HOPE for PA Corrections Reform

Launched in 2004, Hawaii’s Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) is an innovative supervision strategy that provides swift, predictable sanctions on substance-abusing probationers.

Research shows the program has reduced probationers’ positive drug tests more than 70 percent and traditional probationers are three times more likely to have probation revoked than HOPE participants, saving taxpayers saving an estimated $4,000 to $8,000 per offender.

Senate Bill 100, which would treat nonviolent offenders with drug and alcohol problems, includes language for counties to establish “HOPE” Courts. This legislation could be improved by providing incentives for counties to establish a “HOPE” program or requiring counties to participate.

Pennsylvania’s corrections spending is part of the four-alarm fire that threatens Pennsylvania’s fiscal house. Learn more about principled corrections reforms here.