Community Based Resources Needed for Pretrial Supervised Release Participants

• In Event: Poster Session 1

Abstract

As an alternative to cash bail, which most are unable to afford, the New York City Supervised Release (SR) program offers community-based pretrial supervision to thousands of New Yorkers each year. In 2023, the SR program served over 7,200 individuals in Brooklyn, the city’s second largest borough. Among Brooklyn SR participants, the vast majority (~60%) flagged for employment or educational needs, around 40% were unstably housed, and ~30% expressed a need or interest in mental health and/or substance use treatment services. By keeping people in the community and out of jail, the SR program is able to connect those in need to community-based supportive services. Preliminary findings from analysis of program data show that addressing underlying needs through voluntary service referrals can have favorable impacts on program outcomes, including pretrial court appearance. However, access to services is not equitably distributed. Through spatial analysis, this poster explores the relationship between needs and access to services and offers recommendations for services that should be provided internally to better meet needs of participants in specific neighborhoods and by age group.

Authors

• Stephanie Antoinetti, Center for Justice Innovation

• Kellyann Hayes, Center for Justice Innovation

• Alyssa Simmons, Center for Justice Innovation