Over 54,000 Virginians are currently on probation under the Virginia Department of Corrections, and thousands more are on local probation. Our current probation system can actually make it harder for people to prioritize the activities proven to increase community public safety and stability, like education, vocational training, employment, mental health resources, and substance abuse treatment.

Together, we can change that.

While our state’s supervision system was originally intended to increase safety and support rehabilitation, its web of confusing, ineffective and destabilizing rules can make it challenging to prioritize the activities proven to increase success and stability. Virginia is missing out on proven strategies that cut crime and costs. Twenty other states have implemented probation incentives to encourage activities that reduce recidivism and increase compliance, like education, employment, and treatment—Virginia needs to follow suit. 

As of 2020, only 42% of the national probation population had more than a high school education, compared to 65% of the general population. This is one reason why about ⅔ of people on probation make less than $20,000 a year.

This lack of opportunity harms not just the person on supervision, but also their family, their community, local employers, and Virginia’s economy.

There is good news, though – we already know what works, and we can continue building a better future for Virginia. 

In 2021, REFORM Alliance joined a powerful and motivated coalition led by Justice Forward and the ACLU to improve Virginia’s probation system. Together, we championed House Bill 2038, a bill that limited probation term lengths, prevented needless incarceration for first-time technical violations, and reduced incarceration terms for subsequent violations. Early analysis of data from the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission suggests that these changes are already resulting in decreased use of unnecessary incarceration and increased success in reentry. It’s projected that HB 2038 will help more than 60,000 people exit the criminal justice system over the next 5 years without compromising public safety.

Help us take another step forward this year.

These common-sense, evidence-based reforms have gained broad support because of their track record for success. The Virginia Safety Coalition champions reforms that prioritize public safety, save taxpayer dollars, and create meaningful second chances for thousands of Virginians. But we can only improve our communities and public safety with your help. Our legislators need to hear your voice.