Final answer:
The transition to focusing on probation and community corrections emerged towards the end of the 20th century in response to the negative outcomes of mass incarceration policies. This correctional philosophy was driven by the acknowledgement of the ineffectiveness, high costs, and unfairness of the existing 'tough on crime' approach, particularly for non-violent offenders.
Step-by-step explanation:
The era of correctional thought that advocated for a limited use of incarceration and favored probation for non-violent offenders doesn't have a specific name, but it aligns closely with the principles of community corrections which began to gain popularity towards the end of the 20th century. This approach emerged largely as a reaction to the overcrowding of prisons and the high costs associated with the law-and-order movement of the 1970s and 1980s, as well as the 'three strikes' policies of the 1990s.
During this period, the public, scholars, and politicians began advocating for alternatives to incarceration, recognizing that incarceration was not the most effective strategy for dealing with less prolific offenders, particularly those with drug offenses. This shift in paradigm looked at ways to reduce crime through means other than prison sentences. Factors such as the ineffectiveness in terms of crime reduction and the disproportionate targeting of racial and ethnic minorities helped fuel these changes. There was also a push for more rehabilitation-focused methods rather than simply punitive measures, with the aim of reintegrating offenders back into society successfully.