Approximately one-half of inmates are parents with minor children and most parents in prisons are fathers. This chapter discusses state-level policies that may have the effect of avoiding incarceration and lessening its duration through diversion initiatives, deferred adjudications, and pardons. We also examine state efforts to facilitate the reintegration and employability of ex-offenders by revising their juvenile and adult criminal record, and to reduce recidivism by improving rates of parole and probation success. Finally, we consider efforts to foster father–child connections by taking family relationships into account during sentencing and providing parenting programming in correctional facilities. 

Download Chapter 4: Criminal Justice of the report below.