The U.S. correctional system oversees over 5.4 million individuals, with annual costs surpassing $182 billion. A significant proportion of the incarcerated population has mental health conditions, emphasizing the need for reform that prioritizes care rather than punishment. Given the nation's high recidivism rates, with two-thirds re-arrested post-release, the implementation of restorative justice practices, which have shown promising results in victim satisfaction and reduced re-offending, could be a crucial area for reform. Wally Lamb's novel, 'The River Is Waiting,' highlights these intricate themes, informed by his experiences with incarcerated women.
About two in five people who are currently incarcerated have a history of mental illness, a rate twice as high as the national average, but data reveals that prison is designed for punishment, not care.
With the U.S. having the highest incarceration rate in the world, and the highest recidivism rate, a turn to widespread restorative justice practices is worth considering.
In a randomized control trial in which victims elected to participate in face-to-face meetings with the offender and a trained facilitator, 85% of victims were satisfied with the process.
Restorative justice led to a 14% reduction in the rate of re-offending and was financially cost-saving.
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