Fact:

Myth:

Diversion Programs are too “soft” on crime and simply provide offenders with “a get out of jail free card.”

Diversion programs target underlying problems that lead to crime, which can lead to reduced recidivism rates and improvement in community safety. Additionally, diversion programs are a cheaper alternative to incarceration with better long-term outcomes. To learn more about substance use disorder and addiction treatment for criminal justice populations, click here.

Fact:

Myth:

Individuals with justice involvement can just stay with friends/family while they secure a job after being released. 

Access to safe, affordable housing is a significant barrier for people exiting incarceration. Friends and family can be a negative influence on those reentering. The inability to access housing often leads to reincarceration and/or homelessness. Stable housing is a key factor to success for people who are reentering the community. To learn more about re-entry housing, click here.

Fact:

Myth:

Substance use disorder treatment isn't a successful method, or cost effective.

Comprehensive care during and after incarceration is effective in lowering recidivism and decreasing spending costs. Substance use disorder rates are high within the criminal justice system, where roughly 85% of individuals in prison have an active substance use disorder or are incarcerated for drug-related crimes. To learn more about substance use disorder and addiction treatment for criminal justice populations, click here.

Fact:

Myth:

The justice system isn't racially biased; people aren't arrested based on their race.

When compared to White men, Black men are 6 times as likely to be incarcerated and Latino men are 2.5 times as likely. Despite approximately equal rates of use, a Black person is 3.73 times more likely to be arrested for possession of marijuana than a White person. To learn more about race and re-entry, click here and here.