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Expanding Alternatives to Incarceration in NYC: A Pathway to Safely Closing Rikers Island
A new report outlines strategies to decarcerate Rikers Island by expanding community-based alternatives that address the root causes of New Yorkers’ justice involvement.
As members of the New York’s ATI/Reentry Coalition, we are pleased to announce the release of “Expanding Alternatives to Incarceration in NYC: A Pathway to Safely Closing Rikers Island.”
This report underscores the critical need to close Rikers by 2027 and highlights the harm it continues to cause, particularly for Black and brown New Yorkers.
It provides proof of the many positive outcomes that ATIs have already achieved for New Yorkers across the five boroughs, citing statistics from specific programs as well as testimonials from participants who have successfully completed programming, reintegrated into society, and contributed to our shared communities.
One such story comes from Osborne’s Court Advocacy Services. For eight months, Art languished at Rikers, where he received no treatment to address his substance use and behavioral health challenges. Our mitigation services provided the judge overseeing Art’s case with a comprehensive picture of his situation and potential for rehabilitation.
“Osborne didn’t just help me turn things around,” Art says. “They gave me the foundation to build something better for myself and my family.”
Read the full report here.