| |
Prison Legal News Files Book Censorship Suit Against Kentucky DOC
The Human Rights Defense Center (HRDC) accuses Kentucky's DOC for violating its free speech, due process and equal protection rights Read More 07-30-2017
|
America's Toxic Prisons: The Environmental Injustices of Mass Incarceration
Report underscores the correlation between environmental justice and criminal justice Read More 07-28-2017
|
Georgia Juvenile Court Judge Calls for the Tearing Down of Juvenile Jails
Report underscores the correlation between environmental justice and criminal justice Read More 07-27-2017
|
How a Trip to Norway Changed the Way the Director of North Dakota's DOC Runs the State's Prison System
The Norwegian principle of "dynamic security" helps corrections officers and people in prison develop a more trusting and amicable relationship Read More 07-26-2017
|
(Updated 8-1-17) Get a Vasectomy and Cut 30 Days Off Your Sentence
Tennessee District Attorney and ACLU question if that option is ethical or constitutional Read More 07-25-2017
|
Research: Incarceration Shortens Life Expectancy
Each year in prison takes 2 years off an individual's life expectancy Read More 07-24-2017
|
A Matter of Time: The Causes and Consequences of Rising Time Served in America's Prisons
Reforms focused solely on nonviolent crimes won't end mass incarceration Read More 07-21-2017
|
Alaska Cops Defend Their 'Right' to Sexual Contact with Sex Workers Before Arresting Them
Alaska’s HB 73 and SB 112 assert police engaging in sex to with a sex worker to make an arrest is a human rights violation Read More 07-20-2017
|
The Atlantic: What Happens to Criminal Justice Reform When Connecticut’s Governor Leaves Office?
From ending the death penalty to creating the "Second Chance Society," Dannell Malloy has pushed CT to the forefront of criminal justice reform Read More 07-19-2017
|
Law for Black Lives: Reimagining Safety and Security in Our Communities
Freedom to Thrive report examines racial disparities, policing landscapes, and budgets in twelve jurisdictions across the country Read More 07-18-2017
|
Sentencing Commission Releases New Publication on Federal Mandatory Minimum Penalties
New report shows impact of mandatory minimum sentences on people in the federal prison system Read More 07-17-2017
|
As Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week Approaches Topeka K. Sam Offers Insight on Why the System Needs Overhauling
Counterproductive policies can hinder 4.7 million Americans from achieving lawful and productive goals Read More 07-14-2017
|
Senators Corey Booker and Elizabeth Warren Introduce the Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act
Bill would ban shackling of pregnant women in federal prisons and improve treatment in other areas Read More 07-13-2017
|
Revisiting Evidence Based Practices
Reclaiming Futures sees need for improvement in the area of culturally responsive EBPs Read More 07-12-2017
|
Welfare and Imprisonment: How "Get Tough" Politics Have Excluded People from Society
New book examines the effects Reagan's policies had on working-class communities of color Read More 07-11-2017
|
Participatory Defense: Bringing Family and Community into the Courtroom for Better Outcomes
Started 10 years ago in CA, participatory defense programs are expanding across the country Read More 07-10-2017
|
State-by-State Analysis of Restoration of Rights and Status Following Arrest or Conviction
Resource aimed at criminal justice system practitioners, as well as policy makers and criminal justice reform advocates Read More 07-07-2017
|
Untreated Traumatic Brain Injury Keeps Youth in Juvenile Justice System
Systematic assessment for TBI urged for all entering juvenile justice system Read More 07-06-2017
|
Hundreds Gather in Milwaukee to Launch Campaign to Close Down the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility (MSDF)
Leaders of the #CloseMSDF Campaign Call on Governor Walker to Save Lives and Save Money by Closing MSDF Read More 07-05-2017
|
Connecticut Passes Bail Reform Bill But Does It Fall Short?
Critics argue that the presumption of innocence only extends to those charged with misdemeanors Read More 07-04-2017
|
Georgetown Law Report: Black Girls Viewed As Less Innocent Than White Girls
Black girls are 20% more likely to be charged with a crime than white girls Read More 07-04-2017
|
BJS Finds Incarcerated People Have Higher Rates of Serious Psychological Distress Than General Population
Females in prisons and jails have higher rates of mental health indicators than males Read More 06-30-2017
|
Women in California's Largest Immigrant Detention Center Hold Hunger Strike
Since March three women have died at California's Adelanto Detention Facility Read More 06-30-2017
|
Johnny Perez: Why Higher Education in Prison Is an Essential Part of Rehabilitation
Formerly incarcerated person asserts a second chance at education not only saves lives but also taxpayers' dollars Read More 06-28-2017
|
Criminal Justice System Fails When Children Forced to Raise Themselves When Mom Goes to Jail
Report finds that too often children are left alone and raising themselves and minor siblings Read More 06-27-2017
|
Getting Out of Prison and Facing 48,000 Legal Restrictions
With so many barriers are in place is it any wonder why recidivism rates are so high? Read More 06-26-2017
|
Crime in 2016: Final Year-End Data
Chicago accounted for 55.1 percent of the total increase in urban murders Read More 06-23-2017
|
Project Liberation: Helping Formerly Incarcerated Women Free Themselves from the Shackles of Self-Doubt
Holistic approach to healing and empowerment offered to justice-involved women Read More 06-22-2017
|
Unlocking Solitary Confinement: Ending Extreme Isolation in Nevada State Prisons
Nevada lacks statutes that "define, regulate, or limit segregation, isolation, or solitary confinement" Read More 06-21-2017
|
Out of Sight: The Growth of Jails in Rural America
Pretrial incarceration rates in rural counties increased 436 percent between 1970 and 2013 Read More 06-21-2017
|
Lawsuit Alleges Inadequate Mental Health Treatment in High Security Federal Penitentiary
According to lawsuit "treatment" consists of 5-minute counseling sessions and crossword puzzle books Read More 06-19-2017
|
Louisiana Governor Signs Historic Ten Criminal Justice Bills into Law
Louisiana's prison population is expected to drop 10 percent over the next 10 years Read More 06-18-2017
|
California Corrections Officers Take Part in Study to Assess Their Mental Health Needs
One in nine respondents reported thinking about or attempting suicide Read More 06-16-2017
|
New Report Documents How Fair Hiring Practices Benefit Individuals, Companies and Economic Growth
Seventy-five percent of formerly incarcerated individuals still don’t have a job a year after release Read More 06-15-2017
|
Maine Governor Releases People from Prison to Provide Labor to Tourist Industry
Most view this form of clemency as a positive move Read More 06-14-2017
|
For Families of Incarcerated Dads, Father’s Day Comes at a Premium
Costs of phone calls and visiting keep children of incarcerated fathers from vital bonding Read More 06-13-2017
|
Transgender People Speak on the Brutality in Immigrant Detainee Centers
The closing of the only ICE immigration center for transgender people is met with mixed reactions Read More 06-12-2017
|
How the U.S. Can and Should Greatly Reduce Mass Probation
Over four million Americans are on probation Read More 06-10-2017
|
Measures for Justice Tool Allows Users to Track County Criminal Cases from Arrest to Post-Conviction
Portal shows discrepancies between counties and demographics Read More 06-08-2017
|
Using Time to Reduce Crime: Federal Prisoner Survey Results Show Ways to Reduce Recidivism
Families Against Mandatory Minimums survey offers valuable information to lawmakers Read More 06-07-2017
|
Advocates Fight to Get Courts to End the Criminalization of Survivor-Defendants
Most victims of domestic abuse tried other paths to protect themselves before resorting to violence Read More 06-06-2017
|
LA County Puts Thousands of Kids on 'Voluntary' Probation for Merely Struggling With School
Controversial program raises concerns that it is ineffective and counter-productive to keeping students in school Read More 06-05-2017
|
The Price of Prisons: Examining State Spending Trends, 2010-2015
Does closing prisons always mean prison budgets are reduced, too? Read More 06-02-2017
|
Era of Mass Expansion: Why State Officials Should Fight Jail Growth
One out of every three people who is locked up is being held in a local jail Read More 06-01-2017
|
Leading With Conviction: The Transformative Role of Formerly Incarcerated Leaders in Reducing Mass Incarceration
JustLeadershipUSA supports the concept that those closest to the problem are closest to the solution Read More 06-01-2017
|
On Leaving Prison: A Reflection on Entering and Exiting Communities
Coming back to the community can be as traumatizing as entering prison Read More 05-31-2017
|
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Offers Five New Funding Opportunities
Applications for fiscal year 2017 due June 19-21 Read More 05-29-2017
|
Criminalizing Pregnancy: Policing Pregnant Women Who Use Drugs in the USA
Amnesty International report finds policing pregnant women has a devastating effect on their health and that of their children Read More 05-29-2017
|
A New Analysis of State and Federal Prison Populations
While overall prison populations declined 4.9 percent some states saw a double-digit drop Read More 05-26-2017
|
Fostering Failure: Criminalizing Children in Shelters
An alarming look at the foster care-to-prison pipeline Read More 05-25-2017
|
Urban Faith: A Closer Look at the Families of Mass Incarceration
Families share their stories on what it is like when a loved one is incarcerated Read More 05-24-2017
|
A Federal Agenda to Reduce Mass Incarceration
Brennan Center for Justice report offers bipartisan legislation and executives actions for reform Read More 05-21-2017
|
'Orange is the New Black' Author: Jeff Sessions Pushes a Racist Agenda
Harsh sentencing unfairly targets minorities and has decimated the black community Read More 05-20-2017
|
Women Imprisoned Under the Drug War Speak Out Against Sessions' New Policy
Will Sessions' new directive "worsen racial disparities, increase the number of women serving draconian sentences, and do nothing to improve public safety"? Read More 05-19-2017
|
Ban the Box Reforms and Statistical Discrimination
Caution is advised in interpreting studies Read More 05-18-2017
|
Tarra Simmons Graduated from Law School and Earned the Dean's Medal, But a Barrier Prevents Her from Becoming an Attorney
As a member of the Washington Governor's Reentry Council Simmons is working to tear down barriers to successful reintegration Read More 05-17-2017
|
Funds Available to Massachusetts Organizations Serving Young Women
Pilot program's goal is to help low-income young women achieve optimal health, economic security, safety, and leadership skills Read More 05-16-2017
|
Marc Levin: Texas Must Continue to Think Beyond the Cell
Cutting probation budgets can undo years of reducing the state’s prison population Read More 05-15-2017
|
Selling Off Our Freedom: How Insurance Corporations Have Taken Over Our Bail System
Less than 10 insurers underwrite most of the $14 billion bail bonds in America each year Read More 05-12-2017
|
In Memory of National Reentry Week
National Reentry Week, begun under Bush, seems to have been ignored under the Trump administration Read More 05-12-2017
|
Can a "Housing First" Approach Help End the Revolving Door of Jail-Street-Jail?
New York City believes permanent housing and wrap-around services are less costly than jail and will reduce arrests and recidivism Read More 05-11-2017
|
Treating Cancer with Ibuprofen
Human Rights Watch report reveals deficient health care is an ongoing problem in US detention centers Read More 05-11-2017
|
Buffett Family to Make $90 Million Available to Organizations Focused on Young Women and Girls of Color
First grant to be distributed this fall Read More 05-08-2017
|
Aging Alone: Uncovering the Risk of Solitary Confinement for People over 45
Solitary confinement of older people found to be dangerous Read More 05-05-2017
|
A Critical Look at Plea Bargaining
Constitutional right for public trial perceived as "almost a myth" Read More 05-04-2017
|
Restrictions on Access to Criminal Records: A National Survey
Collateral Consequences Resource Center offers 50-state chart that summarizes laws in several categories Read More 05-03-2017
|
Healthcare Employer Guide to Hiring People with Arrest and Conviction Records
Toolkit explains how healthcare providers can help reduce recidivism while cutting costs and improving patient care Read More 05-02-2017
|
Prisons as Sites of Reproductive Injustice
Report focuses on several barriers to reproductive justice women who are incarcerated face Read More 05-01-2017
|
Using Technology to Connect Families to Loved Ones in Prison
From a smart phone or computer comes a postcard and personal message to brighten up the day of a person behind bars Read More 04-28-2017
|
Connecticut Nursing Home for Elderly and Sick People on Parole is Model for Country
Innovative nursing home saves state millions of dollars Read More 04-27-2017
|
Beyond Recidivism Reduction
Reverend Howard Dean Trulear reflects on why simply not going back to prison is not a measure of success for reintegrating individuals Read More 04-26-2017
|
The Parole-to-Prison Pipeline
Technical violations, not new crimes, send tens of thousands back to jail or prison Read More 04-25-2017
|
A Year of Reports from The Sentencing Project That You Won’t Want to Miss
Topics include racial disparity, juveniles, prison and sentencing reform and felony disenfranchisement Read More 04-24-2017
|
A Perfect Match: Hard-to-Fill Healthcare Jobs and Formerly Incarcerated Persons
Johns Hopkins Hospital hires people with a record and the Safer Foundation is launching vocational training in healthcare Read More 04-21-2017
|
Co-Pays for Health Services Put People in Prison at Risk
Compare prison co-pays to the equivalent of what minimum wage earners in your state would have to pay Read More 04-20-2017
|
Getting the Mentally Ill Out of Jails
400,000 people with mental illness are incarcerated in U.S. Jails Read More 04-19-2017
|
New Criminal Justice Debt Tool from Harvard's Criminal Justice Policy Program
50-state interactive map is guide to fees, surcharges, reform recommendations and more Read More 04-18-2017
|
Cato Institute Report Explains Why the War on Drugs is Still Failing After 46 Years
An increase in overdoses, disease, violence and cartels are some of the results of the war on drugs Read More 04-17-2017
|
Where Does Your State Fall When It Comes To Paying People in Prison Hourly Wages?
Some states pay as low as four cents an hour for a non-industry job Read More 04-14-2017
|
New York Passes Law Allowing the Sealing of Some Criminal Convictions
The law will not automatically exclude law enforcement agencies from unsealing certain criminal records Read More 04-13-2017
|
Prison Fellowship, ACLU, and NAACP Fight "Immoral" Prison System
Launch of Second Chance Month brings diverse groups together Read More 04-12-2017
|
People Who Are Deaf Face a "Prison Within a Prison"
Deaf people in prison face discrimination on many levels Read More 04-11-2017
|
Victims of Domestic Violence and Sex Abuse Call for Seat at the Table When Prison Reform Is Discussed
Victims' rights advocates support policies that reduce recidivism and increase public safety Read More 04-10-2017
|
Report: Consequences of Policing Prostitution
The Legal Aid Society of New York City Exploitation Intervention Project recommends a different response to people arrested for sex work Read More 04-07-2017
|
Hidden Consequences: The Impact of Incarceration on Dependent Children
An estimated 11 percent of all children face risks associated with having an incarcerated parent Read More 04-06-2017
|
Collateral Consequences: Protecting Public Safety or Encouraging Recidivism?
