Problem
Problematic Behavior or Activity
This program was developed as part of Justice Reinvestment, a statewide initiative to reduce prison use after a nearly 50% increase in Oregon’s prison rate from 2000 and 2010. In order to meet the goals of Justice Reinvestment, Columbia County sought to develop long term sustainable evidence-based programming to serve high-risk/high-need offenders under community supervision (including alternative incarceration programs), Short Term Transitional Leave applicants accepted by the county, offenders on probation, and offenders on post-prison supervision.
Since 2009, Columbia County general fund revenue has fallen by approximately 32%. Local public safety agencies are dependent on general fund revenues and have therefore seen drastic cuts. In 2014, budget cuts threatened closure of the jail facility, which would limit the availability of local sanctioning processes. Community-based program efforts help to expand collaboration efforts and encourage the efficient use of resources and safe alternatives to custody.
Solution
Program Description
Columbia County’s Justice Reinvestment Program (CCJRP) is designed to be an evidence-based curriculum of community programs that provide alternative strategies to address juvenile and adult offender behavior. The program will move Columbia County forward through evidence-based practice, organizational development, and system-wide collaboration to provide a balance of evidence-based services/programs, community-based supervision strategies and alternatives sanctions to enhance risk reduction.
Based On Research
- Use of validated risk assessment tool
- Address specific criminogenic needs
- Use of positive reinforcements and incentives
- Use of cognitive behavioral treatments
Funding
This program is funded by a $385,892 grant through the 2015-17 Justice Reinvestment Grant program. The grant supports personnel, treatment services, training, and program evaluation.
Outcome
Program Impact
Proposed outcomes include:
- Reduce recidivism for medium and high-risk offenders
- Increase referrals to evidence-based programming
- Decrease recommendations for jail and prison sentences
- Increase accepted applicants for Short Term Transitional Leave