NCJ Number
72954
Journal
Corrections Magazine Volume: 6 Issue: 5 Dated: (October 1980) Pages: 4-14
Date Published
1980
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The general development of community corrections in the United States is traced, and the extent, nature, and impact of community corrections are assessed.
Abstract
Over the past 15 years, community corrections programs have grown phenomenally, until today there are more than 3,000 residential community corrections programs, a still greater number of nonresidential community treatment agencies, work-and educational-release programs in every State, and offender employment programs in every major city. The community corrections movement has emphasized probation and parole, pretrial diversion, sentencing alternatives to prison, and reintegration into the community from incarceration. While community correctional programs have expanded, the prison population has also continued to grow, leading some critics to argue that community corrections has done little more than extend formal social control mechanisms to persons who would have formerly been released without conditions. However, there are few solid studies that examine this issue. A principal need of community corrections is a master plan for dealing with various types and categories of offenders. LEAA's funding has been largely responsible for the development of community corrections projects, and there is concern that with the anticipated demise of LEAA, community corrections programs will falter. Optimists anticipate, however, that existing State and local support for community corrections will continue and that budget restraints wil encourage the adoption of community corrections as an alternative to costly imprisonment.