Conservative think tank's report asks legislators to examine the harm collateral consequences has on successful reintegration Read More 04-05-2017
|
The Nonviolent/Violent Dichotomy
Victoria Law writes on why the term "violent crime" bears careful scrutiny if we are to end mass incarceration Read More 04-05-2017
|
Food for Thought: Prison Food is a Public Health Problem
New report claims "food products" people in prison are forced to eat can lead to serious health issues Read More 04-03-2017
|
Addressing the Intersections of Juvenile Justice Involvement and Youth Homelessness
Report examines double punishment homeless youth experience Read More 04-03-2017
|
New York Mayor Expected to Announce His Support for Closing Rikers Island (Updated 4-3-17)
Independent commission recommends building smaller jails in city's five boroughs Read More 03-31-2017
|
Women InJustice: Gender and the Pathway to Jail in New York City
"One size fits all" approach to incarceration and reform doesn’t serve women Read More 03-30-2017
|
ICYMI: Accounting for Violence: How to Increase Safety and Break Our Failed Reliance on Mass Incarceration
Report: Mass Incarceration Cannot End Violence Read More 03-28-2017
|
US Labor Department Announces $66 Million in Grants to Improve Employment Opportunities for Justice-Involved Individuals
Organizations encouraged to create customized employment projects for ages 18-24 and for adults 25 and older Read More 03-27-2017
|
Race and Wrongful Convictions in the United States
At only 13 percent of the population African Americans counted for 47 percent of exonerations as of 2016 Read More 03-24-2017
|
Neither Here nor There: Incarceration and Family Instability
Report sheds light on the collateral consequences the criminal punishment system unloads on families Read More 03-23-2017
|
Bob's Sales Camp Teaches Men in Prison Life Skills Via a Unique Sales Training Program
University of West Florida teams up with faith-based treatment program to help prepare incarcerated men for life on the outside Read More 03-22-2017
|
North Dakota Department of Corrections Seeks to Cut Costs by Offering Treatment to People on Probation and Parole
Seven million dollars would be earmarked for substance abuse and mental health treatment Read More 03-21-2017
|
Private Prisons Profit Handsomely from Forced Prison Labor
Prison industrial complex makes billions from involuntary servitude Read More 03-20-2017
|
States Reconsidering Allowing People with a Criminal Record to Obtain Occupational Licenses
In Illinois alone, people with a felony conviction must, or can be, denied 118 professional, occupational or business licenses Read More 03-17-2017
|
The "Criminal Justice System?" How About Calling it the "Human Justice System"
It's all about the language Read More 03-16-2017
|
Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2017
15 infographics give information on who is locked up, where and why Read More 03-15-2017
|
The Abuse Excuse: Dismissing Domestic Violence and Its Effects in the Criminal Court System
Domestic violence survivors have been criminalized, and imprisoned for acts carried out by their abusive partners Read More 03-14-2017
|
California's Jail System Allows Wealthy to Pay for Better Jail Accommodations
Critics assail the state's "two-tiered" justice system Read More 03-13-2017
|
The Downside to Public Crime Registries
People convicted of a crime may change, but registries hinder successful community reintegration Read More 03-09-2017
|
Transformative Bail Reform in the Black Community
Interactive curriculum developed to educate and engage Black communities working for bail reform Read More 03-08-2017
|
Report: Should Women Convicted of Crime Be Treated Differently Than Men?
Women seen as "poster child" of what's wrong in America's punishment system Read More 03-07-2017
|
How Do People in High-Crime, Low-Income Communities View the Police?
Survey finds that although the vast majority of respondents feel police don't respect their rights, they would be willing to work with them Read More 03-06-2017
|
Glenn E. Martin's Stinging Answer to Trump's Question to Black Americans About What They Have to Lose Under His Presidency
Fear abounds that the push for more private prisons means the loss of another generation of black children to the criminal punishment system Read More 03-05-2017
|
Google Gives $11.5 Million to Help End Mass Incarceration
Ending racial disparity in the criminal punishment system is a goal of Google funding Read More 03-03-2017
|
From Lock Up to Leaders: Formerly Incarcerated Youth Help Direct Juvenile Justice Policy in California
Bringing to the table people who were or are closest to the issue of incarceration is a crucial step toward creating effective policies Read More 03-02-2017
|
Twenty-One Percent of the U.S. Prison Population is Comprised of Young People 18 to 24 Years Old
Juvenile justice reform advocates look to Germany, and Connecticut, for more effective solutions Read More 03-01-2017
|
Diverse Programs for Juveniles are Helping to Dismantle School-to-Prison Pipeline
Organizations in Philadelphia, Seattle and D.C.are recognized for their work Read More 02-28-2017
|
Double Punishment: After Prison, Moms Face Legal Battles to Reunite With Kids
Termination of parental rights is a very real threat that mostly affects mothers in prison Read More 02-27-2017
|
Community-Based Responses to Justice-Involved Young Adults
Good intentions to help children of the 1800’s thrive resulted in the creation of the juvenile court and its consequences Read More 02-23-2017
|
Scholars Behind Bars: Bard Prison Initiative Opens Minds and Futures
Only two percent of Bard Prison Initiative graduates go back to prison Read More 02-23-2017
|
Why the War on Drugs Has Failed
British infographic offers several reasons the U.K. and America have lost the War on Drugs Read More 02-22-2017
|
Harvard Report: Building Trust and Legitimacy Within Community Corrections
Individuals on parole and probation often overlooked when discussing incarceration rates and criminal justice reform Read More 02-21-2017
|
A Victim of Crime Weighs in on a Survivor-Centered System Versus a Survivor-Ruled One
Danielle Sered favors a restorative justice approach to punishment Read More 02-20-2017
|
Law Enforcement Leaders to Trump: Arrest, Conviction, and Prison Should Not Be Default Response for Every Broken Law
Mission of organization of police chiefs, sheriff and prosecutors is to improve public safety and reduce recidivism and unnecessary incarceration Read More 02-17-2017
|
Pressure Grows on New York City Mayor to Close Notorious Rikers Island Jail Complex
Each day Rikers admits 211 people into what has been called a culture of violence Read More 02-16-2017
|
Pretrial Justice: How Much Does it Cost?
Brief reveals who is in our jails, why they are there, and for how long, and if pretrial detention guarantees a court appearance or public safety Read More 02-15-2017
|
Incarcerated Black Women Face Immeasurable Human and Civil Rights Violations
Concerns include labor exploitation, sexual victimization, overmedication, and assault on reproductive rights Read More 02-14-2017
|
Spotlight on Second Chances Are for Everyone
A formerly incarcerated person uses his experience to help successfully reintegrate Read More 02-13-2017
|
Free Time Sensitive Access to Journal Article on Positive Outcomes for Youths After Detention Available
Article focuses on sex and racial/ethnic differences Read More 02-12-2017
|
Case Study: Innovative Female Reentry Project
A New Way of Life started off as a single room in Susan Burton's house and expanded to become a model program for reintegrating women Read More 02-11-2017
|
What Does it Mean for Criminal Justice Reform Now That Jeff Sessions Has Been Confirmed?
The Marshall Project reports on eight areas of reform that might be in jeopardy Read More 02-09-2017
|
The Other PTSD: Prison Traumatic Stress Disorder
Suicide rate among newly released people is eight times higher than the general population Read More 02-08-2017
|
Rethinking Punishment for Crimes Deemed Violent
Can Americans subscribe to the fact that most people can find redemption? Read More 02-07-2017
|
Number of People on Federal Supervised Release is at a Record High
Research shows shortening length of supervised release does not have negative impact on public safety Read More 02-06-2017
|
Kentucky Governor Joins Ban the Box Movement
Governor Matt Bevin asks private employers to follow state's lead in "following principles of redemption" Read More 02-03-2017
|
Delaying a Second Chance: The Declining Prospects for Parole on Life Sentences
One in nine people who are incarcerated in the U.S. has a life sentence Read More 02-02-2017
|
Tarrant County, Texas Reentry Organizations Breaks Down the Top Three Barriers to Successful Reintegration
The Reentry First-Stop Center tackles employment, housing and transportation problems Read More 02-01-2017
|
New Jersey Advances Bill to Mandate Insurance Companies to Provide Treatment for Substance Abuse
If passed, New Jersey could see a drop in crime, incarceration and recidivism rates Read More 01-31-2017
|
Still She Rises First Public Defenders Office Exclusively Representing Justice-Involved Mothers
The Bronx Public Defenders opens office in Oklahoma,the state incarcerates the highest number of women in the U.S. Read More 01-30-2017
|
New Report: Following the Money of Mass Incarceration
Prison Policy Initiative reveals how mass incarceration and over-criminalization are deeply embedded in our economy Read More 01-26-2017
|
A Prison Experiments with the Young, Reckless and Neuroscience
Pilot program opens Young Adult Offender Unit with specially trained staff Read More 01-26-2017
|
The Innocent Project Reveals Why So Many Innocent People Plead Guilty
Prosecutors, incentives, threats of the death penalty, and poor legal advice all factor in as to why innocent people plead guilty Read More 01-25-2017
|
What Happens to Innocent People After They Are Set Free?
New book follows exonerees as they leave prison and are thrust out into an unwelcoming world Read More 01-25-2017
|
New Report: State Advances in Criminal Justice Reform, 2016
17 states targeted reforms in sentencing, collateral consequences, juvenile justice, and racial disparity Read More 01-24-2017
|
The Impact Mass Incarceration Has on Children's Learning Ability
Black children are particularly hard hit due to the racial disparity in the U.S. criminal punishment system Read More 01-23-2017
|
Must Read: Obama's Clemency Program Has Failed Incarcerated Women
Out of 1,715 people granted clemency, less than 100 were women Read More 01-20-2017
|
Housing: New York City Housing Authority Gives Formerly Incarcerated People a Fair Chance
Pilot program allows most people returning from prison to live in public housing Read More 01-19-2017
|
Fear of Rise in Private Prisons Growing Over Trump's Belief That They "Work Better"
Trump's immigrant deportation plan can also be a boon for private prison contractors Read More 01-18-2017
|
The Top Five College Correspondence Programs for People in Prison
People in prison are often forced to use "snail-mail" correspondence courses to achieve higher education Read More 01-17-2017
|
Caged In: The Devastating Harms of Solitary Confinement on Prisoners with Physical Disabilities
ACLU report reveals that people with disabilities who are placed in solitary confinement are "acutely and uniquely harmed" Read More 01-16-2017
|
Former Corrections Officer Indicted for Leaking a Graphic Video of Men in Prison Being Tear Gassed
After the incident the Texas Department of Criminal Justice admitted errors were made in the gassing Read More 01-14-2017
|
Past Due: Examining the Costs and Consequences of Charging for Justice in New Orleans
Vera Institute report on consequences in New Orleans is reflective of other cities across the U.S. Read More 01-12-2017
|
Mothers Affected by the Incarceration of Their Sons Become Leading Criminal Justice Reform Advocates
Once ignorant of the criminal punishment system, these women became catalysts for change Read More 01-11-2017
|
Interactive Map Shows Which Neighborhoods in the U.S. Have the Highest Rates of Gun Violence
127 cities accounted for 50 percent of all murders that were committed by use of a firearm Read More 01-10-2017
|
Connecticut's Malta Justice Initiative Publishes New Survey on Practices and Attitudes Regarding the Hiring of Formerly-Incarcerated Persons
95 percent of employers believe in giving people convicted of non-violent crimes a second chance...with provisions Read More 01-09-2017
|
Best Selling Author John Grisham Speaks His Mind on Innocent People in Prison
Grisham also shares his belief on why prisons for women should be closed Read More 01-06-2017
|
Pew: National Imprisonment and Crime Rates Fall
Decrease in incarceration does not mean a decrease in public safety Read More 01-05-2017
|
Alice Marie Johnson Asks Obama Not to Forget People Like Her Before He Leaves Office
Johnson is one of thousands seeking clemency Read More 01-04-2017
|
The Hill’s Nine Top Criminal Justice Stories of 2016
From marijuana reform to Trump’s choice for Attorney General, take a look back at issues that had the whole country talking Read More 01-03-2017
|
What Crimes Are Eligible for Deportation?
Analysis of ICE data found half of immigrants targeted by ICE for criminal deportation didn't have criminal convictions Read More 01-02-2017
|
A Former Gang Member and a Former Probation Officer Join Forces to Reduce Violence
Duo Creates Reimagining Justice, an organization focused on restorative justice, public health and collective efficacy Read More 12-31-2016
|
John Valverde to Head International YouthBuild, USA, Inc.
While incarcerated and after release from prison, Valverde accumulated impressive track record for innovative justice reform initiatives Read More 12-29-2016
|
Jewelry Kiosk at New Jersey's Liberty Airport Gives Reintegrating Women a Fair Chance
Partnership provides returning women with education, housing, job training, drug treatment, and dignity Read More 12-28-2016
|
The San Antonio Approach to Diverting the Mentally Ill Away from Incarceration
Texas City is hailed as model for fixing broken mental health system Read More 12-27-2016
|
Massachusetts Police Department Helped 400 People with an Addiction Get Treatment
Gloucester’s Angel program expedites treatment for those asking for help Read More 12-26-2016
|
ACLU: Prisons Are Not Equipped to Handle the Geriatric Population
Push to expand compassionate release meets resistance Read More 12-23-2016
|
Court Issued Employment Certificates Help People with a Criminal History Get Jobs
Employability certificates have a proven success rate Read More 12-22-2016
|
Must-Read: Why All Americans Should Go to Prison
Unless you've been there you just can't understand what it's like Read More 12-21-2016
|
National Institute of Justice Funding Opportunities for 2017
A sneak peak at upcoming grants, webinars and tips on making your proposal competitive Read More 12-20-2016
|
Two New Reports Detail How the Criminal Justice System Fails Youths
The ACLU and The Sentencing Project s take on prosecutors and parole boards Read More 12-19-2016
|
Urban Institute: The Alarming Lack of Data on Latinos in the Criminal Justice System
Report concludes states should follow Census Bureau standards in collecting race and ethnicity data separately Read More 12-16-2016
|
A New Way of Life Re-Entry Project Receives Kellogg and Weingart Foundations Grants
ANWOL founder Susan Burton launches storytelling initiative to give formerly incarcerated women, like herself, a voice Read More 12-15-2016
|
D.C. Wants to Bar Landlords from Refusing to Rent to Applicants Who Have a Criminal Record
Proposed law would "level the playing field" in D.C., where housing is hard to come by Read More 12-14-2016
|
Diversion Courts Work--If you Have Money
Study found that in some places diversion courts were used as a way to gain revenue Read More 12-13-2016
|
New York Times Looks at Four Violent Crimes and Asks You to Be the Judge
NYT points to new Brennan Center report showing 39 percent of people in prison are not threats to public safety Read More 12-12-2016
|
The Desperate and the Dead: Mental Illness and Homelessness
Arrests do not solve the problem, so what can? Read More 12-09-2016
|
New Report Ban the Box in Employment: A Grassroots History
Report includes brief history, needs assessment, best practices and myths and realities of BTB Read More 12-08-2016
|
Jeffrey Grant's Story Is an Inspiration to Other Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
Grant went from having an eight digit prison number to being number one at top reentry organization Read More 12-07-2016
|
The Harsh Consequences of Releasing People from Prison without Medicaid Coverage
Recidivism, suicide and overdoses plague newly released people without health coverage Read More 12-06-2016
|
Impossible Choices: Teens Selling Their Bodies for Food
Study finds teens resort to criminal activity to feed themselves and families Read More 12-05-2016
|
Justice Department Announces Reforms at Bureau of Prisons to Reduce Recidivism and Promote Inmate Rehabilitation
Justice Department Announces Reforms at Bureau of Prisons to Reduce Recidivism and Promote Inmate Rehabilitation Read More 12-02-2016
|
Marc Levin Offers Recommendations for Ending America's Debtors’ Prisons
Right on Crime policy director assails revenue generating policies that are unfair to the poor Read More 12-01-2016
|
Siblings of Incarcerated Individuals are the Forgotten Collateral Consequences of Mass Incarceration
Siblings found to suffer from "disenfranchised grief" Read More 11-30-2016
|
Nicholas Kristoff on the Collateral Consequences of Putting Mothers Behind Bars
Sixty percent of women in prison are the primary caregivers of dependent children Read More 11-29-2016
|
Petey Greene Program Brings College Students into Prisons as Teachers
Instructors and people in prison learn from each other as they work toward the goal of successful reentry Read More 11-28-2016
|
Will Black Lives Matter Under Sessions?
Fears from people of color and progressives are that prospective Attorney General will set back reform gains dramatically Read More 11-25-2016
|
A Happy Thanksgiving for Over 1000 Sentenced for a Crime
Thousands more await for President Obama to grant them clemency before he leaves office Read More 11-24-2016
|
In the Midst of a National Opioid Epidemic Methadone Unfairly Gets a Bad Rap
Methadone treatment is wrongly perceived as substituting one harmful drug for another Read More 11-23-2016
|
Reimagining Prison
Connecticut opens the gates to a prison for a look inside, and a look beyond incarceration Read More 11-22-2016
|
Study Finds Older Women Less Likely to Recidivate
Women 46 or older who are released from prison are more focused on rehabilitation Read More 11-21-2016
|
Third Sector Receives $2.4 Million Grant That Focuses on Child Welfare, Homelessness and Juvenile Justice Services
Third Sector will partner with five selected states, local governments and research universities to create "Performance Hubs" Read More 11-18-2016
|
Report: Laws Criminalizing the Homeless Creates More Serious Problems
Homeless people are arrested for performing "life-sustaining conduct" Read More 11-18-2016
|
A Suicide in Court: "I Can't Take It Anymore"
When mental illness coupled with substance abuse is ignored dire consequences follow Read More 11-16-2016
|
The Dutch Way of Running Prisons Helps to Close Them Down
Treating the cause of what brought an individual to prison and devising individual treatment plans slashes the Netherlands" recidivism rate Read More 11-15-2016
|
New Jersey Reentry Program Receives $1 Million to Help End "Tragic Cycle" of Violence
Newark and Rutgers collaborate in effort to identify and provide services to men with a high risk of killing or being killed Read More 11-14-2016
|
Study to Focus on Depression and Suicidal Thoughts among Aging People in Prison
Five-year study hope findings will encourage prisons to develop interventions that will decrease depression Read More 11-13-2016
|
"Fine-Time" Doesn’t Mean a Good Time in the Criminal Punishment System
Paying off a fine by serving time in jail is just another way of punishing the poor Read More 11-10-2016
|
The Marshall Project: What Does Trump's Victory Mean for Criminal Justice Reform?
