What are community corrections acts, and how do local-level, community correctional agencies benefit from them?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

To address concerns about local community differences and the lesser ability of local government to render political pull, community corrections acts were developed to expand local sentencing options in lieu of imprisonment. Community corrections acts (CCAs) are statewide agreements through which funds are granted to local governments to develop and deliver community correctional sanctions and services (McManus & Barclay, 1994). CCAs decentralize correctional sanctions so that they more closely reflect community values and attitudes. The first community corrections act was enacted in Minnesota in 1973, and such acts now exist in 28 states. State-run programs do not qualify as CCAs; only those that are operated locally or through private agencies qualify. In this way, local governments benefit from the greater revenue-generating capacity of state government.