NCJ Number
137335
Date Published
Unknown
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The State of Kansas has had an interesting experience in the development and implementation of community corrections programs.
Abstract
In Kansas, community corrections is traditionally identified as a Community Corrections Act program. Initially, Community Corrections Act programs were intended as a clear alternative to incarceration. The history of the Community Corrections Act stems from a debate in the mid 1970's over whether to build an additional prison. Instead, the 1978 Kansas legislative session enacted the Kansas Community Corrections Act. The specific purpose of this act is to divert people from prison. Community corrections in Kansas is geared primarily toward property offenders with no prior felony records. Individuals supervised in Community Corrections Act programs receive a great deal of attention and consume a relatively high level of resources as compared to other individuals supervised by probation and parole. Community Corrections Act programs are funded by the State and implemented by single counties or groups of counties who are responsible for their operation. The enabling legislation specifies the makeup of a local advisory board to ensure local representation by law enforcement, education, and city and county governments and a balance of board members by gender and ethnicity. As of July 1, 1990, every county has embarked on the implementation of community corrections programs. Community corrections as an alternative to incarceration is no longer a new idea in Kansas; after 12 years, it has clearly been accepted by local communities, local officials, and the legislature.