Critics fear Trump will undermine many of the progressive, bi-partisan supported, reforms now in place Read More 11-09-2016
|
Philanthropies Offer New Toolkit for Fair-Chance Hiring of People with Records
Toolkit is a step-by-step guide aimed at foundations, but other employers will find it useful, too Read More 11-08-2016
|
A Formerly Incarcerated Person's Plea to Other FIPs to Vote if They Can
Millions of people who can't vote because of felony disenfranchisement are counting on others to speak for them via the ballot box Read More 11-07-2016
|
ICYMI: How the War on Drugs Harms Veterans
PTSD, TBI, and substance abuse are some of the issues that land veterans in prison Read More 11-07-2016
|
Conservative Think Tank Presents Seven Criminal Justice Reform Measures that Show Great promise
The Heritage Foundation encourages the federal government to incorporate states’ legislation in the Justice Department’s policies Read More 11-04-2016
|
Celebrating Thanksgiving in a Prison Visiting Room
Sadness, tinged with the hope of clemency, permeates prison visiting rooms across the country as the holiday season kicks off Read More 11-03-2016
|
Lewisburg Federal Prison SMU: "If You Did to Your Dog What They Do to Men Here, You Would Be Arrested"
Incarcerated men at Lewisburg SMU and FBOP have conflicting views of shackling procedures and policies Read More 11-02-2016
|
6 Million Lost Voters: State-Level Estimates of Felony Disenfranchisement, 2016
One of every 40 adults is disenfranchised due to a current or previous felony conviction. Read More 11-02-2016
|
After Prison, the Exonerated Face a Different Kind of Hell
Life can be "too big, too fast, too loud, too bright, too overwhelming," causing a myriad of problems Read More 10-31-2016
|
President of International Association of Chiefs of Police Apologizes for Past Mistreatment of Communities of Color
Statement viewed as important first step in building trust and respect between police and communities Read More 10-28-2016
|
Uber CEO Explains Why People with a Criminal Record Should Not be Barred from Employment Opportunities
Co-founder of Uber also advocates for reclassifying nonviolent crimes as misdemeanors Read More 10-27-2016
|
As His Term Winds Down President Obama is Urged to Grant Clemency to More Women
The president has granted clemency to 673 people, but only 50 of them are women Read More 10-26-2016
|
What Works in Reentry Clearing House Offers "One Stop Shop"
Focus areas allows easy access to the effectiveness of programs, interventions, and evaluations Read More 10-25-2016
|
25 Exceptional Nonprofits in Criminal Justice Reform
Namaste Foundation profiles some of America's premier criminal justice reform organizations Read More 10-24-2016
|
Must Read Report: Transforming the Criminal Justice System
Interactive report offers solutions for problems that plague the criminal Justice System Read More 10-21-2016
|
Coming out of the Concrete Closet: A Report on Black & Pink's National LGBTQ Prisoner Survey
Survey produced the "largest ever dataset available on the experiences of LGBTQ prisoners in the country" Read More 10-21-2016
|
Feds Award $1.3 million to Chicago Schools to Treat Students Exposed to Violence
Traumatized students face obstacles to learning and going to school Read More 10-19-2016
|
RFP Open for Artist as Activist Fellowship Focusing on Racial Justice with Emphasis on Mass Incarceration
Fellowship grant offers $100,000 over two year period Read More 10-18-2016
|
Every 25 Seconds: The Human Toll of Criminalizing Drug Use in the United States
Every 25 seconds someone in America is arrested for possessing drugs for personal use Read More 10-17-2016
|
Moving Beyond Money: A Primer on Bail Reform
Harvard's Criminal Justice Policy Program finds bail reform presents a historic challenge - and also an opportunity Read More 10-14-2016
|
Prison to College Pipeline Goes National With New Program - Find Out How You Can Participate
The College Achievement in Reentry Technical Assistance Project (CARTAP) is seeking four pilot sites Read More 10-13-2016
|
On Yom Kippur: Criminal Justice Reform for a New Year
Rabbi asserts America's criminal punishment needs "teshuvah" Read More 10-12-2016
|
Focusing on the Front End of the Juvenile Justice System to Give Juveniles "First Chance"
Some veteran juvenile court prosecutors are at the forefront of reform Read More 10-11-2016
|
Think You Know All About the Collateral Consequences of Incarceration?
You might be surprised how people who have paid their debt to society are still being penalized after release Read More 10-10-2016
|
Righting Wrongs: The Five-Year Groundswell of State Bans on Life Without Parole for Children
New report proves that children can change, and so should legislation Read More 10-07-2016
|
Two Formerly Incarcerated People to Receive Prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award
Andrea James and Glenn Martin called "moral leaders" in fight to end unjust criminal punishment system Read More 10-06-2016
|
Pennsylvania High Court Expands Right to Sue Counties over Public Defenders
Defendants claim funding for criminal defense cases is not adequate to provide proper representation Read More 10-05-2016
|
"The Best Guard at My Prison Was Murdered"
A man serving a life sentence pays homage to a fallen correctional officer Read More 10-04-2016
|
New Harvard Report: Confronting Criminal Justice Debt: A Comprehensive Project for Reform
A report on the urgent need for comprehensive reform, and guides for litigation, and for policy reform are must reads Read More 10-03-2016
|
From Murder Conviction to Yoga Instructor: One Man’s Entrepreneurship Journey
Taking yoga skills learned in prison, Marshawn Feltus parlayed a small business loan into a career Read More 09-30-2016
|
Report: Reclaiming Futures and Organizing Justice for Drug-Using Youth
Aggressive Intervention can be more harmful than drug use, report finds Read More 09-29-2016
|
Report: Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work in Criminal Justice?
Juveniles seem to respond better to CBT Read More 09-28-2016
|
A Conversation on "How Criminal Justice Is Becoming a Latino Issue"
If trend continues one of six Latino males can expect to be incarcerated Read More 09-27-2016
|
What You Should Know About the 12 State Prison Strike
The Prison labor system is under heavy criticism Read More 09-26-2016
|
Watch Live: The National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls Conference at Yale Law School on 9-23
Reentry Centra is a proud co-host of this groundbreaking educational symposium Read More 09-23-2016
|
Hiring Formerly Incarcerated People Has a Wide Range of Benefits Including Saving Millions and Boosting the Economy
Recidivism rates for those employed right after release from prison plummet Read More 09-22-2016
|
Captive Lives: Children of Incarcerated Parents
Efforts are underway to increase the odds of success for the largely ignored 10 million children with an incarcerated parent Read More 09-21-2016
|
Seventy Million Dollars Awarded to Counties in North Carolina to Increase Public Safety
Some of the funds will be used to aid reintegration and to reduce recidivism Read More 09-20-2016
|
First Annual Conference of Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People, and Families Movement Draws 500 People from 30 States
Activists convene to discuss policies, priorities and plans for ending mass incarceration Read More 09-19-2016
|
What is in the Future for Community Policing?
"Ideal Model" of Community Oriented Police Services (COPS) has become distorted over the years Read More 09-18-2016
|
Essie Justice Group: A Community of Women with Incarcerated Loved Ones Working to Erase Stigmas and to End Mass Incarceration
One in four women in America has an incarcerated loved one Read More 09-18-2016
|
Local Justice Reinvestment: Strategies, Outcomes, and Keys to Success
Justice Reinvestment Initiative final report on 17 jurisdictions finds savings despite challenges Read More 09-16-2016
|
It's Down to the Wire for Those Seeking Clemency from President Obama
People in prison and their loved ones await the President’s decision as he spends final months in office Read More 09-15-2016
|
Defining Violence: Reducing Incarceration by Rethinking America's Approach to Violence
The U.S. must have an "honest conversation" about violent crime to truly reduce mass incarceration Read More 09-14-2016
|
Racial Profiling in Hiring: A Critique of New "Ban the Box" Studies
Critics argue two new studies ignore "entrenched racism" in hiring practices Read More 09-07-2016
|
How California Democrats Flipped Their Views against Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Lenient sentence in Brock Turner rape case has legislators uncharacteristically calling for mandatory minimum sentencing Read More 09-07-2016
|
When Suicide Seems to be the Best Option for Dying in Prison
Letters of support from prison guards, judges, and prosecutors failed to sway parole board Read More 09-07-2016
|
Mississippi DOC Sharply Restricts Prison Visits Sparking Outrage
Visiting ban includes pastors and girlfriends of people who are incarcerated Read More 09-06-2016
|
On Labor Day 2016: Is Prison Labor Cost Effective or Costly?
Every day is laborious for people in prison who make pennies an hour Read More 09-05-2016
|
There Is a Way to Help Reduce Mass Incarceration, So What's the Holdup?
Why hasn't the Senate voted on the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015? Read More 09-02-2016
|
Review of the Federal Bureau of Prisons' Release Preparation Program
Review finds the RPP courses do not always meet participants' needs and there is little incentive to participate Read More 09-01-2016
|
President Obama Commutes the Sentences of 111 Individuals
Included in this latest action are people who were serving life sentences for nonviolent drug charges Read More 08-31-2016
|
Children Witnessing Violent Arrests Experience Trauma and a Long-Lasting Fear of Police
Article and report look into how children are affected when witnessing arrests and offers recommendations to police officers on reducing trauma Read More 08-30-2016
|
$2.1 Million to be Awarded to Formerly Incarcerated Individuals for Entrepreneurial Education and Microloans
Initial rollout to take place in Detroit, Chicago, Louisville, and St. Louis Read More 08-29-2016
|
Individuals with Serious Mental Illnesses in County Jails: A Survey of Jail Staff's Perspectives
Survey finds majority of jail staff inadequately trained to deal with the individuals with serious mental illness and less than 25 percent offer post-release support systems Read More 08-28-2016
|
U.S. Department of Education and DOJ Offer Resources for Reducing Suspensions, Expulsions, and Violence in Schools
Indicators of School Crime and Safety 2015 reports on schools' successes and failures Read More 08-26-2016
|
Bureau of Prisons Report Slams Private Prisons
Private prisons under contract with the BOP have experienced riots, assaults, murder, fires, and unwarrented placements in SHU Read More 08-25-2016
|
Look into Their Eyes: Photos and Commentary on Elderly People in Prison
Keeping geriatric people locked up is costly and usually unnecessary Read More 08-24-2016
|
Court Rules for Prisoners in Challenge to Secretive Federal Prison Units
Decision reinstates lawsuit over communications management units Read More 08-23-2016
|
No Place for Youth: Girls in the Adult Justice System
Keeping girls safe in an adult prison is just one of the problems Read More 08-22-2016
|
Breaking News: The Department of Justice is Axing Private Prisons' Contracts (Updated 8-19-16)
Prison reform advocates say that the people affected will be placed in federal prisons that have their own problems Read More 08-18-2016
|
Report: Overlooked: Women and Jails in an Era of Reform
Vera Institute report reveals that the number of women in jails has jumped 14- fold since 1970 Read More 08-18-2016
|
Air Conditioning in Prisons and Jails Considered "Coddling" Incarcerated People
Violation of the Eighth Amendment is cited in class action lawsuit over dangerously hot conditions in jails Read More 08-17-2016
|
Is Animal Hoarding A Crime or a Mental Illness?
Hoarding is classified as a mental disorder so how do we help, rather than criminalize, a hoarder? Read More 08-17-2016
|
How a Woman Who Is Serving Life Raised Her Daughter from Behind Bars
Into her 23rd year of incarceration, Michelle West is still an important part of her daughter's life Read More 08-16-2016
|
Half of Wisconsin's Black Neighborhoods Are Jails
In America, Wisconsin has the highest incarceration rate of African Americans Read More 08-15-2016
|
The First-Ever National Survey of Victims' View On Safety and Justice
What crime victims have to say might surprise many people Read More 08-12-2016
|
Does Transferring Juveniles to Adult Courts Reduce Recidivism?
New report suggests that transfer can increase offending Read More 08-11-2016
|
National Survey of Prison Health Care: Selected Findings
Not all states test for infectious diseases when people are admitted to prisons Read More 08-11-2016
|
When Defense Lawyers Become Prosecutors
Truthout exposes the practice of public defense lawyers working with prosecutors to the detriment of their clients Read More 08-11-2016
|
Indefensible: A Decade of Mass Incarceration of Migrants Prosecuted for Crossing the Border
New downloadable book estimates that prosecuting 730,000 people for immigration violations over past 16 years costs taxpayers at least $7 billion Read More 08-08-2016
|
Coalition of Justice Organizations Plan to Protest at American Correctional Association Conference in Boston
Demonstrators will rally under the banner "Imagine a World Without Prisons" Read More 08-05-2016
|
Tacked on Fees of "Get-Out-of-Jail-Broke" Cards Are Ripping Off People Released from Jails
The Nation reports on "The Financial Firm That Cornered the Market on Jails" Read More 08-05-2016
|
National Association of Women Judges: Conditions For Women at Brooklyn’s Federal Metropolitan Detention Center "Unconscionable"
Women were only supposed to temporarily transferred to MDC when the only Federal Correctional Institution(FCI)in the Northeast was converted to a male facility Read More 08-04-2016
|
What Happens When the Punishment Doesn't Fit the Crime?
Children as young as 11 who are put on sex offender registries face long term consequences as adults Read More 08-03-2016
|
Must Read Report on The American Correctional Association: Betraying the Promise of Accreditation: Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes?
Prison Legal News finds flaws, misconduct, and outright questionable practices regarding ACA accreditation Read More 08-01-2016
|
Why is the Federal Bureau of Prisons So Recalcitrant When It Comes to Granting Compassionate Release to Aging and Ill People?
Out of 2,621 applications for compassionate release during in a 13 month time period only 85 people were released Read More 07-29-2016
|
Correlation Found between Children with Poor Reading Skills and Juvenile Incarceration
Fifty-seven percent of kids who are locked up have basic, or below basic, reading skills Read More 07-28-2016
|
AT DNC CT Governor Calls For Democrats to Shuck Off "Weak on Crime" Label and Enact Laws Diverting People from Prison
Governor Dan Malloy's criminal justice reform ideas are some of the most progressive in the country Read More 07-27-2016
|
The Mass Incarceration of People With Disabilities in America’s Jails and Prisons
Report claims many disabled people are unjustly criminalized and incarcerated Read More 07-26-2016
|
Two Reports on "Rethinking the Front End of the Criminal Justice System"
Top minds convened at John Jay College of Criminal Justice Roundtables to help reframe pre-trial practices Read More 07-25-2016
|
ICYMI: How a $2 Roadside Drug Test Sends Innocent People to Jail
False results coupled with pressure to take a plea bargain put an alarming number of people behind bars Read More 07-24-2016
|
Ban the Box, Criminal Records, and Statistical Discrimination: A Field Experiment
New research on how a criminal record and race stymie employment Read More 07-22-2016
|
The Pros (and Some Cons) of Restorative Justice
Studies find those charged with a crime who participate in a restorative justice program have a low recidivism rate but minorities seem to be left out of the process Read More 07-21-2016
|
Researchers Claim Refusing to Provide Condoms in Prison Violates Human Rights and International Law
The spread of HIV can be controlled in prisons (and in the community) if condoms are available Read More 07-20-2016
|
Little Public Outrage Occurs When Women are Raped by Authority Figures in Prison
Fear of not being believed or of retaliation force incarcerated women to keep silent after being raped Read More 07-19-2016
|
White House Call to Action: Call to Action: Data-Driven Justice Initiative, Disrupting Cycle of Incarceration
Organizations and jurisdictions encouraged to sign-on to support and commit to the initiative Read More 07-18-2016
|
Roca Has "Unprecedented Record" in Saving Youth from Crime and Incarceration
Two years ago Roca received $27 million in a "Pay for Success" initiative that has proven to be a highly successful model Read More 07-15-2016
|
One Year after Sandra Bland's Death Almost 900 People have died in Jails--at least 201 of Them Suicides
People are dying in jail at an alarming rate but their deaths are generally ignored by society Read More 07-14-2016
|
New Connecticut Bail Fund to Post Bail for Some Indigent Arrestees
Although tied to Yale University, the fund seeks to make the project a community-based organization Read More 07-13-2016
|
Spending on Incarceration Has Increased from $17 Billion to $71 Billion, Far More Than Spent on Education
Spending on public schools only increased from $258 billion to $534 billion during same time period Read More 07-12-2016
|
Homelessness and Justice-Involved Youth
Juvenile Justice Information Exchange issues warning that the U.S. is failing its children Read More 07-11-2016
|
Is Criminal Justice Reform Another Victim of Last Week's Tragic Events?
