The article emphasizes the critical need for funding Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) and reentry programs in New York. Organizations like CASES and The Fortune Society help over a thousand individuals each year, addressing root causes of court involvement such as mental illness and unemployment. Currently, demand for services greatly exceeds resources, which threatens the progress of many individuals, particularly within marginalized communities. The proposed $17 million funding from Mayor Adams is a step forward but insufficient given the scale of need. These programs are essential for lowering recidivism rates and alleviating broader societal issues.
We never turn people away, yet the demand consistently exceeds resources. Despite these challenges, our programs are proven to reduce recidivism, emergency room visits, and homelessness-at a fraction of the cost of incarceration.
ATIs are community-based programs that address the root causes that lead people to court involvement-untreated mental illness, unstable housing, and unemployment.
We applaud the proposed $17 million restoration for ATI and reentry programs in Mayor Eric Adams' Executive Budget. Without this funding, thousands of New Yorkers-disproportionately Black and Latine-will lose access to essential services.
At CASES, our ATI programs serve more than 1,000 people each year. Case managers are stretched thin, managing large caseloads while trying to provide individualized care.
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