Working Together for Smarter Justice
While the staff of each of our member agencies are hard at work changing one life at a time, we know Ohio’s criminal justice and behavioral health policies create the landscape in which that change occurs. We believe it is vital for those who are doing the work of reintegrating criminal justice-involved individuals to have a voice in shaping those policies.
Though OCCA agencies are diverse, located across Ohio in urban and rural communities and vary in the continuum of programs provided and specialized populations served, our members embrace a common set of values and commitments. While the issues and challenges confronting us change over time, our core values remain the same and are at the center of our advocacy efforts.
Justice with Compassion and Common Sense
We Believe
- Mass incarceration must be significantly reduced. Evidence-based diversion and early release programs provide the safest solution to reducing the prison population.
- Behavioral health treatment should be fully funded.
- Collateral sanctions must not follow individuals long after they have paid their debt to society. Access to meaningful employment with a living wage and safe, affordable housing are critical to a true second chance.
- Funding halfway houses is good public safety policy and makes fiscal sense. Halfway house programming cuts recidivism and costs less than prison.
Advocating for Policies That Work—for People and Public Safety
To learn more about our priorities, download recent OCCA testimony before the Ohio General Assembly below.