The Marshall Project reports on why reform measures may now be "under siege" Read More 07-10-2016
|
The Case for Rethinking Placing People on Sex Offender Registries
Most people on the registry will not commit another sex crime, or go back to prison when released Read More 07-08-2016
|
When a For-Profit Prison Transport Company Vehicle Turns into a Hearse for Its Occupants
The New York Times reports on Private Prisoner Vans' Long Road of Neglect Read More 07-07-2016
|
A Formerly Incarcerated Lawyer Seeks, and Finds, Redemption as Founder of Progressive Prison Ministries, Inc.
PPI is the first prison ministry in the country that is committed to counseling people who committed white-collar crimes and their families Read More 07-06-2016
|
America's Dirty Little Secret: The Female Prison Population Increased 800 Percent over the Past Three Decades
Despite this alarming statistic, the topic is seemingly ignored in criminal justice reform circles Read More 07-05-2016
|
Do Hungry Kids Grow Up to Be Violent Adults?
Study finds that reducing hunger in children helps strengthen impulse control, thus reducing violence in adulthood Read More 07-04-2016
|
President of the Vera Institute Makes Case for Providing Public Housing to Formerly Incarcerated People
Studies show that formerly incarcerate people who have affordable housing are less likely to go back to prison Read More 07-01-2016
|
The Rise in Arrests for Drug Crimes Among Juvenile Girls
Overall, young females make up 30 percent of all juvenile arrests Read More 06-30-2016
|
P.R.I.D.E. Program Teaches Justice-Involved Individuals Entrepreneurial Skills
The recidivism rate for graduates of this innovative program is far below the national average Read More 06-29-2016
|
Advocates for Formerly Incarcerated People Push for More Businesses to be "Felony Friendly"
Finding a job isn't easy for those with a criminal history Read More 06-28-2016
|
Undercover Correctional Officer at Private Prison Tells His Story
Shocking revelations about violence, neglect, and unprofessionalism might make you wonder if contracts with private prison should be abolished Read More 06-27-2016
|
Pleading the Sixth: SCOTUS Decision Exposes Unequal Justice for Native Americans
Double standard of justice applies to indigent Native defendants Read More 06-24-2016
|
Piper Kerman on "Horrific" Violations Associated with Private Prisons
Orange is the New Black author relates how private prisons cost taxpayers millions while safety and human rights violations abound Read More 06-23-2016
|
Victoria Law on Aging, Sick and Incarcerated: The Need for Compassionate Release
Federal compassionate release program described by OIG as "poorly managed and implemented inconsistently" Read More 06-21-2016
|
Updated Report Compares Rates of Incarceration in All 50 States and the District of Columbia to the Rest of the World
All states deemed to be "out of step" with the international community Read More 06-20-2016
|
(Updated 7-25-16)Virginia GOP Files to Remove 200,000 People with a Criminal Record from Voter Registry
Republican leaders are at odds with Democratic Governor’s executive order granting voting rights to those who completed their sentence Read More 06-18-2016
|
The Color of Justice: Racial and Ethnic Disparity in State Prisons
Sentencing Project report offers solid recommendations for eliminating racial disparity in America’s criminal justice system Read More 06-16-2016
|
Returning Citizens: Immigrants From Our Own Country
Prison volunteer Dick Sederquist reflects on newly released people seeking the American Dream Read More 06-15-2016
|
Radiothon to Focus on Clemency and Criminal Justice Issues
Follow-up to White House meeting to include formerly incarcerated people, bi-partisan government representatives, criminal justice reform advocates, and celebrities Read More 06-14-2016
|
Mothers are at the Forefront of Challenging the Juvenile Justice System to Bring about Meaningful Reform
"Homegrown leaders" are making sure their voices are heard and their proposals implemented Read More 06-14-2016
|
Office for Victims of Crime to Administer Several Awards from $600,000 to $1.5 Million
Deadline for Applications is looming for funding for "identifying promising practices in responding to communities impacted by violence" Read More 06-13-2016
|
By the Numbers: Parole Release and Revocation Across 50 States
Extensive data offers state-by-state comparison of prisons and parole populations Read More 06-12-2016
|
The Low-Down on How the User-Pay Justice System Fuels Mass Incarceration
Tacked on fees at the front- and back-end of the justice system keeps indigent people in jail, and poses a heavy burden on taxpayers Read More 06-10-2016
|
Faith-Based Leaders Call for End to Solitary Confinement
Push for reform of solitary confinement polices called "moral effort" Read More 06-09-2016
|
Soft Skills Builder Provides Employment Tips for Justice-Involved Individuals
Blogs offer helpful information for justice-involved people and career specialists who work with them Read More 06-08-2016
|
One in Four Formerly Incarcerated People Face "Second Prison" Upon Release
Lost economic output from collateral consequences is $65 billion annually Read More 06-07-2016
|
The MacArthur Foundation is Offering a $100 Million Dollar Grant to Solve Society’s Biggest Problem
Mass incarceration destroys is a huge problem that destroys communities, nations, and budgets Read More 06-06-2016
|
Five Ways to Reduce Recidivism
More emphasis on reintegration could help end mass incarceration Read More 06-03-2016
|
New Report Provides Data on All Types of Correctional Control on a State-by- State Basis
Pie charts for all 50 states shows how many people are locked up (and where) and how many people are in each state's justice system Read More 06-02-2016
|
New Book Draws Direct Line from the War on Poverty to the War on Crime
In the era from Presidents Kennedy to Carter some of the most punitive criminal justice policies against African Americans were implemented Read More 06-01-2016
|
Report: New Trends in State Sentencing and Corrections 2014-2015
Forty-six states implemented 201 bills, executive orders, and ballot initiatives making for significant reforms Read More 05-31-2016
|
Post Incarceration Syndrome: A Precursor to Recidivism?
Stages of PICS include hopelessness, immobilizing fear, anger, and impulse violence Read More 05-30-2016
|
States Consider Loosening Stranglehold on Time Limits Associated with the Federal Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA)
Parents who are incarcerated are fighting adoption of their children under AFSA guidelines Read More 05-27-2016
|
Office of Inspector General Releases Findings of Investigation of "Untimely Releases" Of People in Federal Prisons
Staff error and "situations beyond the BOP’s control" account for 4,340 untimely releases over five year period Read More 05-26-2016
|
Risk Assessments: Fair or Racist?
One software program scores African Americans as higher risks to commit more crimes than whites Read More 05-25-2016
|
Nicole Porter: Expanding Public Safety in the Era of Black Lives Matter
The belief that public safety policies must solely be connected to arrests and prison needs to be reexamined, says noted criminal justice reform advocate Read More 05-24-2016
|
An Ignored Report by Surgeon General Predicted Prison System Health Crisis That's Rampant Today
Criminalization instead of treatment of the mentally ill and people with addictions has cost untold damage to communities and budgets Read More 05-23-2016
|
Unsettling Report on the Aging of America’s State Prison Population
There’s been an 82 percent increase in people over 55 years of age sent to prison in just a 10 year span Read More 05-20-2016
|
Crimmigation: What Does It Mean and Is There a Solution?
Forty Percent of Federal Prosecutions are for an immigration offense Read More 05-19-2016
|
A Novel, and Healthy, Way to Reduce Recidivism
Access to Medicaid while incarcerated makes for a smoother transition back into the community post release Read More 05-18-2016
|
What We Should Know, But Don't, About the Criminal Justice System
The Marshall Project offers up 13 questions that no one, including the Government, can answer Read More 05-17-2016
|
Are District Attorneys Impeding Criminal Justice Reform?
ACLU of Oregon report accuses most prosecutors of having a strong self-interest to maintain more power than judges Read More 05-16-2016
|
Detaining the Poor: How Money Bail Perpetuates an Endless Cycle of Poverty and Jail Time
Prison Policy Initiative report offers solid recommendations for ending the vicious cycles Read More 05-13-2016
|
Twenty-Five States That Have the Highest Cost Per Person Behind Bars
Is your state on the list? Read More 05-12-2016
|
A College's Award-Winning Work Force Development Program for Formerly Incarcerated People
Reuniting families and finding employment are just two components of Quinebaug Valley Community College's STRIDE reintegration program Read More 05-11-2016
|
Report: One Out of Seven People Living with HIV Will Enter a Jail or Prison Each Year
Which state is "ground zero" for the dual epidemics of HIV and incarceration? Read More 05-10-2016
|
The Final Report of the Reentry Employment Opportunities Benchmarking Study
Lessons in Reentry from successful programs and participants Read More 05-09-2016
|
People with a Felony Conviction Often Barred from Obtaining Occupational Licenses
States should reconsider blanket denial of occupational licenses in order to reduce poverty and recidivism among reintegrating citizens Read More 05-07-2016
|
The Office of Justice is Changing Its Language Regarding Formerly Incarcerated People, Shouldn't You?
Terms such as convict, felon, offender, and inmate can be replaced with less stigmatizing words Read More 05-06-2016
|
Why America's Conspiracy Laws Need to Be Changed Now
Critics say conspiracy laws make it easy for prosecutors to abuse their power Read More 05-05-2016
|
Reflections on Mother's Day: Two Reports on How Children Are Negatively Impacted When a Parent is Incarcerated
Little thought is given to the children left behind when parents are locked up Read More 05-03-2016
|
Root & Rebound Offers Help to People with Criminal Records Attempting to Overcome Legal Barriers
The organization is seeking to partner with others to bring their unique model to other states Read More 05-02-2016
|
How Mass Incarceration Inhibits Wealth for Justice-Involved Individuals and Destroys the Economy
Two reports reveal how mass incarceration negatively affects the lives of individuals and the nation itself Read More 04-29-2016
|
Illinois Prosecutor Helps Arrestees Prove Their Innocence Before Trial
"Revolutionary" pre-conviction program is one-of-a-kind in U.S. Read More 04-28-2016
|
Connecticut to Offer Methadone Treatment in All Jails Statewide
People in CT prisons who qualify will also be offered methadone up to two months prior to being released Read More 04-27-2016
|
Are People with Felony Convictions Good Workers?
Civilian employers who are often loathe to hire people with a criminal record might be surprised at the answer Read More 04-26-2016
|
Center for Community Alternatives Announces the Launch of Project New Opportunity
Program helps people released from federal prison under the "Drugs Minus Two" sentencing guidelines changes Read More 04-25-2016
|
Just In Time for the November Elections Over 200,000 People with Felony Convictions Have Their Voting Rights Restored
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe's executive order will also restore other rights and privileges Read More 04-23-2016
|
Former Policy Advisor Makes Recommendations for Reducing the Federal Prison Population
Federal Prison population increased 786% in 33 years Read More 04-22-2016
|
First-Ever National Organization Created and Led By Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Woman and Girls Launched
National Council of Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls wants to assure their voices are included in creating policies and practices Read More 04-21-2016
|
Is Less More When It Comes to Juvenile Probation?
New studies show more effective ways to keep juveniles from reoffending Read More 04-19-2016
|
White House Launches the Fair Chance Business Pledge
Companies signing the pledge support hiring some of the 70 million Americans with criminal records Read More 04-18-2016
|
Susan Sered: "Coerced Addiction Treatment Has Many Victims"
Scholar and author calls criminalization and medicalization two sides of the same coin Read More 04-15-2016
|
MacArthur Foundation Disburses Grants of $1.5M to $3.5M to 11 Jurisdictions to Reduce Jail Populations
MacArthur’s Safety and Justice Challenge is creating local models of criminal justice reform across America Read More 04-14-2016
|
Pastor Sues Alabama for Restrictive New Law That Bars Providing Sex Offenders from Transitional Housing on His Church Property
His was the only county and only program in Alabama to which the new law applied Read More 04-13-2016
|
People with Past Criminal Records May See Some Relief in Obtaining Housing
HUD offers new guidance, and a warning, to private landlords Read More 04-12-2016
|
In the Spotlight: The College & Community Fellowship Helps Formerly Incarcerated Women Obtain College Degrees
CCF goes beyond academic support to help formerly incarcerated women transition back into the community Read More 04-11-2016
|
Criminal (In)justice: A Cost Analysis of Wrongful Convictions, Errors, and Failed Prosecutions in California's Criminal Justice System
Flawed convictions caused 692 adults a total of 2,000 years in prison at a cost to taxpayers of $282 billion Read More 04-08-2016
|
Comprehensive Report Looks at Recidivism Issues of Formerly Incarcerated People Who Exited the Federal System
United States Sentencing Commission report found age when released and criminal history were key factors in recidivism rates Read More 04-07-2016
|
Report Shows Why Building a New Women's Jail in Massachusetts Is Not the Best Idea
Coalition against the new jail decries the costs on women, their children, and taxpayers Read More 04-06-2016
|
Waiting, Worrying, and Grasping for Hope: Families of Those Seeking Clemency
BBC news highlights daughters whose mothers will die in prison if the President denies them clemency Read More 04-05-2016
|
Shocking Report on Probationers and Parolees: "Get to Work or Go to Jail"
Every day 9,000 people are behind bars for violating probation or parole employment requirements Read More 04-04-2016
|
Controversial Massachusetts Law Suspending Driver's License of Those Convicted of a Drug Crime Repealed
Law was seen as a major barrier of successful reintegration Read More 04-01-2016
|
Ninety Percent of Youths in Juvenile Justice System Were Previously Exposed to Violence
Community-based behavioral treatment shown to yield better results than incarceration Read More 03-31-2016
|
Federal Judge Creates Federal Certificate of Rehabilitation for Woman He Sentenced
Although no such document existed, Federal Judge John Gleeson believes the federal system should offer them Read More 03-31-2016
|
Can Mens Rea (Guilty Mind) Provisions Let People Who Commit White Collar Crimes Off the Hook?
