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Community Corrections Programs

Providing an Alternative to Incarceration for the 
Tennessee Criminal Justice and Court System

Community Corrections Programs were created to divert felony offenders from the Tennessee prison system and to provide necessary supervision and services to the offenders with the goal of reducing the probability of continued criminal behavior while maintaining the safety of the community.

In 1985, the State of Tennessee special legislative session created the program to reduce prison overcrowding. Community Corrections offers local courts increased options, assists victims, provides public service to local governments, and is cost effective.

Through the Community Corrections Programs, tax payers avoid paying the high costs of jail or prison for non-violent offenders. Average costs are less than $5 a day for Community Corrections vs. $50 per day for incarceration. The felony offenders also pay supervision and community corrections fees to assist in the costs of the program.

Community Corrections is the last alternative to incarceration. Most offenders in Community Corrections could easily be incarcerated for their various crimes. However, due to different factors such as age, type of crimes, prior arrest history, and their potential for rehabilitation, these offenders are given one last chance before incarceration.

Local Contacts
There are 19 programs operating in Tennessee, 6 Non-Profit Agencies, 6 Human Resource Agencies, and 7 County Programs. Within the 19 programs, there are 3 Residential Programs (2 males and 1 female) and 3 Day Reporting Centers. For more information about Community Correction programs in your area, please contact a local office, or use the "Contact" button at the bottom of the page. To find a local office serving your area, either visit our map or our directory.

Grant Applications
If you are interested, please visit our Grants Application Page for the current applications.