Community Corrections and Alternate Sentencing Programs

Abstract

The following research paper is based on the community correction programs and alternative sentencing subjects. The paper provide discussion on the topic in the light of contemporary moral, ethical, economical and legal perspectives. A detailed account of community services explicitly define that there are different type of community services being offered internationally on the basis of different ideologies and underlying objectives behind these programs and methodology of implementing these programs. The paper also investigate alternative sentencing programs that offered to prisoners. The basic concepts, motives and features of alternative sentencing programs and its benefit to the society as a whole in terms of moral, ethical and economic value are also defined in the following paper.

Introduction

Community correction is a shared responsibility program designed to promote effective reintegration of offenders to ensure the safety of public. Community corrections aid in enhancment of public safety through the implementation of a range of activities and services, including monitoring strategies and interventions programs that meet individual needs while taking into account the risk factors and facilitating the transition and reintegration of people returning to the community. Alternative sentence to incarceration is the method that is used to address the issue of overcrowding in prisons. This also promotes rehabilitation process and reduce recidivism. The penalties adjustment allow gradual transition of prisoners to reintegrate into society securely. However, difficult economic conditions have so far failed to favor these development programs becuause most of these programs require a job and a house. Additionaly the behavior of prison also failed to support such programs (Gendreau, et al, 2000). The study particulry focuses on community services and alternative sentencing which are pragmatic approaches towards eradicating crime from society and make the world a better place to live.

Discussion

Victims have become the center of attention within correctional programs from the past few decades. Although, it is worth mentioning here that the case was not the same in the past. To increase the role of victims in correctional settings, officials have instituted several programs like restorative justice and victim notification programs.

This paper will now investigate how these programs have increased the role of victims role in correctional proceedings. In general, a wide range of strategic principles that are followed in such programs include the following principles:

Reintegration begins at admission

Reintegration needs assessments and measurement of dynamic response

Reintegration is measured by results in terms of public safety

Reintegration is enhanced by the commitment and communication (Crawford, 1998).

Admission

Incarceration generally is defined as a period of withdrawal from the community. During the period of incarceration offenders are encouraged to take responsibility, this move is to determine the factors that contributed to the criminal behavior of offenders so that such factors can be addressed properly in order to reduce the risk of recidivism. It is the responsibility of the society to encourage offenders to maintain this responsibility beyond their transition into the community. The objectives of this principle is to ensure that offenders build, develop and maintain relationship with the community throughout their ...