Two bills could increase burden of proof for prosecutors in certain crimes Read More 03-30-2016
|
People Behind Bars Lift Their Voices Up in Song to Tell Their Stories
Songs and stories by incarcerated and formerly incarcerated men and women to be featured on album decrying racism in the criminal justice system Read More 03-29-2016
|
A Look at the History of the Oldest Women's Prison in U.S. by the Women Who Now Reside There
When the women researched the prison's history they uncovered a much darker version than the accepted white-washed account Read More 03-28-2016
|
Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2016
Prison Policy Institute report is updated in 2016 with latest facts and statistics Read More 03-24-2016
|
Learning from Experience: A Guide to Social Impact Bond Investing
New report from MDRC provides valuable information on social impact bonds Read More 03-23-2016
|
Formerly Incarcerated Moms Fight for Reforms to Save Families
Victoria Law lists four policies that can prevent formerly incarcerated women from losing their children, their jobs, and housing Read More 03-22-2016
|
The Dangers When the Criminal Justice System Becomes the Mental Health System
Report states person with untreated mental illness is 16 times more likely to be killed by police than other civilians Read More 03-21-2016
|
Department of Justice Designates April 24-30, 2016 as National Reentry Week
DOJ encourages local communities to join U.S. Attorneys' Offices and BOP in holding events for reintegrating people Read More 03-18-2016
|
Prison Photos: A Deep Look into Their Importance
With visits uncertain and sometimes rare, a photo taken with loved ones allows a visual connection and some solace to a person behind bars Read More 03-17-2016
|
When Victims Experience Re-Victimization in the Courtroom
Court room appearances often leave victims re-traumatized Read More 03-16-2016
|
Native American Girls Over-Represented in Juvenile Detention Jails
Culturally specific programs are lacking for indigenous women and girls trapped in the criminal justice system Read More 03-15-2016
|
(Updated April 15, 2016) Drive Change Hires, Teaches and Empowers Young People Coming Out of Jail and Prison
The social enterprise food truck employs reintegrating young people while teaching social and business skills Read More 03-14-2016
|
Non Partisan Reform...Here's What the Right Has to Say
Attendees at the recent Conservative Political Action Conference hear call for criminal justice reform Read More 03-11-2016
|
Hawaii Considering Giving People in Prison the Right to Vote
Helping incarcerated people take part in election process might make them feel less disenfranchised, say advocates Read More 03-10-2016
|
Court Halts Cap on Prison Phone Calls
Families of people in prison will continue to feel the financial strain of high phone rates Read More 03-09-2016
|
Fatal Neglect: How ICE Inspections Ignore Deaths in Detention
Report claims ICE maintains a broken system with tragic consequences Read More 03-08-2016
|
Reform Advocates Targeting 24 States That Put Juveniles in Solitary Confinement
Studies reveal long-term psychological damage to juveniles held in solitary confinement Read More 03-07-2016
|
Reconnecting Disconnected Youth to Education and Jobs
Paper reveals focuses on connecting young people 16-24 to school and jobs Read More 03-04-2016
|
What Happens When You're Gay, Incarcerated and Under the Care and Custody of Homophobes
One man shares his story without hope that anti-gay sentiments will be eradicated throughout the American prison system Read More 03-03-2016
|
To Reduce Crime, Stop Charging Children as Adults
Call for New York and North Carolina to raise the age gaining momentum Read More 03-02-2016
|
Successful Entrepreneurs and Successful Criminals Have Something in Common
Entrepreneurs, small business owners and others can find themselves steps away from a prison cell Read More 03-01-2016
|
New Report Shows How Criminal Justice System Fails LGBT People
Report covers entry into the system, issues faced while in the system and problems that follow after conviction Read More 02-29-2016
|
New York State Bar Association Calls for Enhancing Programs to Assist Formerly Incarcerated People in Building Successful Lives After Prison
NYSBA recommendations include diversion programs, employment initiatives, and discharge planning early on in incarceration Read More 02-26-2016
|
Report: First-Episode Incarceration: Creating a Recovery-Informed Framework for Integrated Mental Health and Criminal Justice Responses
Early intervention programs can reduce the incarceration of people with serious mental illness Read More 02-25-2016
|
Prison Legal News Releases Prison Education Guide
New comprehensive resource aids people in prison in finding the best programs for their academic needs Read More 02-24-2016
|
Albert Woodfox Free After 45 Years in One of the Country's Most Notorious Prisons
After spending nearly all of his time in solitary confinement Woodfox's dream comes true Read More 02-22-2016
|
What It’s like to be Married to Someone Convicted of a Sex Crime
Being on a sex offender registry has long-reaching repercussions for the person on it and his or her loved ones Read More 02-22-2016
|
Ten Renowned Economists Join Brennan Center's Economic Advisory Board
Fiscal costs of mass incarceration "tip of the iceberg" Read More 02-19-2016
|
Infographic Reveals Just How Much Private Prisons Profit in America
Private prisons squeeze money out of the U.S. criminal justice system at every level Read More 02-18-2016
|
Judge Makes Bold and Honest Statement Concerning the Need to Reevaluate Sentences
Connecticut Judge Stefan R. Underhill calls for legislation that would provide sentenced defendants the right to petition for a sentence reduction Read More 02-17-2016
|
Why Policy Reform Proposals Must Be Rewritten to Do More for Women Who Committed a Violent Crime
Legislators are ignoring the thousands of women who are deserving of a second chance Read More 02-16-2016
|
New Federal Prison for Women in Alabama Hit by EF2 Tornado
Information on the well-being of women held at the prison is lacking Read More 02-15-2016
|
Pennsylvania Prison System Offers Childhood Resource Centers in Visiting Rooms
Information on early childhood education programs provided to caregivers of children with incarcerated parents Read More 02-12-2016
|
Report: The State of Sentencing Reform 2015
The Sentencing Project covers the latest developments in sentencing, parole and probation, collateral consequences, and juvenile justice reform Read More 02-11-2016
|
Override of Maryland Governor's Veto Restores Voting Rights to 4,000 with Felony Convictions
Nationwide felony disenfranchisement prevents 5.85 million people with a felony conviction from casting a ballot during elections Read More 02-10-2016
|
The Latest Scarlett Letter for People Convicted of Sexual Offenses
Obama signs bill that identifies those convicted of a sex crime via marking their passports Read More 02-09-2016
|
Mayors to Weigh-In at Up Coming Crime in America Symposium
Other participants represent various federal, state, municipal and private agencies and organizations Read More 02-07-2016
|
Transforming Prisons, Restoring Lives
Final Recommendations of the Charles Colson Task Force on Federal Corrections Read More 02-06-2016
|
Record Number of Exonerations in 2015
Exonerations based on various reasons, including false confessions and law enforcement misconduct Read More 02-06-2016
|
MDRC Report: A Successful Prisoner Reentry Program Expands Lessons from the Replication of the Center for Employment Opportunities
The following overview of the report “A Successful Prisoner Reentry Program Expands” was posted on January 14, 2016 by MDRC. Read More 02-02-2016
|
Pew: States at a Crossroads on Criminal Justice Reform
“Tough on Crime” policies have been disregarded in favor of more effective and just approach Read More 02-02-2016
|
When the Media and Society Refuse to Give Someone a Second Chance
Focusing on one’s past mistakes, rather than accomplishments, is counterproductive and harmful to all Read More 02-01-2016
|
The Disturbing and Prevalent Sexual Abuse Female Correctional Officers Face at the Hands of Fellow Officers
Fearing retaliation and loss of job, female correctional officers often don’t report sexual abuse by coworkers Read More 01-29-2016
|
An Insider’s Report on the Federal Bureau of Prison’s Experimental Prison Units
Are people placed in Communications Management Units (CMUs) denied due process? Read More 01-28-2016
|
Bexar County Detention Center Parenting Program Helps Moms Behind Bars Connect with Their Children
Mothers and Their Children (MATCH) program still going strong after 30 years Read More 01-27-2016
|
Supreme Court Rules Ban on Life Sentences for Juveniles Retroactive
Obama also issued a ban on solitary confinement for juveniles incarcerated in the federal prison system Read More 01-26-2016
|
David H. Kerr: Why "Treat and Release" Drug Programs are Destined to Fail
Long-term programs help people with addictions navigate long road to recovery Read More 01-20-2016
|
Alaska Draws Up Plans to Reduce Expanding Prison Population
Recommendations include re-examining the bail bond system and revising drug laws Read More 01-20-2016
|
Supreme Court Rules Against Florida’s Death Penalty Law
Four-hundred people on Florida’s death row await clarification of what Court's decision will mean for them Read More 01-20-2016
|
San Francisco School District Developing Programs and Curricula Aimed at Children with Incarcerated Parents
Providing supportive services to the school children and connecting incarcerated parents with their children and teachers is goal of innovative program Read More 01-20-2016
|
The Disturbing Lack of Latinas on Obama’s Clemency List
Surely there are a number of Latinas in federal prison who deserve clemency Read More 01-19-2016
|
Shelby County, Tennessee Mental Health Court Inaugurated
People with serious, on-going mental health issues to be given option of treatment instead of incarceration Read More 01-18-2016
|
The Case for Medication-Assisted Drug Treatment in Prisons and Jails
Two-thirds of people who are incarcerated in America have an addiction to drugs or alcohol Read More 01-15-2016
|
RAND: The Case for Correctional Education in U.S. Prisons
Report shows every dollar spent on educating incarcerated people saves five dollars of re-incarceration costs Read More 01-14-2016
|
FAMM: Sentencing Commission Amends the Career Offender Guideline and Publishes New Proposed Amendments
Amendment will not be retroactive to the dismay of many sentencing reform advocates Read More 01-13-2016
|
Marc Maurer on Why New Presidential Administration Should Consider a 20-Year Cap on Most Sentences
Executive Director of the Sentencing Project reveals that one in nine prisoners is serving a life sentence Read More 01-12-2016
|
Shocking Investigative Report Describes Horrors at Largest Prison for Women In U.S.
Miami Herald finds rampant sexual, physical and mental abuse by corrections staff common Read More 01-11-2016
|
Is Investing in Private Prisons Morally Wrong?
American Friends Committee calls for divestment from companies that make a profit off of the misery of incarceration Read More 01-08-2016
|
Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy Praised as Innovative Criminal Justice Policy Maker
Malloy rapidly being recognized as rising star in policy reform Read More 01-07-2016
|
Prosecutors in Juvenile System Weigh-in on Policy Reform
"It’s far easier to build strong youth than it is to fix broken adults" is the new reasoning Read More 01-06-2016
|
Why Restoring the Right to Vote to Formerly Incarcerated People Can Be the Impetus for Changing Thousands of Lives
Can giving a person a second chance be meaningful if the right to vote is denied? Read More 01-05-2016
|
Crime in 2015: A Preliminary Analysis
Brennan Center for Justice report finds little change in crime rate in 2015 Read More 01-04-2016
|
Mic: 2015 Was the Beginning of the End of Mass Incarceration
Obama, Black Lives Matter and bi-partisan coalitions touted as some of the major players in policy changes Read More 01-01-2016
|
The Top 10 Domestic Drug Policy Stories of 2015 from Drug War Chronicle
Policy reform, record number of overdose deaths, and release of 6,000 people with drug convictions are some of what made national news this year Read More 12-31-2015
|
Report: Disabilities among Prison and Jail Inmates
Study finds almost one-third of people in prison and jail declared a disability in 2011-2012 Read More 12-30-2015
|
When Dying Alone in Prison Is Too Harsh a Sentence
As many of us look forward to the New Year some in prison know a lonely death awaits them Read More 12-29-2015
|
New Coalition Brings Conservatives and Liberals Together in Fight for Criminal Justice Reform
Annual $80 billion spent on incarceration is unifying factor to bring about reform Read More 12-28-2015
|
ACLU-New Hampshire Sues New Hampshire DOC for Banning of Greeting Cards and Drawings
Blanket rejection of greeting cards, postcards, drawings and prayer cards due to fear of contraband is seen as unconstitutional Read More 12-24-2015
|
The Missing Organizational Dimension of Prisoner Reentry
Report finds reentry organizations can play pivotal role in shaping the moral lives of formerly incarcerated people Read More 12-23-2015
|
New York Governor to Pardon Some New Yorkers Who Committed a Crime at Ages 16-17
First-in-Nation act will help remove barriers for those who were convicted of a misdemeanor or non-violent crime Read More 12-22-2015
|
President Obama Grants Commutations of Sentence to 95 People
The President also pardoned two others Read More 12-21-2015
|
Connecticut Prison Will Be First In U.S. for Those aged 18-25
Prison will focus on brain development of young adults Read More 12-21-2015
|
Paul Heroux: We Have No Idea Which Prison Programs Are Reducing Recidivism in America
Massachusetts State Representative claims evidence-based programs are not "one-size-fits-all" Read More 12-18-2015
|
In Our Own Backyard: Confronting Growth and Disparities in American Jails
Jail populations grew four-fold over 45 years Read More 12-17-2015
|
Why People in Prison and Jail Should Be Enrolled in Medicaid
Reasons include promoting easier access to health care by returning citizens and states receiving more federal funds Read More 12-16-2015
|
(Update 12-18-15: Ramona Brant to be Free on 4-16-16) A Battered Woman Fights Against Her Life Sentence
Even Ramona Brant's judge opposed such a harsh sentence Read More 12-15-2015
|
Removing Barriers to Opportunity for Parents with Criminal Records and Their Children
Parental incarceration can inflict long-term damage on children Read More 12-14-2015
|
Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2015
The Prison Policy Initiative report clarifies why 2.3 million people are locked up in America Read More 12-13-2015
|
A Second Look at Electronic Monitoring
Report claims electric monitoring (EM) should not be used as a condition of parole, probation or pre-trial Read More 12-11-2015
|
Fifty State Teams Gather to Develop Plans for Improving Youth Outcomes in Each State Juvenile Justice System
Juvenile incarceration rates are down but re-arrest rates are skyrocketing Read More 12-09-2015
|
National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls Created
Formerly incarcerated women convene to use collective voices to improve the outcome of women and girls behind bars Read More 12-08-2015
|
Moving Beyond "Ban the Box"
The Legal Action Center offers four steps to expand fair chance hiring practices Read More 12-07-2015
|
The Steep Cost of Incarceration on Women of Color
Costs associated with incarceration strangle families financially Read More 12-04-2015
|
Pew: Prison Time Surges for Federal Inmates
Average period of confinement doubles, costing taxpayers $2.7 billion a year Read More 12-03-2015
|
Are More Programs Needed for Girls Enmeshed in the Juvenile Punishment System?
Girls detained in juvenile justice system 5 times more likely to die by 29-years old Read More 12-02-2015
|
Women Behind Bars
What is the story behind the 206,000 women locked up in America’s jails and prisons? Read More 12-01-2015
|
States Starting to Reconsider Putting Juveniles on Sex Offender Registries
Some states put young people on adult registries when they turn 18 even when they committed the crime as a child Read More 11-30-2015
|
Report Calls for "Simple, But Courageous Steps" to Be Taken to Reduce Growing Number of Elderly People in Prison
Statistics show that formerly incarcerated people over 50-years old have a low recidivism rate and pose little public safety concerns Read More 11-27-2015
|
Report: As Many Americans Have Criminal Records as College Diplomas
Having a criminal record greatly reduces one's chance of obtaining employment Read More 11-25-2015
|
First Do No Harm: Advancing Public Health in Policing Practices
New report offers recommendations for eliminating disconnect between police and public health systems Read More 11-24-2015
|
Justice Policy Institute: Good Reasons to Raise the Age For Juvenile Justice
Juvenile justice systems that promote rehabilitation increase public safety outcomes Read More 11-23-2015
|
If Your State Was a Country Where Would It Rank on the Global List of the Incarceration Rate of Women?
Report and infographic explains America’s over incarceration of women in the global context Read More 11-20-2015
|
House Judiciary Committee Approves Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act
Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) will press for eliminating mandatory minimum sentences for those with nonviolent crimes Read More 11-19-2015
|
Will Three Days of Forced Incarceration Cure a Person of Opioid addiction?
Massachusetts Governor calls for holding people against their will to “cure” them of their drug habit Read More 11-18-2015
|
Are the Millions Spent on Negative State Court Election Ads Causing Judges to Shy Away from Finding For the Defendant?
A new report shows 82% of attack ads on judges and candidates focused on criminal justice issues, mostly using scare tactics Read More 11-17-2015
|
Study Highlights Little State Oversight of Educational Services Provided to Incarcerated Youth
Reading and math skills of incarcerated youth fall far below grade level Read More 11-16-2015
|
Engaging Disconnected Young People in Education and Work
Almost half of Project Rise participants had a criminal history Read More 11-13-2015
|
Toolkit Assists Service Providers to Survey Women and Girls about Traumatic Experiences that Impact Health
Many justice-involved females have Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) that negatively impact health and well-being Read More 11-12-2015
|
Healing the Whole Family of a Person with an Addiction
Be A Loving Mirror (BALM) program helps loved ones of people who abuse substances gain control of their own lives Read More 11-11-2015
|
Connecticut Governor Unveils Innovative Ideas about Veterans and Juveniles in the Criminal Justice System
Dannel Malloy opens special unit for veterans in prison, and seeks to raise the age of juvenile justice system jurisdiction to 20 Read More 11-10-2015
|
A Must Read Report Details How the War on Drugs Harms Our Veterans
To truly honor our veterans we must stop incarcerating them and instead offer the mental health and substance abuse treatment they require Read More 11-09-2015
|
New Report Reveals What Happens to Children When Parents Are Locked Up
Researchers found that five million children in America had at least one parent locked up at any given time Read More 11-06-2015
|
Can Year-Round Day Light Savings Time Reduce Crime?
Research shows DST credited with S59 million in social cost savings from reduced number of robberies Read More 11-04-2015
|
Police in Classrooms: What Are the Alternatives?
