While the federal prison population receives most of the national policy attention, the population of people in community corrections is much larger. More than 4.5 million people in America are on probation and parole and more than 700,000 people are serving sentences in local jails. And research suggests that this group suffers more health problems, such as substance abuse and addiction, chronic health conditions, and mental health issues.
We know too little about the role communities can play in supporting and transforming the lives of those involved in the community corrections system. But LEO is aiming to change that. We're launching an initiative to use our rigorous research methods to shed light on the specific needs of the community corrections population and identify the best ways that local governments and service organizations can meet those needs.
This year, we’ll be designing a group of projects with local partners that will focus on interventions at the community corrections level, and unlock the door to hope, opportunity, and dignity for the millions of Americans in our community justice systems.