Top 12 Webinars

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Corrections, Juvenile Justice and Drugged Driving  


February 17, 2012
2 p.m. ET/ 1 p.m. CT/ Noon MT/ 11 a.m. PT 

This webinar looked at “justice reinvestment” reforms that save money while improving probation and parole supervision and expanding drug treatment. Other issues addressed were prescription drug abuse and juvenile justice reform issues.
 

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At least 10 states in the last two years have adopted sentencing and corrections reforms called "justice reinvestment," often directing savings to improve probation and parole supervision or expand drug treatment. In 2011, at least a dozen states addressed community supervision with laws requiring the use of evidence-based programs and alternatives to incarceration for probationers and parolees who break the rules.

Several states are reducing recidivism rates and saving money through “justice reinvestment,” which manages prison growth and expenditures, generates savings and invests in policies and programs that increase public safety and hold offenders accountable. More states wil be considering this promising approach in 2012.

• At least 10 states in the last two years have adopted justice reinvestment sentencing and corrections reforms, often directing savings to improving probation and parole supervision or expanding drug treatment programs. 
• Last year, a dozen states addressed community supervision with laws requiring the use of evidence-based programs and alternatives to incarceration for probationers and parolees who break the rules. 
• Recent sentencing and corrections reforms also have expanded drug treatment and reviewed drug crime sentencing and diversion policies. In 2011, nine states adopted laws expanding eligibility for community-based treatment programs such as drug courts or adjusted the penalties for lower-level use and possession. 
• States are also addressing offenders' reentry into the community with laws that expand treatment and services aimed at reducing recidivism and encouraging employment of ex-offenders.        
• At least 13 states have study committees exploring corrections and sentencing policy to consider in 2012 legislative sessions. 

More information is on NCSL’s Corrections and Sentencing webpage. The E-Bulletin: Sentencing and Corrections Policy Updates quarterly newsletter provides periodic updates on legislation and budgets; highlights innovative policies and programs; and provides reports and news of upcoming NCSL events.

State legislatures in 2012 will likely focus on young people in the justice system, including approaches to control costs and increase public safety.  

• During the past decade, juvenile crime rates have declined and lawmakers have reexamined appropriate boundaries between juvenile and criminal justice systems. 
• State policies focus on juvenile rehabilitation and treatment vs. punishment and due process protections for juveniles. At least 10 states passed laws in the last two years requiring counsel for youths during all stages of juvenile proceedings, and at least half the states increased mental health and substance abuse treatment for youths. 
• Divert young people from institutions to community-based alternatives and programs have produced better results for kids and saved money. 
• For more information on juvenile justice, click here.  

States also continue to address the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

• More people die from prescription drug abuse than all illicit drugs combined.
• All but two states have passed legislation to create Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Now the issues are how to fund them and get them set up.  About 35 are currently functioning; most track state data only and do not yet share information across state lines.
• Drugged driving has been implicated in an increasing number of vehicle crashes and fatalities.
• Talk of a national controlled prescription database remains pending in Congress. In the meantime, states are examining ways to address impaired driving that involves illegal substances and/or prescription drugs.