But that’s exactly what can happen to the 3.7 million people on probation and parole–the largest share of people involved in our justice system.
"I was driving to my second job before I got pulled over and arrested because of a technical violation..."
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Probation and Parole
Should Set People Up
For Success,
Not Failure.
Probation and parole systems were meant to hold people accountable and provide a pathway back to work, school, and community – a second chance. Too often, they limit people’s ability to achieve stability and economic self-sufficiency, and serve as a pipeline back to prison.
And we all pay the price.
3 Min.
Every three minutes, someone is sent to prison for a supervision violation. Many of these folks are being sent to prison NOT for breaking the law, but for breaking a rule – like missing a meeting with their probation officer or being around someone with a criminal record or crossing county lines.
3.7M
There are currently 5.5 million people in the criminal justice system. Nearly 3.7 million of them are on parole or probation. That’s 1 out of every 59 U.S. adults.
REFORM Alliance aims to transform probation and parole by changing laws, systems and culture to create real pathways to work and wellbeing.
We want to replace America’s justice system with a restorative system that is fair, accountable, and invested in rehabilitation, support, and stability. We want people to re-enter society with dignity, and access to opportunity – helping to keep families and communities safe and strong.
See Our WorkOur Successes
Florida
Passed unanimously by the Florida legislature, education credits, workforce achievement credits, and a permanent infrastructure for remote reporting are working to improve outcomes for people on probation and safely reduce the size of Florida’s probation system.
California
A package of reforms created limits on probation and parole terms, increased pathways for sick and elderly people to return home, and expanded the use of diversion programs to promote success and stability in communities while saving the state millions of dollars.
Georgia
Supported by a bipartisan coalition, SB 105 creates a pathway to early termination for tens of thousands of Georgians on probation.
Virginia
Backed by a bipartisan coalition, REFORM Alliance and the Virginia Safety Coalition passed HB 2038, HB 1589, and HB 2252/SB 936 to modernize Virginia’s supervision system, placing caps on probation terms, eliminating outdated post-release supervision, and creating incentives that put people on pathways to success.
How Duke Tanner Beat a Double-Life Sentence and Became a Champion for His Community
REFORM Alliance Announces New Executive Leadership Team as it Celebrates Six Years of Impact
We Put
People
First
We elevate the voices of those who have been impacted by the justice system and their families and work with people of all backgrounds.
We Push
Real
Solutions
We champion policies focused on improving probation and parole practices and moving people from supervision to wellness and stability.
We
Invest In
Communities
We believe that too much focus on surveillance and supervision is not what communities impacted by crime and incarceration want or need. Partnering with communities to prevent crime and build economic opportunity is a safer and smarter approach.