In 2013, the state of Georgia decided to reform its juvenile justice system by introducing new policies to reduce costs, recidivism and to reduce secure confinement costs. The main issues addressed included the high costs that the state was experiencing in its efforts to reduce crime. After several studies had been performed, results showed that the state’s juvenile system was operating on high costs and was ineffective. This study was conducted after the general assembly in 2011 looked for new ways to ensure that the public had proper safety and control the growing costs of the states adult and juvenile sentencing and correction programs.
In their findings, they noticed that the juvenile sentencing act used in Georgia called the Designated Felony Act had an immense effect in that there were a high number of convicted felony offenders who were of a low risk in the incarceration facilities. According to Myers (2005) the results also showed that there were high levels of recidivism among the juveniles. The council conducting the research also learnt that there was a lack of options that are community based. In cases where programs were available, the programs were ineffective, and this was a major contributor to the misdemeanants, low risk status of offenders and youth running state facilities. There was also an immense case of uncoordinated uniform data collection.
This policy was implemented so as to establish a voluntary fiscal incentive grant program. It also focuses on other facilities that are out of home that are less costly and more effective such as making placements for youths who are less likely to reoffend. This policy also creates a system whereby the Designated Felony Act is divided into two classes so as to make certain on the risk level and the severity of the offense. In conclusion, this policy program is aimed at reducing state expenditures and to reduce recidivism.
References
Myers, D. L. (2005). Boys among men: Trying and sentencing juveniles as adults. Westport, Conn: Praeger Publishers.
