Advocacy organizations CASES and The Fortune Society are raising urgent concerns regarding the chronic underfunding of Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) and reentry programs in New York City.
These programs are vital for addressing the root causes that often lead individuals into the criminal justice system, such as untreated mental illness, unstable housing, and lack of employment opportunities.
Despite the proven effectiveness of these programs, which have been shown to significantly reduce recidivism rates and alleviate homelessness, they are facing a funding crisis that could impact thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers.
In Mayor Eric Adams’ Executive Budget, there is a proposed restoration of $17 million for ATI and reentry programs, a step applauded by advocates, yet they assert that this figure is far from sufficient.
“The demand consistently exceeds resources,” the organizations stated, underlining the pressing challenges faced by their case managers who work tirelessly to provide individualized support while managing heavy caseloads.
The humanitarian situation at Rikers Island has intensified recently, with the incarcerated population growing by nearly 50 percent over the last few years. Many of these individuals are Black and Latine, and over half have been diagnosed with a mental illness.
Rikers has unfortunately come to be known as the state’s largest mental health facility, but it fails to deliver comprehensive care for those in need, leading to cycles of re-incarceration without the necessary support.
In contrast, ATI programs focus on delivering robust mental health services in community settings.
For instance, CASES’ Assertive Community Treatment program provides mobile mental health care in neighborhoods, resulting in a remarkable 70 percent decrease in re-arrest rates over a two-year period.
Rather than being released into a system devoid of support, participants in these programs access ongoing assistance that encompasses mental health services, educational resources, employment training, and secure housing.
The Fortune Society complements these efforts by offering transitional housing for over 500 individuals exiting incarceration. These facilities are more than temporary shelters; they serve as essential launching pads for personal transformation and reintegration into society.
Last year, 167 individuals successfully transitioned from temporary housing into permanent residences and reconnected with their families, demonstrating the effectiveness of these supportive services.
The advocacy groups are calling for an additional $2.4 million in funding for their programs, emphasizing that this request represents a mere 10 percent of the monthly overtime expenditures incurred by the New York City Department of Correction.
Investing in ATI and reentry initiatives is beneficial not only for the individuals served but also for the city’s economy. The Osborne Association estimates that its court mitigation services alone saved the city approximately $162 million in avoided incarceration costs during Fiscal Year 2024.
The leaders of CASES and The Fortune Society are urging city officials to recognize the critical importance of funding these programs as a means of enhancing public safety and supporting community healing.
“No one should have to rebuild their life without support,” they stated, highlighting the necessity for accessible and effective alternatives to incarceration.
With increasing calls for justice reform and support for marginalized populations, advocates stress that the time has come for New York City to shift its focus on funding and fully invest in these crucial community-based programs.
As the city grapples with growing challenges related to public safety and social equity, the conversation must evolve from questioning whether funding is feasible to considering the implications of not investing in these life-altering initiatives.
Rob DeLeon, the Deputy CEO at The Fortune Society, and Jonathan McLean, the CEO at CASES, underscore the potential for transformative change if robust funding is allocated to ATI and reentry programs, ensuring that New Yorkers have access to the support they need to thrive.
image source from：citylimits
