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Too many people are trapped on probation in Iowa. About 1 in 85 adults is on state probation, comprising the largest segment of Iowa’s criminal justice system.
Rewarding positive steps like pursuing education, employment, and compliance with the conditions of probation helps maintain stability and reduces their likelihood of returning to prison.
With over 50,000 job openings across Iowa and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, Iowa is experiencing a workforce shortage. Increasing incentives for people on probation to enter the workforce can help fuel Iowa's growing economy.
What if Iowa’s probation system helped strengthen our workforce instead of filling our prisons?
Probation is meant to rehabilitate and protect our communities, but too often it traps people in a cycle of confusion, instability, and setbacks.
Instead of providing a second chance, it’s a system where even small missteps—like missing a meeting—can derail lives, leading to jail time, lost jobs, and separated families. The consequences ripple through our communities, affecting not just individuals but their loved ones, employers, and entire neighborhoods.
But we have a tremendous opportunity to improve our probation system and bring safety, stability, and greater opportunity to tens of thousands of Iowans.
Creating Pathways to Success for People on Probation
Over the last few years, bipartisan support has emerged in the Iowa General Assembly for Probation Credits, smart reforms aimed at incentivizing the 28,000 Iowans currently on probation to pursue activities that strengthen our economy and improve their chances of success like:
- Keeping a full-time job
- Earning vocational certifications
- Getting an education like a GED or college degree
- Successful compliance with their supervision conditions
A system of Probation Credits would pair accountability with opportunity, offering a solution that strengthens our workforce, reduces crime, and protects taxpayer dollars.
The Impact of Positive Incentives
Over the last few years, nearly 20 states have implemented similar policies that shorten probation terms for those who meet positive milestones, reducing recidivism and saving taxpayers millions:
✅ Lowering recidivism: Keeps people from re-entering the justice system.
✅ Reducing officer caseloads: Enables probation officers to better support.
✅ Improving public safety: Builds stronger, safer communities.
✅ Encouraging personal responsibility: Encourages individuals to take charge of their future.
Probation Credits are championed by the bipartisan Iowans United for Opportunity Coalition, a diverse group of leaders, experts, and advocates dedicated to improving public safety, reducing recidivism, and creating a fair supervision system that offers meaningful second chances. Learn more.
Your story matters. If you or someone you know has been impacted by supervision in Iowa, we want to hear from you.
To learn more contact: info@reformalliance.com
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