Expanding the Use of Non-Custodial Sentencing Options: An Evaluation of the Kansas Community Corrections Act

• NCJ Number: 123885
• Journal: Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 29 Issue: 2 Dated: (May 1990) Pages: 114-129
• Author(s): P R Jones
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

Part II of the recent, "Green Paper Punishment, Custody and the Community," has focused on non-custodial sentencing options. A similar emphasis on community-based sanctions is currently to be found in the United States, where severe prison crowding conditions have resulted in court-imposed restrictions on custodial sentences in several states.

Abstract

Partly in response to this problem a small number of states have introduced comprehensive Community Corrections Acts (CCAs) which seek to provide viable "alternatives to incarceration." Research evaluation of such programs have highlighted several problem areas, particularly surrounding the issues of diversion and public safety. While the "nothing works" label is clearly inappropriate there is skepticism about the efficacy of extending the use of community based programs. This paper discusses these issues and draws on the findings of a recent assessment of the Community Corrections Act of Kansas. 3 tables, 3 figures, 26 notes, 30 references. (Author abstract)