Well-structured transitional housing and transitional programs are effective in reducing recidivism and helping former inmates to return to the community successfully. We recommend that Georgia's current transitional programs be evaluated and expanded and that experts from around the country be consulted to design effective programs for Georgia. We believe that these transitional programs should be run by the Parole Board instead of the Department of Corrections. The Parole Board should continue to exist to provide oversight and guidance as former inmates return to the community. We oppose any legislative action that would curtail the Board's abilities to review and grant or deny parole as they see fit.
Racism plays a huge role in who goes to prison.
We support appointment of more African-Americans to judgeships and to other positions of power within the courts and corrections systems, as well as advocate for more awareness and sensitivity on the part of all court and corrections personnel to issues surrounding race and racism.