The viral video of a girl being pushed over and slammed to the ground by a School Resource Officer has opened up the conversation if SROs are the best option Read More 11-03-2015
|
Weill Cornell Medicine Awarded $10 Million to Study Substance Abuse and Brain Development in Adolescents
1,100 children will be followed starting at ages 9-10 Read More 11-02-2015
|
FACT SHEET: President Obama Announces New Actions to Promote Rehabilitation and Reintegration for the Formerly-Incarcerated
New actions created to remove barriers to successful reintegration Read More 11-02-2015
|
Brennan Center for Justice Proposes "Reverse Mass Incarceration Act"
Washington urged to scrap present incarceration policy in exchange for "Decarceration Act" Read More 10-30-2015
|
Well Known Criminal Justice Reform Advocate Creates Petition for Clemency for Women Not Affected by Mass Release of Federal Prisoners
Women sentenced to decades or life behind bars hope that petition will make it into President’s hands for consideration of clemency Read More 10-29-2015
|
Formerly Incarcerated Person Now Teaches Reintegrating Citizens "How to Live a Resilient Life"
Dwight Dickerson offers techniques on reaching positive goals after incarceration that might benefit the 6,000 people who were just released en masse Read More 10-28-2015
|
Helping At-Risk Youth Resist Pressure to Join Gangs
Despite some difficulties, Gang Resistance Education and Training program is rated as "promising" Read More 10-27-2015
|
Federal Communications Commission Votes to Cap Phone Call Rates for People Who Are Incarcerated
14 Years after original petition for fair rates was denied, price gouging is halted Read More 10-26-2015
|
Effective Practices in Community Supervision (EPICS)
Parole officers take on role as mentors and it seems to help in reducing recidivism but some clients see EPICS as “a trap” Read More 10-23-2015
|
Report Reveals Most People in Prison are Incarcerated Over 100 Miles Away from Home
Policy recommendations offered to keep families from being unduly isolated Read More 10-22-2015
|
Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Join Prosecutors to Reduce Incarceration (Updated 10-22-15)
Why Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime and Incarceration is pushing for strong reform policies Read More 10-21-2015
|
New Institute for Innovation in Prosecution Announced
IIP’s goal is to push forward policies that promote “the very best in justice innovation” Read More 10-20-2015
|
Participants in Harlem Parole Reentry Court 60 Percent Less Likely to Be Reconvicted
Seventy-five percent of Parole Court's participants are also gainfully employed or in school Read More 10-18-2015
|
A Public Safety Officer Who Views Incarceration as the Last Resort
As a prosecutor Paul Henderson believed a "victory" for his office meant helping to turn a defendant's life around Read More 10-16-2015
|
As People in Prison Grow Older, Health Care Costs Gobble Up Corrections Budgets
Number of people in prison 55 or older increased 250 percent in 15 years Read More 10-15-2015
|
Andrea James: Building a Prison-to-Purpose-Pipeline for Women
Inspiring formerly incarcerated women to push for policy change is just one of the ways the activist works to end over-incarceration of females Read More 10-14-2015
|
Rise in Opiate Abuse (and Incarceration for Same) Attributed to Spike in Foster Care
Several states look toward treatment options and support services to keep families intact Read More 10-13-2015
|
Innocent Until Proven Guilty, So Why Do a Half Million Unconvicted People Remain in Jail Each Day?
Massachusetts is taking on bail system that targets people of color and the poor Read More 10-12-2015
|
The Suspension Penalty and What Helps Kids Get Back on Track to Graduate
Those who drop out of school after being suspended have less chance of obtaining middle class status as adults Read More 10-09-2015
|
Families Breaking the Cycle of Recidivism
Women Who Never Give-Up Host "Project Freedom" Annual Symposium Read More 10-07-2015
|
News Flash: Department of Justice to Release 6,000 Federal Prisoners by November 2, 2015 (Updated 10-11-15)
"Drugs Minus Two" sentencing action will open the door for thousands more by November 2016 Read More 10-06-2015
|
Understanding Mass Incarceration: A People's Guide to the Key Civil Rights Struggle of Our Time
James Kilgore speaks on justice reinvestment and how communities are uniting to push politicians to eliminate the root causes of incarceration Read More 10-06-2015
|
Bold Reentry Plan Wins $1 Million Grant
The City of New Haven CT has been awarded a $1,000,000 Grant by the Bureau of Justice Assistance to Reduce Recidivism Read More 10-05-2015
|
The Sentencing Project: Senate Leaders Reach Deal on Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Bill
Momentous Legislation Indicates "Tough on Crime" Days are Over Read More 10-01-2015
|
Utah’s 2015 Policy Reforms Expected to Eliminate Projected Prison Growth Over 20 Years
Decreasing incarceration for nonviolent offenses, reducing length of prison stays and increasing support for people on parole are some of the measures that will save taxpayers $500 million Read More 10-01-2015
|
The Shocking Treatment of Pregnant Women in America's Penal System
Investigation reveals poor medical care is just the tip of the iceberg encountered by pregnant women in prison Read More 09-30-2015
|
On Pre Trial Status, Work Release, Probation or Parole? There’s an App for That
Louisiana Sheriff's Department calls new monitoring system more cost effective than incarceration and more "dignified" than wearing an ankle monitoring device Read More 09-29-2015
|
The Fight to Repeal HIV Criminalization Laws
In 33 States "exposing" someone to HIV is a criminal offense punishable by decades in prison Read More 09-28-2015
|
Increasing Job Opportunities for Formerly Incarcerated Black Men
Job training programs help chip away at barriers that people with a criminal history encounter Read More 09-25-2015
|
Nkechi Taifa: Lengthy Sentences: Cruel and "Usual"” Punishment
Decades behind bars for first-time drug offenses should no longer be the norm Read More 09-24-2015
|
One Woman's Story of Finding Faith and Strength While in Solitary Confinement
The words of her mother, a survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp, echoed in her head Read More 09-23-2015
|
Historic Hearing Set Between Suffolk County Sheriff and Boston City Council at Suffolk County House of Correction
Topics to be discussed include mass incarceration, reintegration, recidivism and racial disparity Read More 09-22-2015
|
In Case You Missed It: Mothers Serving Long-Term Drug Sentences Call for Clemency
Facing dying in prison, women beg for the President to reexamine their cases and sentences Read More 09-21-2015
|
Innovative Program Helps Women with Felony Charges Stay Out of Prison
Justice Home model is successful, cost effective and can be replicated in other states Read More 09-18-2015
|
Reports that Juvenile Justice Advocates Won’t Want to Miss
New research promotes the demand for equity for Black, Latino, female and LGBTQ youth Read More 09-17-2015
|
New Report: Who Pays? The True Cost of Incarceration on Families
Families of incarcerated people suffer greatly, and unnecessarily, under America’s punishment system Read More 09-16-2015
|
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Issues Report on Federal Indigent Defense
9-15-15 Read More 09-15-2015
|
From Barbed Wire to Green Fields: Urban Agriculture Provides the Seeds of Change to Formerly Incarcerated People
Providing jobs and healthy food are the goals of urban farming initiatives Read More 09-14-2015
|
Using Entrepreneurship and Civic Technology Helps Formerly Incarcerated Get a Second Chance
Formerly incarcerated woman awarded $50,000 to start business accelerator Read More 09-11-2015
|
The Call for President Obama to Give Women Clemency
Woman granted clemency is now fighting for the release of the “hardest hit victims of drug war”--women Read More 09-10-2015
|
A Prison Sentence Carries Strong Repercussions for Family Members of a Person Convicted of a Crime
The whole family is often the “collateral victim” when a person is incarcerated Read More 09-09-2015
|
Bold New Reentry Initiative Created in New Haven, Connecticut
Collaborative project designed to reduce recidivism is announced by stakeholders Read More 09-08-2015
|
In Case You Missed It, Prison Labor: Cost Effective or Costly?
Every day is laborious for prison workers who make pennies an hour Read More 09-07-2015
|
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Shown to Cut Recidivism by 25 – 50 Percent
“The Next Generation of Parole Supervision Model” was developed to train parole officers to use CBT in an effort to find effective ways to help reduce recidivism Read More 09-04-2015
|
Critics Say “Kate’s Law” Would Further Burden the Federal Prison System, Already at 133 Percent Capacity
Taxpayers would pay $2 million more annually if “Kate’s Law” is enacted Read More 09-03-2015
|
California to Free Thousands from Solitary Confinement After Settling Lawsuit
Most people in isolation were held based on gang affiliations or mental illness Read More 09-02-2015
|
A Look at Vendors Who Profit From Mass Incarceration
Businesses that supply prisons and jails get a slice of the $80 billion spent on incarceration each year Read More 09-01-2015
|
Evaluation of the Re-Integration of Ex-Offenders (RExO) Program
Evaluation shows mixed results for Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and the Department of Justice initiative Read More 08-31-2015
|
True Juvenile Justice Reform Must Include Needs of LGBTQ Girls
Report finds 40 percent of girls in juvenile justice system consider themselves as LGBTQ or gender non-conforming Read More 08-28-2015
|
Center for Disease Control Estimate: One in Three of the 2.2 Million People in U.S. Jails and Prisons Have Hepatitis C
Incarcerated people are taking their battle to get treatment to court Read More 08-27-2015
|
California Group Homes for Juveniles Fail to Thoroughly Investigate Serious Complaints
Allegations of sexual abuse, injuries from restraints, and vicious attacks handled poorly, outside investigation finds Read More 08-26-2015
|
States That Legalized Marijuana Debate What Constitutes Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
Some states allow a small amount of THC in the blood, other states consider any amount of THC to be cause for arrest Read More 08-25-2015
|
The Bail Bond Crisis in America
Seventy percent of pre-trail detainees are locked up because they can’t afford bail Read More 08-24-2015
|
Obama's Heroin Initiative: “One Step Forward, Two Steps Back”?
Federal resources would be better spent on treatment rather than interdiction, drug reform advocates insist Read More 08-21-2015
|
Governor Asa Hutchinson’s Arkansas Faith Summit to Focus on Reintegration
Goal is to have churches adopt formerly incarcerated people and provide moral support Read More 08-20-2015
|
What If Prisons Were Fined For High Recidivism Rates?
Hospitals that were fined saw a sharp drop in re-admissions, so can that work in a prison setting? Read More 08-19-2015
|
Bureau of Justice Statistics Report: Who is Dying in Custody and Why?
Suicide is the leading cause of death among people in prison Read More 08-18-2015
|
“Trauma Informed” Programs: Just a Nifty Catch-Phrase?
Is restraining a woman in prison face down with four-point restraints really more therapeutic for a woman who experienced rape? Read More 08-17-2015
|
Report: Studying Deterrence Among High-Risk Adolescents
Research found harsher punishment had little effect in reducing future offenses Read More 08-14-2015
|
Breaking News: Connecticut Supreme Court Overturns Death Penalty for All
Eleven men on death row still faced execution under 2012 law Read More 08-13-2015
|
Free Her Women’s Justice Advocacy Conference Brings Formerly Incarcerated Women to the Table
Women come together to unite against locking women up when there are clear alternatives Read More 08-12-2015
|
Going Beyond “Ban the Box” to Give a Person with a Criminal History a Second Chance
While “Ban the Box” ordinances have opened the door to employment by a crack, a leading conservative policy analyst suggests a way to push it wide open Read More 08-11-2015
|
Department of Justice Looks into Boise’s Criminalization of Homeless People
Arresting people for being homeless is not the solution for this growing population Read More 08-10-2015
|
Women Inside and Out: Making the Invisible Visible Via Their Own Stories
Artist Charly Swing seeks to weave the stories of incarcerated and previously incarcerated women into art Read More 08-07-2015
|
Prison Education Programs Reduce Recidivism Up to 16 Percent
Every dollar spent on prison education yields a $4 - $5 savings on re-incarceration costs Read More 08-06-2015
|
Denying Food Stamps to a Person with a Drug Conviction Hurts Children
States should abolish food stamp ban that only applies to drug crimes Read More 08-06-2015
|
Second Chance Reauthorization Act Introduced
New legislation also updates Second Chance federal reentry grant programs Read More 08-04-2015
|
Coalition for Public Safety: 100 Million Reasons We Need Criminal Justice Reform Now
Fair Justice Summit urges criminal justice reform advocates, policy makers and community members to spring into action Read More 08-03-2015
|
Known for Progressive Criminal Justice Reform, Connecticut Takes a Hit on Its Juvenile Justice System
Investigative Report finds children were shackled, put in isolation and had a high rate of suicide attempts Read More 07-31-2015
|
Forty Years of Harsh Sentencing Laws May Soon Be Over
Federal system seen as excessively punitive Read More 07-30-2015
|
Bi-Partisan Support Brings Back Pell Grants for Some People Who Are Incarcerated
20 Year ban expected to be lifted on Friday Read More 07-29-2015
|
Thinking Outside the Cell: Concrete Suggestions for Positive Change
Sociologist Susan Sered’s thoughts on challenging issues of the day Read More 07-28-2015
|
How Perceptions of Non-Trustworthiness Can Play a Role in Receiving the Death Penalty
Not looking “trustworthy” can have the severest of consequences Read More 07-27-2015
|
Margot Van Sluytman: Restorative Justice is Poetic Justice
He murdered her father but justice for a poet came in an unexpected way Read More 07-24-2015
|
Ms. Magazine Blog: What You Won’t See on Orange is the New Black
Every day another 174 women are locked up Read More 07-23-2015
|
White House Fact Sheet: Enhancing the Fairness and Effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System
White House lists plans to improve justice system and lists previous accomplishments Read More 07-22-2015
|
Mental Illness and Jails: Race is Left Out of the Equation
Lack of cultural competency seen as a key factor for criminalizing mentally ill people of color Read More 07-21-2015
|
President Obama: "Mass Incarceration Makes Our Country Worse Off"
Mass incarceration costs taxpayers $80 billion annually Read More 07-20-2015
|
A Raw Look at the First Hours after Release from Prison
Eating a “real” meal, taking a bus or buying clothes can be filled with overwhelming anxiety for returning citizens Read More 07-17-2015
|
In the Spotlight: FORE, a Pennsylvania Reentry Program on a Small Budget That is Aiding Reintegrating Women in a Big Way
FORE puts its heart and soul into its work helping formerly incarcerated women and their children Read More 07-16-2015
|
Childhood Trauma and Its Effects: Implications for Police
Police are being trained to recognize mental health problems among young people who suffered from trauma Read More 07-15-2015
|
Disturbing Report Follows the Trail of Girls’ Sexual Abuse to the Prison Pipeline
Young victims of sex trafficking often arrested on prostitution charges Read More 07-14-2015
|
Judge Sends Three Children to Juvenile Detention Center for Refusing to Speak with Father
Sending kids to juvenile centers should be used only as the last resort for crimes of a far more serious nature Read More 07-13-2015
|
Mayor de Blasio Announces $17.8 Million to Reduce Unnecessary Jail Time for People Waiting for Trial
Initiative will triple the number of individuals who can be supervised in the community instead of paying bail or being detained in jail while waiting for trial Read More 07-10-2015
|
State-by-State Health Care Information for Criminal Justice Practitioners
Interactive map provides links to state health systems and health insurance for criminal justice-involved people Read More 07-09-2015
|
Procedural Justice: Treating Court-Involved People with Respect Brings Remarkable Results
Newark Judge Victoria Pratt sets mandates that have kept 70% of those who followed them out of jail Read More 07-09-2015
|
Report Discloses Several Serious Problems at D.C. Detention and Treatment Facilities
Facility conditions and policies called “alarming,” “inadequate” and in need of immediate corrective action Read More 07-08-2015
|
The Results of the Nation’s First Social Impact Bond Experiment Are In
Although program failed to reduce recidivism it is considered a success Read More 07-06-2015
|
Five Million Dollar DOL Grant Will Help Formerly Incarcerated People in Detroit Find Employment
Federal, state and city initiative focuses on employment opportunities for youth, veterans, those with disabilities and people with a criminal record Read More 07-03-2015
|
The Open Society Foundations: When Pregnancy Leads to a Prison Term
Women who abort spontaneously or through clinical procedures have been incarcerated Read More 07-02-2015
|
SCOTUS Strikes Down a Piece of the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA)
Some sentenced under the ACCA may be able to apply for a sentence reduction Read More 07-01-2015
|
Excerpt From Resistance Behind Bars Shows Supportive Side of Women who are Incarcerated
From simplest acts of kindness to implementing political actions, women behind bars stand together in time of need Read More 06-30-2015
|
White House Humiliates JustLeadershipUSA Founder
Policy sends wrong message to America about second chances Read More 06-29-2015
|
Columbia University Becomes First College to Divest from Private Prisons
Student support to divest leads to Columbia’s decision to withdraw $10 million Read More 06-26-2015
|
New York City Ends $6.4 Million Contract with Agency That Ran “Close to Home” Initiative for Juveniles
Sites found to be unsecure and improperly supervised Read More 06-25-2015
|
The Issues of Females in the Criminal Justice System
Vera Institute of Justice blogs on gender and justice Read More 06-24-2015
|
The Corrections System’s Stubborn Refusal to Provide Methadone to People with an Opiate Addiction
Why wait to treat a person when early medicinal intervention can save lives? Read More 06-23-2015
|
How Should the Courts Handle Kids Who Commit Crimes?
