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An Illinois Senate Committee is tackling the issue of prison reform.

Experts testified virtually before lawmakers, discussing racial inequities in the judicial system, the need for more mental health and substance abuse programs, and stopping the cycle of re-incarceration.

State Department of Corrections Director Rob Jeffreys says it’s the state’s goal to help inmates succeed upon release.

“We have adopted a state of the art risk and needs assessment.  To better match individuals with program and treatment needs.  All the staff at the facilities have been trained with this new tool.  And we are working to complete the scores and needs profile for men in our custody.”

The President of the Safer Foundation Victor Dickson says people with records more frequently experience socio-economic issues.

“They are more likely to be homeless before and after incarceration, substance abuse problems and experience overdoses.  They have trauma and mental health issues, chronic health diseases, experience unemployment, poverty, crime and violence.”

Dickson says community based services for those who have recently been released are key to stopping the cycle of re-incarceration.  Others discussed the need for more diversion programs, directing people in trouble with the law towards support programs instead of being sent behind bars.