Community Justice Program: Proven Results and a Wise Investment
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Press Release
Hyde Park, VT - April 19, 2010 -- The Community Justice Project at Lamoille Court Diversion Restorative Justice Programs, Inc., is keeping kids out of the criminal justice system and saving the state money, according to early findings in a year-long research study by the UVM's Vermont Research Partnership. The program serves children who have a parent who is, or has been, incarcerated. By helping break the cycle of criminal behavior, the program encourages children to be productive citizens who need less support from state government.
According to Dr. Bud Meyers, Director of UVM's Jefford's Center, of 147 children who have participated in the Community Justice Project (CJP) over the past five years, less than half a percent ended up in the criminal justice system. On a state level, more than 2.3% of youth from a similar population are charged with crimes. When young people avoid incarceration, correctional costs are reduced. State revenues increase as youth become contributing members of society.
Meyers states that by keeping these 147 youth out of prison, the state may avoid $442,000 in correctional costs. Additionally, $31,000,000 in potential lifetime income could accrue to the State for just these 147 CJP participants. CJP is also helping children of incarcerated parents stay in school.
Preliminary data from one local high school shows that among CJP participants over the age of 16, 90% have graduated or are still in school. This compares favorably with the state drop-out average of 20% for a typical class of students. According to Dr. Meyers, students with risk factors similar to those CJP youth face drop out at much higher rates. Other studies have shown that up to 90% of Vermont's male prison population does not have a high school diploma, underscoring the importance of school completion.
In a February interview with WCAX, Lamoille County Senator Susan Bartlett expressed support for the program, stating that the $140,000 in general funds is a small price to pay for keeping kids out of the corrections system. "I would love to see this program go statewide," she said.
Senator Bartlett will host a press conference where Dr. Myers will present the study's results on Tuesday, April 20 at noon in the Cedar Creek room at the State House. CJP is regarded as an example of how state programs can meet the Challenges for Change goal of improving outcomes in ways than can be measured; and ultimately save money for Vermont's taxpayers by investing in effective prevention and early intervention programs.
To learn more about CJP, go to the Lamoille County Court Diversion's web site, www.lamoillecourtdiversion.org.
This is exactly the kind of program we need to deliver better outcomes for less money.
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Bartlett for Governor