Incarceration alternatives in California
QUESTION
Overview: The ability to conduct research using state corrections data is a valuable skill to have not only for this course but for further study in the criminal justice field. It is also a valuable skill for practicing professionals. Prompt: Many states are using alternatives to incarceration and are reconsidering policies in order to assist offenders making the transition back into the community. Write a short paper in which you respond to these questions: What alternatives to incarceration exist in your state? Are these alternatives merely enhancements to probation or parole, or are they truly alternatives? Which alternatives work best for which types of offenders? What are the elements necessary for successful reentry of offenders into the community? What is your state doing to address these elements? Explain how the state initiatives are intended to address each element. Guidelines for Submission: Your submission should be about 1 to 2 pages, with double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins. Sources should be cited according to APA style
Incarceration alternatives in California
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Incarceration alternatives in California
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Incarceration alternatives in California
Putting an individual in jail to serve a given term and condition in the United States is called incarceration. Incarceration often has alternative sentences embraced in the united states, one of them being California. In California, alternative options for incarceration are probation, home detentions, community services, drug detention programs, and drug treatment programs as per the propositions within the state rules and regulations (M DEE, 2021). The options for incarceration in California are set to ensure the individuals keep their jobs and receive the help to overcome drug addiction and be effective in their rehabilitation. The alternatives given by the state of California seem to be pure advancements of probation because when an individual is given a period to choose good behaviour under supervision, then it justifies probation. So the incarceration options offered in California are more of probation advancements. Options such as community services work best for non-violent crimes in the state, for example, fraud, tax crimes, and embezzlements or receipt of stolen goods. Home detention can work for people in California when they are low-risk non-violent offenders for serious crimes, violent crimes, or multiple crimes. Violent crimes include robbery and homicides.
The reintegration of offenders into the community is an essential program that requires proper elements assessments for efficacy. The elements include being properly educated, being in a proper mental state, going through counselling, mental healthcare, and substance and drug abuse. The offenders can also be mentored to be conformant to the education given. California has implemented various programs, organisational, and resources required for the ex-offender and assists in reentry into the society (Polcin, 2018). The prisons have programs for self-improvement and rehabilitation, while in California, there is jail to job training benefits for incarcerated offenders. Californian national hire exchange is also responsible for offering employment opportunities to ex-offenders.
Similarly, the female offender treatment and employment programs are meant for female offenders’ reentry into society by giving specific assistance to women. For example, they identify employers inclined to ex-offenders for opportunities under the California Departments of Correction and rehabilitation. The California departments of corrections and rehabilitation also involve helping to find employment for offenders; they provide information about work opportunities and the agencies they are found (M DEE, 2021). California has addressed and put the right resources required to take offenders through a comprehensive recovery process that begins from giving options to incarceration to successful reentry into the society. The programs available for the provision of jobs give the right opportunity for the state to address the mass incarceration of offenders and give options for offenders to reform in the state.
References
Polcin, D. L. (2018). Role of recovery residences in criminal justice reform. International Journal of Drug Policy, 53, 32–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.10.009
M DEE, D. (2021, January 27). Alternative sentencing in California – 5 common types. Shouse Law Group. Retrieved June 3, 2022, from https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/blog/alternative-sentencing-in-california/
Incarceration alternatives in California