In spring of 2016, Prison Fellowship launched its Restorative Punishment: Think Outside the Bars campaign. Crime demands accountability, but the current system often exacts revenge instead of punishment that is just and restorative. Focused on proportionate and alternative sentencing, the campaign promotes proportionate prison sentences and alternatives to incarceration like drug courts and restorative justice programs. Want to be an advocate for punishment that restores? Find out where your state ranks on important issues, and use our tools to get started!
Proportionate Sentencing
Balancing public safety and proportionate punishment can be difficult. When punishment for crime includes disproportionately long prison terms, communities and families suffer, and public safety isn’t improved. By tackling issues like reclassification of crimes, appropriate reduction of mandatory minimum penalties, and other reforms, we can together ensure that the way we punish crime is just.
Drug Courts
A type of diversion court, drug courts give those facing certain criminal charges an opportunity to address their underlying problem of substance abuse. These rigorous programs require a person to complete court ordered supervision and treatment, many times in addition to job training, counseling, and community service. In exchange for success, charges are often dismissed or sentences suspended. These programs have proved to be very effective in reducing recidivism rates by getting to the heart of the problem, and changing the character of the person involved.
Restorative Justice Programs
Restorative justice programs help to provide opportunities for rehabilitation and healing of both those who commit crime and those harmed by crime. Restorative justice allows victims of crime to ask questions of the responsible party, share what impact the crime had on them, and become involved in shaping the method of restitution. This interaction encourages the person who committed crime to take responsibility, and fosters community involvement.