The Choice is Yours: An Innovative Alternative-to-Incarceration Program in Philadelphia
Abstract
SummaryThe Choice is Yours (TCY) is an innovative alternative-to-incarceration program designed by District Attorney Seth Williams to create a new and more effective model to reduce repeat criminal activity. TCY is an outcome of collaboration among District Attorney Williams, the Lenfest Foundation, and Public/Private Ventures. JEVS Human Services, the Pennsylvania Prison Society, and the Center for Literacy were selected to handle implementation. TCY works to increase public safety and reduce recidivism rates by diverting first-time, non-violent felony drug offenders away from prison and into the labor market through positive job training and support (including mentoring, community service, housing assistance, education and other key services). This article describes the need for and value of programs like TCY, how alternative-to-incarceration programs work, and TCY’s innovative qualities and social return on investment.
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Copyright (c) 2012 Mark Mitchell (Author)
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