Consider the Alternatives

planning and implementing detention alternatives

By the Annie E. Casey Foundation

May 2, 1999

AECF Considerthe Alternatives Cover 1999 2

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47-page PDF

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In This Report, You’ll Learn

  • Steps and tips for developing alternatives to detention.
  • Three basic program models for detention center alternatives.
  • Snapshots of detention alternatives in action.
  • How to measure the success of detention alternatives.

About This Report

Summary

This report — the fourth installment in a series devoted to revolutionizing detention programs and practices in America — tells how sites have cut costs and eased overcrowding concerns by developing new alternatives to detention. Their success stories carve a clear path for jurisdictions interested in planning, implementing and monitoring similar reforms.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

Detention alternatives can cost lest than secure detention.

Secure detention is costly — with an average price tag topping $200 per bed per day. By comparison, some of the detention alternatives developed by JDAI sites cost as little as $6 per day. These figures alone should motivate officials (and taxpayers!) to favor securely detaining only the most serious offenders while investing in alternate options for the rest.

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations