Behind the Cycle

Behind the Cycle (BTC) brings together the best thinking and the best practices across the country in an interdisciplinary collaboration to promote reforms within the criminal and juvenile justice systems. BTC's unique approach starts from the understanding that multiple, negative factors often lead to an individual's entry into the justice system, so effective reform within the system requires creative interaction between the multiple systems. Profound connections exist between what is called a "cycle of incarceration" and inadequately addressed social conditions in such areas as education, economic opportunity, housing, child welfare, and health. This cycle of incarceration is fueled by criminal justice policies that emphasize incarceration over human services and community investments that address the individual, family, school, and environmental risk factors. BTC provides the framework for all involved to work together through conferences and comprehensive research and analysis.