CCS seeks to enhance court knowledge of and confidence in using effective alternatives to incarceration. This topic area covers (1) methods to implement effective alternative sentencing programs, (2) information on conducting evaluations to determine program effectiveness, and (3) models of alternative sentences available from and for problem-solving courts.

Why is this a priority for the courts?

Providing courts with a range of effective sentencing options between fines and incarceration improves the ability of the criminal justice system to meet and balance various societal goals. Goals of the criminal justice system include punishment and deterrence, and, where possible, restitution of the victim, and rehabilitation of the offender. Public safety may demand that some offenders be removed from society for many years, if not life, but most will eventually return to the community. It is in society’s interest that those returning to the community¹ be productive and not re-offend. Indeed, the credibility of the courts and the larger justice system is compromised when the public perceives the system as an ineffective revolving door. Crime and the warehousing of offenders are expensive, but so are ineffective programs.  There is now an increasingly strong body of evaluative research that can help determine what strategies are effective in reducing rates of recidivist crimes.

CCS will help courts to clarify what constitutes an effective sentencing alternative and to evaluate the effectiveness of existing options in their jurisdictions. It will offer guidance in how to improve existing sentencing alternatives as well as to implement new alternatives. Keeping in mind the ongoing need for resources, CCS will indicate how courts can reallocate resources and obtain additional support to start programs as well as demonstrate the accountability necessary to maintain successful sentencing alternatives.

• Casey,P., Rottman, D., & Bromage, C. (2007) A Problem-Solving Justice Toolkit. National Center for State Courts
• Larivee, J. J. (2001). Returning inmates: Closing the public safety gap. Corrections Compendium, 26(6), 1. (NCSC Library: Kf9728.A15 C82)
• Marcus, M. (2004). The Sentencing Support Slide Show .
• Wool, J., & Stemen, D. (2004). Changing fortunes or changing attitudes? Sentencing and corrections reforms in 2003. New York: Vera Institute of Justice.

¹According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, at least 95% of all state prisoners will be released from prison at some point.