and then holding these programs accountable for results. “This forum presents an opportunity to further advance this country’s progress in reducing recidivism, and I applaud those states that are now coming forward to set clear, measurable targets for reducing recidivism, and tracking progress toward those goals. These are the ambitious steps necessary to showcase the importance of reentry and recidivism to taxpayers, our community, and our families,” said Portman. From today’s discussions, participants will be expected to begin the following:
The event is being hosted by the CSG Justice Center, and was planned in partnership with the Association of State Correctional Administrators; the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice; the Public Welfare Foundation; and the Pew Center on the States. The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center is a national nonprofit organization that serves policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels from all branches of government. It provides practical, nonpartisan advice and consensus-driven strategies—informed by available evidence—to increase public safety and strengthen communities. For more about the CSG Justice Center, see www.justicecenter.csg.org. Reprinted from The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center |
Comments:
Login to let us know what you think
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Ken, I think everyone can agree with you. A "revolving door" policy just does not work. I am glad to see this progress and forward thinking with our lawmakers. Inmates need attainable goals, education and a moral foundation. Without any corrective action, inmates will most likely re-offend. Our prison/legal system has came along ways in the last 30+ years, but we still have a long way to go.
This is a most heartening development. The exceedingly high rate of imprisonment in the USA, together with - in many jurisdictions - a dearth of credible programming for inmates and parolees or probationers, has been a social nightmare for a large sector of the population. As the article notes, having a small positive effect on the recidivism of those at most risk of re-offense has been demonstrated professionalism as attainable and effective. Implementing and sustaining evidence-based corrective programming will be a struggle, but certainly it is one most worthy of attainment, as it will contribute greatly to a more just and productive society. Having recently retired from the field after 30 years, I applaud this development and salute those who contribute to making it a reality. Ken Dwyer Australia