Use programming and treatment that works to reduce recidivism.

  • Assess the range of current treatment and programs and their capacity to address the needs of people who are incarcerated and on supervision.
  • Prioritize programs for people who are most likely to reoffend and who have the greatest needs.
  • Require that programs use practices based on the latest research on what works to reduce recidivism.
  • Require quality assurance practices and include observations of program delivery as part of regular evaluations to assess program quality.
  • Review how well programs are performing and publish results.
  • Eliminate ineffective and outdated programs.

Ensure sufficient availability of treatment and programming.

  • Evaluate the need for programming and treatment and compare to current capacity.
  • Prioritize intensive services for people who have the highest risk of reoffending and greatest criminogenic needs.
  • Invest in high-quality treatment and programs that address multiple needs.
  • Develop payment strategies that incentivize treatment providers to deliver specialized services for the criminal justice population.
  • Expand the pool of treatment providers trained to work with the criminal justice population.
  • Expand the paraprofessional workforce, as needed.
  • Use performance incentives to ensure availability and quality of services.

Reduce barriers to employment.

  • Actively engage local business leaders, chambers of commerce, and industry associations to talk about the benefits and challenges of hiring a person with a criminal record and understand hiring needs within specific industries.
  • Reduce barriers to employment by adopting fair-hiring policies and expanding record clearance policies.
  • Lift unnecessary occupational licensing restrictions.
  • Leverage workforce development funds to support correctional and reentry programs.
  • Ensure that people have immediate access to state identification after incarceration.
  • Tailor employment services for people leaving prison and jail to address their criminogenic needs and job readiness.

Reduce barriers to housing.

  • Limit the impact a criminal record has on obtaining housing.
  • Enact laws reducing landlord liability.
  • Fund programs to provide housing stability for people who have behavioral health needs and/or criminal records.