The Criminal Justice Program works to reduce levels of incarceration in the U.S. while protecting public safety; easing the financial burden to society of criminal justice systems; and ensuring that adults who come into contact with the justice system are fairly and appropriately treated and have a better chance of success upon re-entry.
To accomplish its goals, the Foundation works closely with key stakeholders in government, the non-profit sector, the research community, and the private sector, drawing on their expertise and commitment to improve policies and practices for justice system-involved adults.
Underpinning the Foundation’s approach is a strong commitment to the use of the best evidence-based practices and validated research to inform policy decisions and practices.
The Program is interested in a full continuum of issues – from pre-conviction practices through reentry into society – that are contributing to high levels of incarceration and sky-rocketing costs without demonstrable public safety benefits. Specific funding priorities include:
- Avoiding wrongful and/or unnecessary arrests, unnecessary detention, unwarranted convictions, and disproportionate sentences;
- Diverting from jail or prison those mentally ill people, non-violent drug users, and technical violators of probation and parole who are better served, and whose communities are better-served, through community-based approaches;
- Creating custodial environments that are safe and humane, both for those imprisoned and those employed in prisons, and that improve the likelihood of success in the community once people are released; and
- Promoting reentry planning and testing new programs and services, both inside prisons and after people are released, that increase the possibility that incarcerated people can live safely and successfully in the communities to which they will return.
Click here to see a list of active grants in this program.
