What is a key feature of community corrections programs?

A key feature of community corrections programs is their cost-effectiveness compared to incarceration. Community corrections, which include programs such as probation and parole, tend to be significantly less expensive because they avoid the high costs associated with incarcerating individuals in prisons or jails. This financial benefit allows for a greater allocation of resources to rehabilitation and reintegration efforts, which can be more effective in reducing recidivism.

In contrast to community corrections, focusing solely on punishment does not align with their primary goal. Instead, these programs emphasize rehabilitation and reintegration into society rather than just punitive measures. Community corrections do not eliminate the need for traditional probation; rather, they often encompass probation as one of their components. Additionally, while community corrections allow offenders to maintain a degree of freedom, they do not grant complete freedom, as participants often have conditions to adhere to that facilitate their supervision and support their reintegration into the community.