Massachusetts

Len Engel
Alyson Boehler & Richard Luedeman
2010

This report examines the current structure of corrections in Massachusetts, focusing on the vital role probation plays in protecting the public, and how other states carry out probation responsibilities. The report also incorporates the research showing the necessary elements of an effective and efficient probation system and what Massachusetts leaders should focus on as they work to restore the Probation Department as an effective and collaborative partner in the criminal justice system.

Len Engel
December 2009

This report examines the growth of the cost of corrections in Massachusetts in contrast to government spending for other competing sectors, identifies programs that could be adopted here, and describes specific reforms to bring costs under greater control.

Authors: Claire Kaplan with Elyse Clawson, Leonard Engel, Cheryl Roberts, Jennifer Vorse, Richard Ward
2005

This white paper summarizes the history of the CORI system and the key moments leading to the current situation. It also examines the problems experienced by various people and identifies and explores a handful of ideas for reforming the system. The process that led to the creation of the white paper involved meetings and interviews with dozens of stakeholders, including ex-offenders and advocates, agency and system officials, elected officials and employers. The white paper was delivered at a forum on May 18, 2005 sponsored by The Boston Foundation that brought together many of the stakeholders involved and more than 200 others with some interest in the CORI system.

Authors: Claire Kaplan and Len Engel
A Workforce and Public Safety Imperative
2007

The Crime and Justice Institute and the Boston Foundation convened a Task Force in June 2006, consisting of 14 leaders from the nonprofit, law enforcement, academic and business communities to kindle discussion and debate the barriers to employment for individuals with criminal records. Co-chaired by Betsy Pattullo, President and CEO of Beacon Health Strategies and Bob Gittens, Vice President of Public Affairs at Northeastern University, the task force went well beyond its original objective to identify opportunities that increase access to employment in the health and human service field for low-risk, qualified applicants with CORI, while continuing to protect vulnerable populations. This report makes a series of recommendations designed to improve criminal justice outcomes for the benefit of ex-offenders, communities, employers and to expand the skilled workforce in the Commonwealth.