Model and Strategy
The SFDA's Alternative Sentencing Program (ASP) fundamentally reforms the way prosecutors approach cases by developing transformative sentences that address the needs and risks of justice-involved individuals.
ASP provides prosecutors with a nuanced understanding of the defendants in their cases and creates tailored sentencing plans that give defendants the services and support they need to address their criminogenic risk factors. Current annual ASP capacity is 390 cases per year—a fraction of the SFDA’s annual caseload. Preliminary evaluation data demonstrates reduced recidivism and incarceration. The model is scalable and replicable, thus offering broad potential for breaking the cycle of incarceration.
Impact
- Individual and Community Results: During the grant period, an additional 1,170 individuals will receive transformative sentences that reduce reliance on incarceration, provide the services they need to exit the criminal justice system, and maintain their relationships with their families and communities.
- Broad Policy Results: This project will build the capacity for the SFDA’s Office to pilot innovative interventions for young adult offenders. By month 12, the project will demonstrate significantly significant program results, and showcase ASP as a replicable, scalable model for breaking the cycle of incarceration on a national level.
Leadership
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George Gascon
SF District Attorney