Expanding Alternatives to Incarceration at Manhattan Justice Opportunities

As cities and states across the country seek to reduce the harms of incarceration and enhance public safety, New York is pioneering an innovative response to serious crime. Launched in 2019, the Manhattan Felony Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) Court-an initiative of New York County Supreme Court-expands on the well-documented successes of specialized drug and mental health courts to offer alternatives to incarceration for all types of felony cases, including violent offenses. Our Manhattan Justice Opportunities program partners with the ATI Court, as well as local prosecutors, defense attorneys, and community-based service providers to conduct clinical assessments and design individualized treatment plans to address the underlying needs that bring individuals into contact with the justice system. Participants are connected to resources that enable lasting change, from mental health and substance use treatment to education, housing, and employment services. As Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg puts it, “We’re not going to prosecute or incarcerate our way to public safety.”