If a child is not an adult, should the he or she be prosecuted as an adult? Read More 06-22-2015
|
Something to Think About This Father’s Day: Dads Who are Incarcerated
Reports of statistics on fathers who are incarcerated and advice to policymakers Read More 06-19-2015
|
Idaho, Arkansas, Alaska and Utah Fail to Comply with Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
Approximately 216,000 incarcerated adults and juveniles are victims of sexual assault annually Read More 06-18-2015
|
Going Beyond the Three R’s of Criminal Justice Reform –Reentry, Reinvestment and Recidivism
Neo-liberalism accused of being a major perpetuator of mass incarceration Read More 06-17-2015
|
(Updated June 18, 2015) The Formerly Incarcerated Massachusetts Woman Behind “An Act Providing Community-Based Sentencing Alternatives for Primary Caretakers of Dependent Children”
Andrea James takes her fight to keep women out of prison to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and is selected as a member of the 2015 class of Soros Justice Fellows Read More 06-16-2015
|
Kalief Browder’s Suicide is an Indictment on New York City’s Lack of Reentry Plans
Each week a hundred people are released from incarceration to New York City without reentry plans Read More 06-15-2015
|
Orange is the New Black is Back and So is the Distortion of the Truth Concerning Women in Prison
The good news is the series will no longer be included in the comedy section of the Emmy Awards Read More 06-12-2015
|
“Close to Home” Program for Juveniles: A Good Idea That Turned Problematic
Providing a neighborhood group home for non-violent youths with minor records makes sense, but is not without big problems Read More 06-11-2015
|
Strategic Prosecution: An Approach to Reducing the Consequences of the Existing Criminal Justice System
Will prosecutors be willing to “reconceptionize” their thinking in order to play an important role in reducing consequences of the existing criminal justice system? Read More 06-10-2015
|
Kalief Browder: An American Criminal Justice Horror Story Just Got Worse
Browder’s story of the failure of the criminal justice system was cited as “compulsory reading” for elected officials Read More 06-09-2015
|
Can Housing People Released from Prison in a New Neighborhood Stem Recidivism?
Study finds recidivism rate jumps when people released from prison end up in just a few disadvantaged communities Read More 06-08-2015
|
What If Someone Commits a Sex Crime and They Are Not Josh Duggar?
Massachusetts State Representative speaks on the need to review existing policies on sex crimes Read More 06-05-2015
|
Participatory Defense: What You Can Do If You or a Loved One is Arrested
“Participatory defense” movement is empowering people to press for a more just punishment system Read More 06-04-2015
|
Women Jailed at Rikers Island Not Receiving Acceptable Health Care from Contracted Provider
Pharmaceutical errors, delayed care and negligence cited Read More 06-03-2015
|
A Look at the Consequences of Prison Overcrowding
Forced gang association, sexual assaults, violence against corrections officers and people who are incarcerated leads to “dysfunctional consequences” post release Read More 06-02-2015
|
Research: Corrections Officers Suffer PTSD at Twice the Rate of Military Veterans
Research also reveals that corrections officers have a high rate of suicide Read More 06-01-2015
|
Twenty Jurisdictions Win MacArthur Foundation Grants to Reduce Incarceration
MacArthur Foundation plans to create more funding under its Safety and Justice Challenge in the future Read More 05-29-2015
|
The Shocking Cost to House People in America’s Jails
Policy makers and taxpayers should be aware of hidden costs not reflected in jail budgets Read More 05-28-2015
|
Los Angeles Mulling Over Giving Incentives to Those Who Hire Formerly Incarcerated People
Businesses with contracts with the city will receive preference if they hire people with a past criminal record Read More 05-27-2015
|
Gender Transition in Prison
Denial of hormone therapy, violence and harassment are just some of the daily experiences trans people in prison face Read More 05-26-2015
|
Restoring Education and Learning (REAL) Act Seeks to Restore Pell Grants for People in Prison
Access to education will reduce crime and recidivism, say REAL Act proponents Read More 05-23-2015
|
Moving Forward: A Prison Group That Recognizes the Pitfalls of Former Foster Youths and Seeks to Inspire Them to Achieve Successful Reintegration
Research shows that young men in foster care are more likely to commit a crime than those who are not Read More 05-21-2015
|
Maryland Governor Approves Building New Youth Jail and Slashes Baltimore’s School Budget
The spotlight was on the youth of Baltimore after the recent riots but someone wasn’t listening Read More 05-20-2015
|
Women Withdrawing from Drugs in Prison Often Ignored By Staff, Leading to Serious Complications or Death
Drug withdrawal treatment for incarcerated women called inconsistent, inadequate,and sometimes fatal Read More 05-19-2015
|
New Documentary Film Shows a Fresh, Exciting Retreat That Aims Help Young People Stay Out of Prison
Rewilding provides an “adventure approach to prison transition” Read More 05-18-2015
|
“The Milwaukee Experiment” Offers Early Intervention to Keep People Out of Prison
Milwaukee District Attorney believes prosecutors should be valued for reducing mass incarceration and eliminating racial inequality Read More 05-15-2015
|
Deadline for States to Comply with Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Ends Today
One state has made prison videos to alert people who are incarcerated to identify those who may be sexual predators Read More 05-15-2015
|
Report Reveals Why Prison Visits to Incarcerated Parents are not “All Cupcakes and Lollipops”
Tough on crime laws are also tough on children and grandmothers who seek to restore a sense of normalcy when lives are disrupted by the incarceration of a parent Read More 05-14-2015
|
Report Finds Connection between Women on Probation or Parole Who Lack Transportation and Likelihood of Recidivism
Suggestions to reduce recidivism include considering affordable transportation as vital as housing, employment and food for females Read More 05-12-2015
|
New Attorney General Grilled by Connecticut Senator Over BOP’s Failure to Build New Prison for Women as Promised
BOP decision to close only federal prison for women in Northeast caused ire among legislators and judges Read More 05-11-2015
|
Former Banking Honcho Seeks to Reduce Recidivism in St. Louis and Across the U.S.
Former CEO raises almost $9 million to help incarcerated people get a head start before they are released Read More 05-08-2015
|
OIG Report: The Impact of an Aging Inmate Population on the Federal Bureau of Prisons
Office of the Inspector General report finds several areas of concern Read More 05-07-2015
|
How an Organization Helps People in Gangs Choose a Different Lifestyle
Never giving up on youths in the face of laws that almost guarantee re-arrest is the mission of Massachusetts non-profit Read More 05-06-2015
|
Unequal Justice: Mobilizing the Private Bar to Fight Mass Incarceration
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law urges action now Read More 05-05-2015
|
Top Leaders and Experts with Diverse Ideologies Offer Essays on Solutions to End Mass Incarceration
From former president Bill Clinton to former NRA president David Keene, advocates for criminal justice reform weigh in with viable solutions Read More 05-04-2015
|
Koch Industries Embraces Ban the Box on Its Job Applications
One of America’s largest companies opens the door to employment opportunities to people with a criminal history Read More 05-01-2015
|
Where Are 1.5 Million Missing Black Men?
Early deaths and incarceration have “disappeared” Black males in every region of the country Read More 04-30-2015
|
Federal Bureau of Prisons Statistics
Monthly statistics provide snapshot of people in federal prison Read More 04-29-2015
|
Evaluation of Seattle’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Finds Arrest Rates Significantly Lowered for Participants
Those taking part in LEAD are 34-58 percent less likely to get arrested Read More 04-28-2015
|
Two-Thirds of States Lowered Prison Population
Nine states show double-digit dip in incarcerated people Read More 04-27-2015
|
Watch Your Language: A Reminder to Please Stop Using Dehumanizing Words
Criminal justice experts agree that words like “inmate” and “ex-con” have got to go Read More 04-24-2015
|
Connecticut Department of Corrections Opens Reintegration Center
Center is part of Governor’s Second Chance Society initiatives Read More 04-23-2015
|
Innovative Program Brings Shelter Cats into Prison to Receive Some TLC
Cats have more freedom and attention in prison than at shelter (Video link included) Read More 04-22-2015
|
Status Offenses Still Criminalizing Children, New Report Finds
Over 50 percent of states still hold children in detention for minor transgressions Read More 04-21-2015
|
South Carolina U.S. Attorney Has a Fresh Idea about the War on Drugs
Keeping people out of prison is goal of federal prosecutor Read More 04-20-2015
|
Maine Reentry Initiative Receives Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant
Sherriff’s Office links with service providers to give returning citizens a shot at success Read More 04-17-2015
|
The 2000 Roses Foundation Helps Transitioning Women with a Safe Place to Live and Employment Opportunities
Foundation’s store sells quality, and green, items made by formerly incarcerated women Read More 04-16-2015
|
Where Does Your State Rank in Feeding the School-to-Prison Pipeline?
Children with special needs and children of color disproportionately referred to criminal justice system Read More 04-15-2015
|
Update: Apple to Allow People with a Felony Conviction to Help Build Their New Campus
Apple recognizes that some people deserve second chances Read More 04-14-2015
|
The Painful Truth about Severing Parental Rights of Incarcerated Women
Harsh and often unnecessary sentences rob women and their children of the right to be a family Read More 04-13-2015
|
Watch: The Bipartisan Summit on Mass Incarceration in America Panel Discussion: Assessing the Costs & Human Impacts
Top criminal justice reform advocates provide recommendations for revamping the criminal justice system Read More 04-10-2015
|
New Program Initiative Seeking Help to Distribute Survey Concerning Needs of Justice-Involved Mothers and Their Children
Caregivers of children of incarcerated mothers also asked to provide feedback Read More 04-09-2015
|
Phyllis “Grandma” Hardy Makes It Out of Prison Alive
Hardy’s case highlights what’s wrong with a system that locks up non-violent, sick and elderly people up for decades Read More 04-08-2015
|
Apple Bars People with a Felony Conviction from Building New Campus
Letters from Union to Apple CEO and California Attorney General ignored Read More 04-07-2015
|
The Sentencing Project’s 2014 Annual Report Is Now Available
Report contains timely and valuable research on mass incarceration, racial disparity and felony disenfranchisement Read More 04-06-2015
|
More Chilling Allegations Concerning Florida Corrections Officers
Corrections officers who are accused of being KKK members plotted to kill former African American prisoner Read More 04-03-2015
|
Obama Grants Clemency to 22 People
8,700 more people in prison are still hoping they, too, will receive clemency Read More 04-02-2015
|
Should There be a 20 Year Cap on Most Federal Sentences?
Marc Mauer explains why such a cap makes sense Read More 04-01-2015
|
Women Speak Out about Reproductive Health Care While Incarcerated
Substandard care and dehumanizing treatment repeatedly echoed by members of a most vulnerable population—incarcerated women Read More 03-31-2015
|
New Recommendations for Work-Related Prison Reentry
Open Society Foundations proposes innovative changes to the employment integration of formerly incarcerated workers Read More 03-30-2015
|
Should Those on a Sex Offender Registry Be Banned from Church?
North Carolina sheriff says those on the registry cannot attend churches in his jurisdiction Read More 03-27-2015
|
What You Are About to Read Regarding the School-to-Prison Pipeline Might Bring You to Tears
Schoolchildren arrested, handcuffed, put in “juvie,” sprayed with chemicals, beaten and sexually abused—all for minor infractions of school rules Read More 03-26-2015
|
Prison Family Bill of Rights Addresses Concerns of People in Prison and Those Who Care About Them
Bill urges compassion and transparency from corrections Read More 03-25-2015
|
Connecticut Veterans Prison Release Program Offers Variety of Reintegration Services to Those with an Honorable Discharge
Veterans with “Other than Honorable” discharge” classification are excluded from receiving “vital” services the program provides Read More 03-24-2015
|
Need a Refresher Course on the War on Drugs?
Vox gives you a brief history in a matter of minutes Read More 03-23-2015
|
Vermont Program Helps Children Cope with Having a Mother Behind Bars
Eighty percent of Vermont’s incarcerated women have children Read More 03-20-2015
|
Is There Really a Need For a Registry of Those Who Commit White Collar Crimes?
Utah, which also has a questionable porn registry, thinks so Read More 03-19-2015
|
Right on Crime says Texas Voters are Ready for Criminal Justice Reform
“Common-sense, conservative reform” is being touted as the key to changing ineffective criminal justice policies Read More 03-18-2015
|
Rikers Island: A Continuing “Culture of Violence” Hits Guards and People Locked Up in America’s Largest Jail Complex
Incarcerated men help prevent guard from being raped in latest violent episode Read More 03-17-2015
|
One Third of Female Prisoners in the World are Behind Bars in the U.S.
Women make up 8.8 percent of people in prison in America Read More 03-16-2015
|
New Report Answers Frequently Asked Questions About Juveniles Who Commit Crimes and Their Victims
Report promoted as a handy reference for policy makers, juvenile justice professionals and anyone with an interest in juvenile justice Read More 03-13-2015
|
Poll: Men with Criminal Records Account for About 34 Percent of All Nonworking Men Ages 25 to 54
Criminal background checks preclude hiring, even when background check is inaccurate Read More 03-10-2015
|
Research Shows Adolescents Get Addicted to Drugs Faster Than Adults
Understanding a teen’s brain can create better addiction prevention strategies Read More 03-09-2015
|
Why It Is Crucial to Establish More Reintegration Programs for Women
The number of incarcerated women has steadily risen but supportive reintegration programs for females have not Read More 03-06-2015
|
Checking “Yes” on Felony Conviction Box on College Application and Attrition
Study finds attrition rate higher for those who check “yes” than those who do not Read More 03-05-2015
|
Pigeons, Prisoners and Prison Policies
How pigeons and people behind bars developed a forbidden bond Read More 03-04-2015
|
How Indiana, Missouri and Texas Created Meaningful (and Progressive) Reform
Slicing territories marking drug-free zones, modifying food stamp bans and closing facilities add up to huge savings and second chances Read More 03-03-2015
|
Women’s Prison Association No Longer Supports Their Claim that Children of Incarcerated Parents Are More Likely to End Up in Prison
More research is needed to examine intergenerational incarceration, WPA asserts Read More 03-02-2015
|
Is Your State a Leader in Sentencing Reform?
If not, there are several recommendations to suggest to legislators to make your state join the 30 states that already are Read More 02-27-2015
|
Do Sex Offender Registries Do Anything to Prevent Recidivism?
Research says “no,” so why aren’t we providing a more effective solution to reoffending? Read More 02-26-2015
|
Pregnant Women in New York are Shackled During Labor and Delivery in Violation of 2009 Law
Pregnant and sick women are also placed in solitary confinement risking serious health issues Read More 02-25-2015
|
Powerful New Bipartisan Coalition Pushes For Justice Reform
This impressive big-money organization is looking for "real reform." Read More 02-24-2015
|
An American Health Problem: One Million Children are Gang Members
Children from 5 through 17 are the “hidden population of gang members” Read More 02-23-2015
|
In the Spotlight: Safer Foundation Reduces Recidivism Rate in Illinois by Half
For 43 years Safer has provided those with a criminal history a second chance Read More 02-20-2015
|
Stop Labeling Abused Girls as “Bad Girls”
More girls are arrested for status offenses than boys, and are often punished more harshly Read More 02-19-2015
|
The Case for Releasing Elderly Prisoners: Do We Have a “Moral Imperative” to Do So?
Several factors other than an increase in incarceration attributed to drop in crime Read More 02-18-2015
|
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Win $10,000 for Your Idea on How to Reduce Recidivism and Promote Successful Reentry
Ideas sought on reducing mass incarceration and recidivism, and the collateral consequences associated with both Read More 02-17-2015
|
731,000 people are Incarcerated in American Jails Each Day
New report reveals that spending even two days in jail has harsh consequences down the line Read More 02-16-2015
|
Twelve Percent of People in North Carolina Prisons Have a Mental Illness Diagnosis
State’s solution is to add more beds, not alternatives to incarceration programs that treat mental illness Read More 02-13-2015
|
A Personal View on Being Incarcerated in Florida
Abuse in Florida’s prison system called “… so deeply seated that it is irreparable” Read More 02-12-2015
|
Award Winning Author Seeking to Interview Women Who Were Pregnant While Incarcerated
Respected journalist is planning to write about pregnancy behind bars Read More 02-11-2015
|
Lawsuit Alleges CCA Forces Female Visitors to Prove They Are Menstruating
Having a sanitary pad in your pocket means female visitors are subjected to an up- close and personal strip search during menstrual cycle Read More 02-10-2015
|
Making Black Lives Matter More in the Criminal Justice System
New report offers blueprint for eliminating racial disparity Read More 02-09-2015
|
Could You Live Without Human Touch?
