STATE MONEY SPENT ON ADULT CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAMS SHOWING POSITIVE RETURNS

A recent report released from the Alaska Justice Information Center includes a wealth of information about the justice programs in the state, including the results of a statewide program inventory, cost-benefit analysis, and an assessment of the evidence supporting the justice programs. Also included are breakdowns of the different kinds of programs that are offered (therapeutic courts, sex offender programs, education programs) and the costs associated with both treatment and criminality. “It is a tool that policymakers can use to make informed, thoughtful decisions about programs in the state’s adult criminal justice system,” Steve Williams, acting CEO of the Alaska Mental Health Trust.  “The report demonstrates that many programs and services currently funded by the State do reduce criminal recidivism.  It outlines the positive outcomes that so many state officials, legislators and community members have been working diligently on for the last several years. Reducing criminal recidivism is a complex issue, requiring more than a jail cell to achieve better results and increased public safety.” Click the link for the full report, Results First ACJ Report.2017-09-29.