Texas has one of the largest prison populations of the nation and has recently developed one of the fastest growing restitution programs. A crowded, unconstitutional prison system and financial necessity, rather than a change in correctional philosophy, brought about the growth of restitution centers. A descriptive study of the Texas restitution center program indicates that it has diverted a significant number of offenders from prison, improved their employment status and resulted in a large amount of money for victim compensation as well as other offender financial obligations. Restitution may succeed as a cost-effective alternative to incarceration.

Source: Vanspauwen, K., Robert, L., Aertsen, I., Parmentier, S. (2003), Restorative Justice and Restorative Detention. A selected and annotated bibliography. Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Faculteit Rechtsgeleerdheid, Onderzoeksgroep Penologie en Victimologie.