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Alternative Sentencing
The MSPD employs social workers as Alternative Sentencing Specialists. Staff in the Alternative Sentencing Program investigate and recommend resourceful, therapeutic alternatives to incarceration. These alternatives are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the individual client. They also address the sentencing goals of punishment, deterrence, public safety, restitution, and rehabilitation.
Sentencing Specialists in the Alternative Sentencing Program, who have masters degrees in social work, provide attorneys throughout the MSPD system with resources for sentencing advocacy and mitigation for sentence reduction. They are also often called upon to provide information to MSPD attorneys for plea negotiation along with information about special-needs clients and referral to outside services.
Sentencing Specialists attend national training on a regular basis, including the annual conferences of the National Alternative Sentencing Association and the Association and Association for Treatment of Sexual Abusers. They also receive continuing education in areas of mental health, substance abuse, and special needs.
The Alternative Sentencing program began in 1991, initially in St. Louis, as part of a federal grant. Because of its success in reducing recidivism and reducing incarceration costs, the program funding was picked up by the state legislature after expiration of the federal grant. The Program also includes Alternative Sentencing Specialists around the state.