Community corrections is a viable alternative to incarceration in prison for offenders convicted of less severe offenses who would otherwise be prison bound. Community corrections also provides services to offenders in transition from prison to parole and for parolees released by the Colorado Parole Board. One of the main purposes of community corrections is the productive reintegration of offenders back into society.
Boards enter into contracts with programs to provide services for and supervision of offenders.
In an effort to promote public safety, boards establish and enforce standards of operation of programs and exercise authority to accept or reject any offender referred for placement. Offenders placed in community corrections are required to work to pay restitution, court costs and fines, supervision costs, and room and board. They are also required to pay federal, state, and local taxes and participate in offender specific treatment. There are 33 residential community corrections programs in the state which supply a total capacity of 1956 beds. Community corrections programs are audited to assure compliance with standards adopted by DCJ and local community corrections boards.