Alternatives to Corrections: More Than Just a Jail | Marie Collins | TEDxVermilionStreet

Housing inmates in jails and prisons comes at a high price. Marie Collins discusses challenges present in the criminal justice system and programs that help rehabilitate inmates and lower rates of recidivism. Marie L. Collins, LPC, LMFT, LAC, is the Treatment Programs Manager for the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office. Since she began working there in 2006, she has played an integral part in assessing, analyzing, and improving the treatment programs for both the offender and general population of Acadiana. In collaboration with other Sheriff’s office personnel and key community stakeholders, Marie has helped to increase programs and services while successfully decreasing recidivism. She earned a Master in Counseling from Louisiana State University in 2003 and has worked in treatment facilities for over 15 years. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at