Source: Burlington Free Press, July 22

“Vermont’s Department of Corrections commissioner testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday, saying Vermont can serve as a model in helping inmates successfully reintegrate into their communities.

Commissioner Andrew Pallito spoke about the state’s inmate mentoring program, Circles of Support and Accountability.

“Increased citizen participation has resulted in diminishing public resistance towards offender re-entry and marginalization of returning offenders. This dramatically improves an offenders potential for success and can achieve a significant reduction in recidivism,” Pallito said.

He said between 1990 and 2010 the state’s inmate population grew by 160 percent. He attributed a recent slowing in the growth of the inmate population to re-entry programs and community involvement…”

Full story: VT Corrections Commissioner testifies in Washington

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