Corrections_Today_Summer_2025_Vol.87_No.2

Resolutions and Policies (continued)

PUBLIC CORRECTIONAL POLICY ON COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS 1985-1 Introduction: Community corrections is comprised of residential and nonresidential programs that are a critical component of the public safety con tinuum that supervises individuals under the legal authority in the community. These programs are proven to reduce crime and victimization and should be used for both juveniles and adults for reentry from post incarceration and, when ap propriate, to divert non-violent justice-involved individuals from incarceration. The effective use of community corrections programs should be utilized to protect the public, reduce recidivism, and to reserve jail and prison space for indi viduals deemed to be the highest risk to public safety. To be successful, community corrections programs must provide programming and treat ment services and follow a continuum of care that responds to the needs of victims, justice-involved individuals, and the community. Community Corrections programs enable

services as part of a comprehensive cor rections strategy;

B. Embrace and fully utilize a validated risk and needs assessment and base program ming on criminogenic needs established by the assessment. Further dosages of programming and/or treatment should match the identified risk and needs estab lished by the assessment. Additionally, the risk and needs assessment should incorporate trauma-informed approaches, identifying past traumatic experiences and ensure that interventions are de signed to promote healing and resilience while addressing criminogenic needs; C. Implement and maintain evidence-in formed practices and approaches when developing all programming and cur ricula. Programming and curricula shall encourage behavior change by offering incentives to promote, sustain, and reinforce pro-social behavior while also holding participants accountable; ning with the least restrictive means, to address behavioral transgression. Sanc tions should be applied consistently and should be communicated to the participant; E. Deliver all programming and curricula with fidelity by establishing an effective quality improvement plan;. F. Communicate with the public about the benefits of community corrections programs and services, the criteria used to select individuals for these programs, and the requirements for successful completion; D. Utilize graduated sanctions, begin

2025 WINTER CONFERENCE participants to work and pay taxes, make restitu tion, meet court obligations, attend treatment, maintain family ties, and develop and/or maintain critical support systems within the community. These programs should include a collaborative, comprehensive planning process for the develop ment of effective policies and services. Policy Statement:

Based upon a validated risk and needs as sessment, those responsible for community corrections programs shall require participants to engage in certain activities and/or programs that are specifically directed toward reducing their risk to the community. Those responsible for community corrections programs, services, and supervision should:

A. Seek statutory authority and adequate funding for community programs and

G. Recognize that public acceptance of com munity corrections is enhanced by the

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