Community-Based Correctional Programs Can Do More To Help Offenders

Congress has expressed concern about the adequacy of programs which assist offenders to reintegrate into the community. Offenders eligible for community-based correctional programs include those who have been released after completing their sentences, were on probation or parole, or were serving part of their sentence under supervised living arrangements. Although many of these offenders need help in order to successfully assume job, family, and other community responsibilities, only limited assistance is provided. It was found that the Bureau of Prisons had no system for determining which offenders would be sent to community facilities or the length of time they should stay. Another problem existed where community organizations were hindered in their efforts to find suitable employment for offenders because laws regulating trade and occupational licensing restricted the employment opportunities of offenders. However, the effect of the restrictions could be minimized if: (1) the Bureau of Prisons made better use of its community facilities; (2) probation officers did more to assist offenders; and (3) federal, state, and local agencies coordinated their efforts to help offenders in the community.