Final answer:
The idea of community corrections began progressing forward since the 1800s, but it gained significant momentum starting in the mid-20th century. This was exacerbated by the war on drugs and the subsequent 'get tough on crime' laws of the 1970s, which led to overcrowded prisons and a call for decriminalization and reform in the 1990s that further propelled the community corrections concept. The correct option is B.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of community corrections has been on a steady trajectory of progression since the 1800s. During this time, penitentiaries were established with the intention of transforming criminals into law-abiding citizens through various forms of rehabilitation, including hard work, religious instruction, and isolation from corrupt influences. This was a shift from earlier practices where criminals and debtors were frequently imprisoned without extensive efforts toward rehabilitation.
As we advanced into the mid-20th century, further reforms were initiated due to the cultural backlash of the 1970s leading to the 'get tough on crime' legislation and policies. This period saw a massive increase in incarceration rates due to the war on drugs and the political climate, leading to overcrowded prisons and significant debt incurred by states to facilitate the growing prison population.
However, by the 1990s, attitudes began to shift. Political burdens of the costs associated with the incarceration approach alongside growing appeals from scholars and politicians for the decriminalization of drug use led to a gradual move away from the punitive 'war on drugs' toward a more rehabilitative focus within the corrections system.
Thus, the development of community corrections as a preferred method over incarceration has historical roots but saw significant momentum in the mid-20th century, particularly due to reforms sparked by the overcrowded penal system and shift in societal attitudes in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Hence, Option B is correct.