Alternatives to Incarceration Report

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Grand Canyon University *

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330

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Arts Humanities

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Apr 3, 2024

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docx

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Alternatives to Incarceration Alternatives to Incarceration Report Melanie Medrano College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University JUS-330: The Correctional Function Professor Chris Loeffler February 18, 2023

Alternatives to Incarceration 2 Alternatives to Incarceration A wide range of initiatives and tactics that provide a more complex approach to conventional incarceration for categories of offenders are known as alternatives to incarceration. These alternative programs consider underlying conditions like substance abuse, mental health disorders, or poverty that may have contributed to criminal behavior. In addition to offering punitive measures that are more successful in lowering recidivism rates, they seek to address these underlying problems. Alternatives to incarceration aim to improve the effectiveness and fairness of the criminal justice system by offering cost-effective solutions beyond mere punishment (Sieter, 2019). Diversion Programs Diversion programs are often used instead of incarceration for low-level or nonviolent offenses. Instead of incarceration, offenders may complete community service, therapy, or rehabilitation programs. These programs aim to offer a more efficient and compassionate approach to addressing fundamental issues that may have contributed to criminal conduct while reducing the burden on the criminal justice system. These programs aim to reduce criminal offenses and their associated social costs by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach that blends legal, psychological, and social perspectives, these programs aim to provide comprehensive support to individuals who have engaged in criminal conduct (Beckett, 2023). Ultimately, such programs have the potential to enhance public safety, reduce recidivism, and promote social justice. Diversion Programs Being Used in Lieu of Incarceration Diversionary programs are starting to replace traditional incarceration as the preferred method. To tackle criminal behavior, it is imperative to delve deeper and identify the underlying

Alternatives to Incarceration 3 causes. This method is more effective in preventing criminal activities and embodies a humane approach toward addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. It may be more beneficial for offenders to receive treatment and rehabilitation in the community through diversion programs than it is to be housed in prisons. Programs for diversion seek to address underlying problems like addiction, mental illness, or poverty that may have influenced a person's criminal behavior. The program aims to lessen recidivism and stop future criminal activity by addressing these underlying causes. Furthermore, because diversion programs frequently use community-based treatment programs rather than pricey correctional facilities, they may be more affordable than traditional incarceration. Taxpayers and the criminal justice system are less burdened ( Diversion | PSRAC | Bureau of Justice Assistance , n.d.). Arguments for and Against Diversion Programs in Lieu of Incarceration Diversion programs offer counseling, education, and job training to support individuals in overcoming obstacles and reintegrating into society. These programs also help to alleviate the burden on the criminal justice system by redirecting nonviolent offenders towards community- based programs instead of prisons. This approach benefits individuals greatly. According to a 2018 Harris County, Texas study, participation in diversion programs increased employment outcomes by 53% and reduced the likelihood of conviction ten years after completion. In the first two years of Community Works West's RCC program, 102 youth (33% Latinx and 45% Black) were diverted from probation. Participants had a 44% lower chance of facing new charges than those on probation, and the program was more cost-effective ( Diversion Programs Are a Smart, Sustainable Investment in Public Safety , 2022).

Alternatives to Incarceration 4 While some contend that diversion programs are an excellent substitute for jail time, others counter that they might not be appropriate for all offenders. Programs designed to divert people from serious crimes are criticized for possibly not providing enough punishment or deterrence. Besides that, some people might think these programs are overly forgiving and shield offenders from the repercussions of their behavior. The possibility that diversion programs will not be successful in lowering recidivism rates, particularly for repeat offenders, is another argument against them ( DOES ADULT DIVERSION WORK? THE FAILURE OF RESEARCH IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE | Office of (Justice et al. .) How can Diversion Programs benefit Society and the Offender Both the offender and society can gain from these programs in several ways. These programs have the potential to alleviate the overall load on the criminal justice system for society by redirecting nonviolent offenders from prisons to community-based programs. This strategy can lower expenses, lessen prison overcrowding, and free up resources for more serious offenders (Mueller-Smith & Schnepel, 2021). Diversion programs give the offender a chance to avoid the adverse effects of jail, like social stigma, lost housing and job opportunities, and family separation. Alternatively, they can get job training, education, and counseling to aid in their successful reintegration back into society. These programs can also deal with underlying problems like addiction, mental illness, or poverty that may have influenced their criminal behavior (Mueller-Smith & Schnepel, 2021). Differences between Probation and Parole From their release, until they can leave supervision successfully or have their parole revoked, parole officers are the line-level staff members monitoring parolees in the community. They oversee monitoring these people's activities and providing supervision to ensure they abide

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