The Sentencing Foundation strives to reimagine being “tough on crime” through the use of Resource-Based Sentencing & Supervision throughout the country.
Resource-Based Sentencing and Supervision
Resource-Based Sentencing and Supervision is a comprehensive program which acts as a proactive system of accountability, designed to reduce recidivism and only incarcerate those who truly need to be, for public safety reasons. The program relies on the commitment of the sentencing and supervising judge in selecting the most efficacious and dedicated re-entry resources, and requiring the defendant to appropriately utilize them.
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The Sentencing Foundation, as the logistical support for Resource-Based Sentencing and Supervision, primarily facilitates connections between judges and reliable re-entry resources, to ensure that convicted citizens have a fair opportunity to gain a stake in society such that they no longer want to offend.
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With the support of The Sentencing Foundation, this program can effectively and efficiently operate in every state and federal criminal court room in America.​
JUDGES
Using the model of Resource-Based Sentencing and Supervision, the sentencing judge will:
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Identify the reason(s) for the offense
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Order conditions which directly address the identified reason(s)
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Engage with the defendant to construct a comprehensive plan on how to meet the ordered condition(s)
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Conduct periodic status hearings to hold the defendant accountable to making reasonable progress on fulfilling the sentencing condition(s)
The judge will refer the defendant to a cost-free resource that will assist the defendant in fulfilling the ordered condition(s).
RESOURCES
The Sentencing Foundation organizes networks of cost-free re-entry resources for participating judges’ use, that generally fall under one of the following categories:
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Mental Health Support
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Substance Abuse Guidance
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Educational / Vocational Training
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Employment and/or Entrepreneurial Opportunities
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Long-Term and Short-Term Housing Solution Related Services
Resources are provided by participating sentencing / supervising judges during court proceedings based upon apparent preventative need. Resources are held accountable for being respectful and responsive, and for delivering the articulated service during periodic status
hearings relative to the defendant’s progress.
