There are many more sentencing options because, just as every person is different, so is the crime. Prison may not always be the most effective response for people, so if courts have options other than incarceration, “they may better tailor a cost-effective sentence that fits the offender and the crime, protects the public, and provides rehabilitation” (FAMM, 2011). The results also showed that the alternative saves taxpayers money. “Keeping a person in federal prison for a year costs over $28,0001 (some states' prison costs are much higher). Alternatives to incarceration are cheaper, help prevent prison and prison overcrowding, and save taxpayers millions” (FAMM, 2011, para. 3). Ultimately, alternatives protect the public by reducing crime. There is a 40% chance that all people who leave prison will return within three years of release (FAMM, 2011). “Alternatives to prison, such as drug and mental health courts, are proven to address the underlying causes of crime (e.g., drug addiction and mental illness) and help prevent offenders from committing new crimes” ( FAMM, 2011, par..