In Texas, a series of reforms implemented seven years ago has reversed the explosive growth of the inmate population. To counter the huge number of former inmates who returned to jail after violating parole, the state implemented reforms in 2007 that created hundreds of new beds in drug treatment programs with names like the In-Prison Therapeutic Treatment and Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facilities. Some probation violators could be sent to intermediate sanction facilities, a step lower than prison, aimed at getting an offender’s attention without locking them up. More slots were set aside in outpatient treatment programs for criminals sentenced to probation. Pre-trial diversion programs for those suffering from mental illnesses, overseen by officers who specialize in mental health and drug treatment, helped more people avoid jail. The reforms have saved the state at least $3 billion to date, according to some estimates. Nonetheless, Texas still has the highest number of prisoners in state prisons and local jails: 221,800. washingtonpost/blogs/govbeat/wp/2014/12/31/state-prison-populations-down-to-lowest-point-in-a-decade/
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 22:19:24 +0000
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