The reliance on incarceration has had devastating consequences that disproportionately impact communities of color and people living with mental illness. In recent years, New York City has become a national leader in reducing incarceration while at the same time increasing community safety.

CASES has played a critical role in advancing this new approach to justice by providing effective community-based alternatives to jail and prison. Our programs have helped to raise the age of adult criminal responsibility, eliminate the use of cash bail and pretrial detention for all but the most serious charges, and ensure that individuals with serious mental illness have the intensive treatment and support they need to achieve healing and wellness in the community.