What does the Community Model for Jails emphasize?

The Community Model for Jails emphasizes community engagement to enhance rehabilitation by focusing on integrating inmates into their communities and encouraging cooperation between the facilities and local resources. This model promotes the idea that effective rehabilitation cannot occur in isolation; instead, it benefits from positive interactions with the community. By involving community members, organizations, and support systems, the model aims to provide inmates with a network they can rely on after their release, fostering a smoother transition back into society and reducing recidivism.

Community engagement in this context can include various programs, such as educational opportunities, job training, and counseling services that develop the skills necessary for inmates to reintegrate successfully. The goal is to make inmates more accountable and connected to their communities, ultimately leading to more successful outcomes post-incarceration. This approach contrasts with traditional models that focus heavily on punishment without addressing the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.