Alternatives to Incarceration Are an Essential Tool to Closing Rikers Island

Women's Prison Association

A new NYC ATI/Reentry Coalition report shows a clear and urgent need to accelerate efforts to close Rikers & expand the use of alternatives to incarceration (ATI), including WPA’s JusticeHome program.

“Alternatives to Incarceration are an essential tool to reducing incarceration and, ultimately, closing Rikers Island. But more importantly, they are essential to a safe and thriving city. As we see in our JusticeHome project, by providing a structured, supportive alternative to jail, we provide women with the care they need to be successful for themselves, their families, their communities, and our city,” says Meg Egan, CEO of the Women’s Prison Association.

In 2019, the New York City Council passed legislation to mandate the closure of all jails on Rikers Island by 2027. Meanwhile, conditions on Rikers continue to harm New Yorkers.

Image text reads: “20%. At least 20% of Riker’s population has been diagnosed with a  serious mental illness, housed in a prison with limited access to treatment services.” Source: NYC ATI/Reentry Coalition
Image text reads: “60%. More than 60% of people released from New York prisons remain unemployed a year after being released, creating barriers to safety and stability.” Source: NYC ATI/Reentry Coalition
Image text reads: “26%. More than 26% of New Yorkers incarcerated at Rikers report being homeless or likely to be homeless upon release, and many more are housing insecure.” Source: NYC ATI/Reentry Coalition
Image text reads: “60%. The number of women and gender-diverse people incarcerated at Rikers has increased by over 60% since January 2022. New York MUST close Rikers.” Source: NYC ATI/Reentry Coalition

This does not need to be the case. Through our ATI program, JusticeHome, WPA has witnessed firsthand how ATI programs set people up for success. When individuals get the support they need, we can build safer communities, stronger families, and brighter futures.

Click here to check out the complete data & ATI program participant testimonials.

Women's Prison Association

Since 1845, the Women's Prison Association has empowered women to redefine their lives in the face of injustice and incarceration.

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