Recommendations
Recommendations
In its first phase of work, the Commission considered a broad range of potential policy changes at the front end of the justice system, from initial contact with law enforcement through sentencing. Commissioners came to consensus on four proposals that they believe will have the greatest potential to improve outcomes for women, minimize collateral impacts on children and families, and enhance public safety and community stability.
Please click each recommendation for a research-based rationale, recommendation, and detailed implementation steps.
In its second set of proposals, the Women’s Justice Commission will turn its attention to the “back end” of the system: conditions of confinement and programming for incarcerated women, as well as reintegration with their families and communities.
Data Gaps and Opportunities
The recommendations and implementation steps included in this report highlight actionable improvements that have a large potential for impact in the short term. However, long-term progress requires expanded criminal justice system data collection.
Opportunities for improved data collection and analysis are noted throughout this report, and technical assistance should be adequately provided to relevant agencies to improve the collection, reporting, and sharing of the data listed in this report.
