Incarceration
In the United States, people are put in jail or prison at a significantly higher rate compared to other countries.
In fact, the U.S. has the highest incarceration rate of any independent democracy on earth (Prison Policy Institute, 2024). This is a significant public health problem and affects people's health in many ways. Being jailed or imprisoned happens for different social, economic, and political reasons. For example, when people live in poverty, can't find safe and affordable housing, go to poorly funded schools, or face stress and discrimination, they are more likely to end up in jail or get involved in the criminal justice system.
Our team works in collaboration with the Wood County Jail and community partners to work towards accomplishing the following goals:
Reduce incarceration, recidivism, and revocation rates
Improve access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment services for justice-involved populations
Eliminate unfair burdens incarceration imposes on marginalized groups
Resources for People who were Formerly Incarcerated
Resources for Re-entry to the Community After Jail or Prison
This brochure includes Wood County, Wisconsin and National resources for individuals re-entering the community after being released from jail or prison.
Data & Research
Prison Policy Initiative - Wisconsin Profile
This resource provides detailed data on Wisconsin’s criminal justice system. “Wisconsin has an incarceration rate of 615 per 100,000 people, meaning that it locks up a higher percentage of its people than almost any democratic country on earth.” - Prison Policy Initiative
Vera Institute of Justice- Incarceration Trends in Wood County
Wood County specific data on incarceration rates, demographics, and more. You can also find Wisconsin and National specific data on their website.
Human Impact Partners- Excessive Revocations in Wisconsin
A report about the negative impacts of putting people in jail or prison without a new conviction.