Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:
1. Research and describe two community corrections programs in your area. Explain how they work and describe their programs/requirements.
2. What is the recidivism rate with respect to each program discussed?
3. Do studies show that community corrections programs reduce recidivism? Explain
Respond to Ebony
I currently reside in San Antonio, Texas.
A program that we have is called Bexar County Community Supervision & Corrections Department (CSCD). It promotes the safety of the community at all times, and provides protection of society by reducing the incidence of criminal activity of the offender placed under community supervision. A program that I love is called: Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility (SAFPF) Aftercare program. This program office is located in downtown San Antonio at a reduce cost to members. They are open 5 days a week. This program represents one of the most innovative measures to address the root cause of most criminal behavior: alcohol and drug abuse. The SAFPF aftercare program is designed to provide a safe re-entry transition and continuum of services for offenders released from SAFPF and TTC. The goal of the aftercare unit is to transition the offender back into society while assisting with resources to aid in maintaining a pro-social and substance free lifestyle.
https://www.findhelp.org/provider/bexar-county,-community-supervision-&-corrections-departmentsan-antonio-tx/5684640790085632?postal=78201
The Intermediate Sanctions Program (ISP) provides the courts with an effective alternative to revoking and sentencing high and medium-risk felony offenders for non-compliance with the court-ordered conditions/terms of community supervision. The program provides intensive, field-oriented supervision for the target population. Referrals for ISP may be Court ordered as a result of a violation report, pre-motion, or motion to revoke probation (MTRP), or after the offenders MTRP hearing. Judges may also choose to mandate ISP as an original condition for those offenders with prior offenses/probations, in lieu of incarceration.
Respond to Aaron
I decided to go with two unconventional correction programs, in that they are both often court-ordered to defendants instead of jail or prison time and I figured that this would be a great tie-in to last weeks specialty courts topic, though this is a bit different.
The first program is called Teen Challenge. This is a live-in, faith-based rehabilitation program that I have partnered with for years. Working with the police department, I come across so many types of people who struggle with different types of addictions and I am able to refer them to Teen Challenge. Teen Challenge was originally started for teenagers, but welcomes men and women of all ages. The one that I partner with is in Reedley, California, and is a men-only facility. They have an extremely large facility and you can apply for entry yourself or, as mentioned above, be court-ordered to attend.
The program offers a number of benefits, spiritually, mentally, socially, and even can help one pursue an education if needed. Counseling, classes, and studies are offered and to graduate and complete the program one will have to participate in all of them regularly. It is important to note that one can get kicked out if they dont follow the guidelines, such as fighting, repeatedly breaking the dress code, smuggling contraband, etc. Teen Challenge averages a 70% success rate and has been as high as 86%. There arent statistics on recidivism, but from my personal experience of knowing at least 150 guys that have graduated, I only know of two that have returned to their addiction.
The second program is called the G-Street Turning Point Center. Like Teen Challenge, Turning Point is a faith-based rehab that has a 76-bed re-entry program. They focus on the same areas that Teen Challenge does and even have extremely similar rules and guidelines. One can apply or be ordered by the court to attend and complete the program as an alternative to incarceration. The recidivism rate isnt posted on their websites, but they have great testimonials that claim the effectiveness of the program, both by participants and their families.