This proposal outlines the recidivism reduction initiative (RRI), a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing hamilton county, tennessee's alternative sentencing (hcas) programs

This Project Grant award of $844,294 from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Second Chance Act Reentry Initiative (CFDA 16.812) supports the Recidivism Reduction Initiative (RRI) in Hamilton County, Tennessee. The RRI aims to enhance the county's alternative sentencing programs by: (1) implementing evidence-based assessments and providing training for probation officers; (2) hiring a licensed clinical social worker and a community-based alternative sentencing officer; (3) funding services for participants; and (4) measuring effectiveness through a partnership with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The goal is to create a cohesive support network that facilitates success for justice-involved individuals, reduces recidivism, and improves public safety. The award period is from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2027.

The RRI seeks funding for their misdemeanor supervision programs to: (1) implement evidence-based risk/need/responsivity, trauma and domestic violence assessments, and incentive/consequence matrix and provide training for probation officers; (2) hire a licensed clinical social worker; (3) hire a community-based alternative sentencing officer; (4) provide funding for services for participants when other funding sources are not available; and (5) measure effectiveness and outcomes through their collaboration with the university of tennessee at chattanooga (UTC). Through partnerships with judges and service providers, the RRI aims to create a cohesive support network that facilitates success for their participants, reducing recidivism and improving public safety. A participant needs fund will be created to fill the gaps in services that cannot be covered by other financial means. This fund can help with work clothing, transportation, applications/first week fees for programs, etc. The RRI will partner with UTC to collect and analyze data and share results. This "action research" approach will increase officer response time to violations and help them be proactive in addressing participant needs. By adopting this approach, the RRI aims to reduce recidivism rates and promote positive outcomes for justice-involved individuals, their families, and the community.