What problem does it solve? 95% of inmates are released from prison. Similar to my 3x incarcerated dad, most do not have the requisite skills to be successful in society. By turning the word prison into an acronym, as noted in the Title of this proposal, it would enable the state to more effectively use prisons as a vehicle for greater re-entry success, reduce recidivism and crime, and ultimately save money and make for a safer, more compassionate society. What is your solution and who does it apply to? The solution is to require all those who are found guilty of a crime, regardless of their sentence, to complete a developmental action and correction plan (DAC) plan as part of their sentence. The DAC plan would include several components: a family inventory, a schooling inventory, a mental health evaluation, a medical evaluation, an academic skills assessment, a job skills assessment, a work development assessment, and any other assessments or evaluations that may be deemed appropriate based on the crime(s) committed. The results of the DAC plan would guide what programs the person would be required to complete as part of their sentencing. The goal would be to fill-in the gaps the individual has that is preventing them from being a more productive member of society. The DAC plan would apply to every individual found guilty of a crime regardless if their sentence includes incarceration or not. What is the anticipated impact? By using a comprehensive, developmental approach to the back end of the criminal justice system, it will help individuals found guilty of a crime to become more productive, lawful members of society. All citizens would live in a safer society. There should be less crime. Families of those affected by those who are found guilty of a crime would be strengthened. The lives of kids of incarcerated parents would improve, as would those who have a parent(s) involved in the criminal justice system. Law enforcement personnel would be relieved of arresting the same people over and over again many of whom become more dangerous the more times they are arrested. The recidivism rate should be significantly reduced. And, the monetary costs spent by society for investigating crimes, making arrests, prosecuting crimes, jail and prison costs, should be reduced to offset the cost of implementing the DAC plan, which is based on using a whole-person approach to criminal justice. David Carbone, Ph.D.
It requires buy-in and commitment, as well as a desire to modify sentencing guidelines to accommodate and include creating and implementing a Developmental Action and Correction plan (DAC) for each person found guilty of a crime regardless if they are sentenced to prison or not. Leadership and progress begins on the front end, not the back end of the criminal justice system, and requires a team-based approach. D.A. Carbone, Ph.D.
David knows this issue inside and out and has proposed a good solution that should be considered for the benefit of all. People who are incarcerated deserve the opportunity for another chance as a productive member of society.
I used to work for the NJDOC and advocated for better assessment and training for the population. Dave's idea is a natural outgrowth and would benefit everyone and cut the recidivism rate while providing positive outcomes and saving money!
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