Release and Recidivism Conversation Guide

We all want our communities to be safe and our criminal justice system to be fair, humane and effective. When formerly incarcerated people return to their communities without a safety net, their recidivism rates run well above 60 percent. Some states have provided a safety net, such as job training, housing assistance, treatment for substance abuse and mental health and more, which, substantially reduces recidivism. What is different in communities with lower recidivism rates? What are the costs and benefits of our current practices and what opportunities are there to improve our systems? This conversation explores opportunities and obstacles to change with the goal that our community is safe for everyone.