CREDIT FOR CHANGE BENEFITS:
People who live and work in prisons: Participation in treatment and programming makes prisons safer by rewarding good behavior and improving staff morale.
Crime survivors: Many survivors report finding safety and closure when the person who harmed them changes meaningfully.
People leaving prison: Programming helps people build the stable foundation they need to build safe, secure, and fulfilling lives after release.
People with serious convictions: Research and people’s lived experience show most people convicted of serious offenses can and do change, have one of the lowest recidivism rates, and contribute positively to their communities upon release.
Illinois’s prison system: With crumbling facilities, understaffing for the current population, and an almost $3 billion deferred maintenance bill, incentivizing change will safely reduce the prison population. This reduction prioritizes staff wellness allowing the Illinois Department of Correction to return to its core mission of “promoting positive change for those in custody.”
Illinois taxpayers: Credit for Change saves over $1 billion for Illinois tax payers over three years. We all benefit when the state spends less money on prisons and more on housing, education, and healthcare.
