Crime in America
Approximately 77 million Americans, or 1 in every 3 adults, have a criminal record. A criminal record can be an arrest record, criminal charges, or a conviction. This leaves over 100 million American families impacted by the criminal justice system, creating barriers to jobs, occupational licensing, professional relationships, housing, and higher education opportunities. Youth and Juvenile crime has created numerous challenges for state agencies across America, resulting in a generational cycle of incarceration.
For those who have been recently released from incarceration, the challenges and barriers are even more substantial. Each year, more than 600,000 inmates are released from state and federal correctional facilities and transition back into the community. Another 11 million individuals cycle through local jails and juveniles each year. Lack of employment, housing, and other support systems upon reentry increases the likelihood of continued involvement in the criminal justice system. Recidivism creates a significant cost to the individuals, families, the justice system, and the community.