In January 2014, the Charles Colson Task Force on Federal Corrections was established to examine the challenges facing the federal corrections system and to propose practical solutions to those challenges. Named after the Prison Fellowship founder, the task force sought answers for some of the biggest problems facing federal prisons, including growing prison populations, high rates of recidivism, and the increasing costs of incarceration.
To watch video of the release of the task force recommendations, click above.
The nine-person, bipartisan panel reviewed existing data on the federal corrections system, as well as examining lessons learned from state-level justice reforms. They sought opinions from criminal justice officials and stakeholders through a series of interviews and roundtable discussions.
To view the complete task force recommendations, click the above image.
Today, the task force finished a year’s worth of work by offering a number of recommended reforms for consideration. Among the proposed strategies:
- Reserving prison for those convicted of the most serious federal crimes
- Promoting a safe culture in prison to foster rehabilitation
- Increasing participation in risk-reducing programming during incarceration
- Determining the most effective practices in supervision and support to ensure successful reintegration
- Improving coordination among the different agencies dealing with corrections and increasing transparency
- Reinvesting the savings of reduced incarceration to expand necessary programs and treatment.
These task force proposals reflect Chuck Colson’s legacy of working to restore those who have been affected by crime and incarceration, his unyielding belief in the dignity of all human life, and his faith that restoration and reconciliation are possible.
Many of the task force recommendations are already apparent in current legislation. But the existing bills must still be signed into law before the task force proposals can become reality. To learn more about how you can play a role in bringing about the change envisioned by the task force, visit our advocacy pages.