If you are an incarcerated person, you might have to do so Read More 02-06-2015
|
Public Defenders and Ethical Blindness
When excessive caseloads seem “normal” lawyers don’t realize they are not providing optimum legal services to indigent clients Read More 02-05-2015
|
Connecticut Governor Makes Good on Promise for "Second Chance Society"
Reclassifying nonviolent offenders and eliminating mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug crimes are at top of list Read More 02-04-2015
|
What Do States Spend on Educating a Child versus Incarcerating a Person?
GIF presents a shocking look at how much more states spend to incarcerate rather than educate Read More 02-03-2015
|
What Can America Learn from the Nordic Model of Incarceration?
And once we learn, will we act on it? Read More 02-02-2015
|
Is Today the Day Massachusetts Takes the First Step to Keep Justice-Involved Primary Caretakers of Children Out of Prison?
Providing alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent primary caregivers who commit a crime makes sense in many ways Read More 01-30-2015
|
JustLeadershipUSA Partners with Columbia University to Launch Leading with Conviction Program
Formerly incarcerated people with leadership skills should be given “seat at the table” to implement reform policies Read More 01-29-2015
|
Families Against Mandatory Minimums Speaks on Pardons and Incarcerated Millennials
The war on drugs is crushing young adults and the pardons process is not helping, either Read More 01-28-2015
|
Refreshingly Honest Answers from a Parole Officer about the System
Parole likened to “feeding an elephant with an eyedropper” Read More 01-27-2015
|
Life After Prison Blog: Women and Reentry
What happens when a woman who is not rich and famous is released from prison Read More 01-26-2015
|
The Government’s Role in The High Unemployment Rate of Those with A Criminal Record
Over half of people released from prison can’t find a job within a year Read More 01-23-2015
|
Connecticut Governor: We Need to Be A "Second Chance Society"
Not content with the drop in prison population, Dannel Malloy pushes for more nonpartisan reform measures Read More 01-22-2015
|
Why in the World Would Someone Confess to A Crime That They Did Not Commit?
Research provides an answer to this troubling phenomenon Read More 01-21-2015
|
Director of Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction: Invest More in People, Not Prisons
Gary Mohr pushes for progressive reform to reduce Ohio’s prison population and to further slash its recidivism rate Read More 01-20-2015
|
In The Spotlight: Wisconsin's 11 x 15 Blueprint for Ending Mass Incarceration
How congregation-based community organizations plan to bring much needed criminal justice reform to that state Read More 01-19-2015
|
Corrections Corporation of America Nixes Shareholder's Request to Provide More Funding for Reentry Programs and Services
Former CCA prisoner, now shareholder, thinks CCA can afford five percent increase to fund reentry programs Read More 01-16-2015
|
Legalization, Decriminalization, and Medical Marijuana Policies: 2015 May Be A Big Year for Changes
New policies can reduce arrests and incarceration for thousands Read More 01-15-2015
|
You Don't Need to Be A Rocket Scientist to Keep A Child Out of The Juvenile Justice System
But, having some knowledge of neuroscience can help save young lives from being ruined Read More 01-14-2015
|
Can The Ninth Richest Person in The World Help to Reduce Mass Incarceration?
Charles Koch plans to pour more money into making the criminal justice system fairer for people from all walks of life Read More 01-13-2015
|
Finally Incarcerated Victims of Domestic Violence May See Some Relief
New York and other states are recognizing that killing an abusive partner may be the only horrible option for some Read More 01-12-2015
|
Formerly Incarcerated African American Males from New York Asked to Participate in Research Project
Please share request from Mika’il DeVeaux of Citizens Against Recidivism, Inc Read More 01-09-2015
|
From Lawyer-to Prisoner-to-Reverend: A Tale of Redemption
How one man survived prison and became a source of inspiration to others Read More 01-08-2015
|
What the Tabloids Did Not Tell You About Prison and Teresa Guidice
The “real facts” about prison Read More 01-07-2015
|
Prison Labor: Cost Effective or Costly?
Investigation finds Washington State Correctional Industries cost taxpayers $20 million over past seven years Read More 01-06-2015
|
The Clemency Report: Children Deserve Legal Standing When Parents are Sentenced
Children should have rights established by law instead of being victims of collateral consequences Read More 01-05-2015
|
Proposition 47 is Just First Step in Helping People Get a Second Chance
Clean Slate Clinic Fights Helps People Erase Criminal Records Read More 01-02-2015
|
Successful Reintegration Often Starts with a Successful Reentry Program
Ending the year with two more success stories from STRIDE Read More 12-31-2014
|
Young People in Chicago Tackle School-to-Prison Pipeline
Restorative circles may be a way to achieve personal and public safety Read More 12-30-2014
|
Interest in Proposals for Criminal Court Research
National Institute of Justice will ask for submissions in early 2015 Read More 12-29-2014
|
Florida Department of Corrections Seeks to Ban Prison Legal News
Fred Grimm says it’s not the ads that upset the Florida DOC, it’s the articles Read More 12-26-2014
|
When Clemency Does Not Come in Time
Sentenced to life without parole on LSD charges, Rudd Walker dies in prison Read More 12-24-2014
|
Mass Incarceration’s Collateral Damage: The Children Left Behind
The Nation finds children are not better off without parents who commit criminal acts Read More 12-23-2014
|
Federal Government Seeks to Sue New York Department of Corrections over Mistreatment of Youth at Rikers Island
New York City mayor tells youth at Rikers solitary confinement for adolescents has ended Read More 12-22-2014
|
Women in Detention: The Need for a National Agenda
The Arthur Liman Public Interest Program at Yale Law School provides a statement on incarcerated women to the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights Read More 12-19-2014
|
The Long Term Cost of Incarcerating Young People Can Reach $8 – 21 Billion Annually
Justice Policy Institute report reveals many states spend over $100,000 a year to lock-up a juvenile Read More 12-18-2014
|
The Similarities Between Women in Prison in The U.S. and Britain
Two reports reveal that women are subjected to policies designed for men Read More 12-17-2014
|
Mobile, Alabama Seeks to Establish “Ban the Box” Measure
Giving a person with a past criminal conviction a second chance can reduce crime and promote public safety. Read More 12-16-2014
|
Rutgers Teams up with Integrity House to Give Psychiatry Residents Better Understanding of Addictions
People with addictions and mental health issues often wind up behind bars Read More 12-15-2014
|
Vera Institute’s Safe Alternative to Segregation Initiative (SAS) Calling for RFPs
SAS seeking partnership with up to five states or corrections systems Read More 12-12-2014
|
Montana is Experiencing Crisis with Overcrowded Prisons
People are put on a waiting list to enter prisons Read More 12-11-2014
|
Glenn Martin: Criminal Justice System Must be Dismantled and Rebuilt
Partial solutions seen as a band-aid approach to deep-rooted problems in “well-oiled” criminal justice machine Read More 12-10-2014
|
Since When Does the Criminal History of a Parent of a Slain Child Matter?
Criminal background checks by the media have sunk to a new low Read More 12-09-2014
|
Connecticut's John Santa Speaks Out on State Leadership in Criminal Justice Reform
Longtime advocate for criminal justice reform offers sound ideas other states can replicate Read More 12-08-2014
|
Arkansas Department of Community Corrections Outlines Plans to Reduce Recidivism
Recommendations include hiring more parole officers, initiating “pay for success” programs, and starting its own business to employ people on parole Read More 12-05-2014
|
Update: Deadline Extended for JustLeadershipUSA Training Program
Please share with those with a criminal record who have what it takes to become leaders in creating meaningful criminal justice reform Read More 12-04-2014
|
Report Finds a Shocking 72 Percent of Massachusetts School Suspensions are for Minor Issues
Children with disabilities and children of color most targeted for suspensions Read More 12-04-2014
|
People on Parole Find “Room at the Inn”
Providing transitional housing, as well as other services, gives people on parole in Michigan a second chance Read More 12-03-2014
|
A New, Ugly Tentacle of the Prison Industrial Complex Emerges
The “Treatment Industrial Complex” of private prison corporations is accused of “ensnaring” people, sometimes for life. Read More 12-02-2014
|
How Does Your State Rate in Providing Access to “Confidential” Juvenile Records?
Access to juvenile records by the public and failure to expunge records can cause harmful consequences in the future Read More 12-01-2014
|
Is it Time to Overhaul the Parole System?
You may be surprised who says “yes” Read More 11-28-2014
|
A Children’s Book Author…Who Happens to be Incarcerated
Anthony Tinsman hopes his message will help young children find a different path than he did Read More 11-26-2014
|
How many Innocent People are Sentenced to Death?
The latest figure is startling, but it doesn’t include innocent people in non-death sentence convictions Read More 11-25-2014
|
In the Spotlight: JustLeadershipUSA Seeks Those Who Were Formerly Incarcerated to Become Leaders in Creating Meaningful Reform
Organization hopes to help cut prison population in half by 2030 Read More 11-24-2014
|
Free Toolkit Provides Information on Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Connection to the Juvenile Justice System
Trauma-informed care can help young people avoid criminal justice system Read More 11-21-2014
|
On Life Support: Public Health in the Age of Mass Incarceration
Disease in correctional facilities "unacceptably high" and almost "invisible to health system" Read More 11-20-2014
|
New Report Looks at Collateral Consequences of Laws in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia
Impact of arrests and convictions on housing, employment, food stamps and voting are some of the topics covered Read More 11-19-2014
|
Competition Seeks Innovative Ideas to Reform Criminal Justice System
Your idea to help end mass incarceration and reduce recidivism can be worth $10,000 Read More 11-18-2014
|
In the Spotlight: Ellen Bukstel Asks “Who’s the Pusher Now?”
With a catchy song, singer-songwriter muses about the war on drugs, mass incarceration and Big Pharma Read More 11-17-2014
|
Is It Time to Close Women’s Prisons?
One person offers his view that women’s prisons are not the solution, but part of the problem within the criminal justice system Read More 11-14-2014
|
Resources Available to Reduce Street Group Violence
Helpful information provided on tracking violent street groups and engaging members of these groups in an effort to reduce violence Read More 11-13-2014
|
Chicago Triples Employer Tax Incentive for Hiring People with a Criminal Past
City also gives more teeth to the state’s Ban the Box law, and begins a family reunification program with the Chicago Housing Authority Read More 11-12-2014
|
Serving Our Country and Then Serving Time, Redux
Maybe one day we won't have to repost this article, but until then… Read More 11-11-2014
|
The Open Society Foundations Award $50 Million to ACLU to Help End Mass Incarceration
ACLU aims to cut prison population in half by 2020 Read More 11-10-2014
|
Court: Secular Humanism 1, Church of Flying Spaghetti Monster 0
Lawsuit against corrections departments in two states settles question of what can be classified as a religion Read More 11-07-2014
|
Update: Over 25,000 People Severing a Federal Sentence Apply for Clemency
Those who served less than 10 years not eligible for consideration Read More 11-06-2014
|
News Flash: Proposition 47 Approved by California Voters
Estimated $200 million saved on prison costs targeted for drug and mental health treatment, education and victims of crimes Read More 11-05-2014
|
In the Spotlight: Malta Justice Initiative
The system is failing, but Malta Justice Initiative says it can, and must be, fixed Read More 11-04-2014
|
Fortune Society Sues Mega-Landlord Over Refusal to Rent Apartments to People with a Past Criminal History
Lawyer claims blanket refusal to rent policy creates a racial and ethnic caste system Read More 11-03-2014
|
Visiting Grandma or Grandpa for the Holidays Often Takes Place in a Prison
In 15 years prisons will resemble geriatric care facilities as a third of all people in prison will be elderly Read More 11-01-2014
|
Conservatives Battling Over-Criminalization and Prosecutorial Overreach
Man accused of throwing three fish overboard faces 20 years in prison Read More 10-31-2014
|
Survivor of Rape Supports Reauthorization of Justice for All Act
Outrage and anger turns into despair when person she helped convict is found to be innocent ten years later Read More 10-30-2014
|
Goof Dashes Hopes for People About to be Released from Nebraska Prisons
Miscalculations in good time credit surface for those in prison or already released Read More 10-28-2014
|
In the Spotlight: Travis County Sheriff’s Office Holds Second Annual Vision Summit
Summit brings corrections, the community and service providers together to reduce recidivism Read More 10-27-2014
|
Why California’s Proposition 47 is So Important to Women
Women are more likely to be incarcerated than men for crimes that fall under Prop 47 Read More 10-24-2014
|
Lawyers File Amended Lawsuit on Behalf of Transgender Teen
Lawyer calls treating her like a boy in a male detention center while giving her hormone therapy is a “schizophrenic approach” Read More 10-23-2014
|
The Importance of Using Humanizing Language When Referring to People Who Use Drugs
The Drug Policy Alliance responds to the Associated Press call for suggestions for its 2015 Stylebook Read More 10-22-2014
|
An Open Letter to the Next U.S. Attorney General on How to Fix Flawed Pardons System
ProPublicaoffers sound advice that should be heeded before the new AG takes office Read More 10-21-2014
|
Inventorying Housing for Reintegrating People
Fort Worth Reentry coalition provides directory that also allows community members to rate reentry housing programs in their neighborhoods Read More 10-20-2014
|
Webinar for Those Seeking to Become a Reclaiming Futures Site
Informative session on grant opportunity to be held on October 22 Read More 10-20-2014
|
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal Announces Receipt of $6.75 Million in Grants to Help Returning Citizens Successfully Reintegrate
Governor has been a proponent of reducing recidivism through strong reentry programs and criminal justice system overhaul Read More 10-17-2014
|
In the Spotlight: Hudson County Correctional Center’s Integrity House Program is Winning the Battle against Recidivism
Integrity House annually helps 2,400 adults and adolescents fight addiction Read More 10-16-2014
|
Outrage over Tennessee Federal Prosecutor Promoting Enhanced Penalties for Woman Who Are Pregnant When They Commit a Drug Crime
Opponents of sentencing enhancement say pregnancy should never be used to increase a sentence Read More 10-15-2014
|
Funding Now Available for Two Reclaiming Future Sites
Communities selected will receive technical support Read More 10-14-2014
|
Former Warden Weighs in on His Opposition to Death Penalty
“State’s avenger” is plagued by faces of those executed on his watch Read More 10-13-2014
|
How Crisis Intervention Training Keeps the Mentally Ill Alive and Out of Jail
CIT saves the lives of the mentally ill and police officers, as well saving millions of dollars Read More 10-10-2014
|
An American Criminal Justice Horror Story
Kalief Browder was confined to Rikers Island for three years before his case was dismissed Read More 10-10-2014
|
Candid Conversations with Newly Released Men
From sex to sunflower seeds, reintegrating men open up to someone who wasn’t afraid to talk to them Read More 10-08-2014
|
One in Thirteen African Americans Have Lost Their Right to Vote
And some folks would like to keep it that way Read More 10-07-2014
|
How “Jail Banks” and the US Treasury Gave New Meaning to the Term “Bank Robber”
People in prison, and their loved ones, are gouged by a growing number of banks and businesses that thrive on mass incarceration Read More 10-06-2014
|
National Institute of Justice and Bureau of Justice Statistics Seek Data Visualization Apps
$25,000 in prize money to be divided among final winners Read More 10-03-2014
|
Charts and Maps Will Have You Questionlng the Effectiveness of America’s Criminal Justice System
Costs of incarceration, the age of people in prison, and executions have risen, and that’s only the beginning Read More 10-02-2014
|
Senior Citizens Released From Prison: Freedom or Fear?
It’s a whole new, and often scary, world for elderly returning citizens Read More 10-01-2014
|
Pro Publica: The Best Reporting on PTSD in Children Exposed to Violence
"What happens to children who have to step over dead bodies on their way to school?" Read More 09-30-2014
|
Reclaiming Futures Receives $2 Million Grant
Collaborative juvenile justice systems urged to submit proposals to Reclaiming Futures National Office in near future Read More 09-29-2014
|
Three Years after United Nation Condemns Solitary Confinement It Is Still an Ugly Part of the Rikers Island Experience
Report claims time spent in solitary confinement at Rikers is "inexcusably extreme" Read More 09-26-2014
|
Pennsylvania DOC Offers Returning Citizens Instant Access to Finding Services Across the State
Interactive map is also a useful resource for criminal justice professionals Read More 09-25-2014
|
In the Spotlight: A Formerly Incarcerated Person Speaks Out about Successful Reentry
The choices you make are yours, so think wisely, advises Starlene Patterson Read More 09-24-2014
|
Encouraging Higher Education for People with a Criminal History
Ban the Box should apply to college applications, too Read More 09-23-2014
|
In Vermont Battle to Save Residents from Heroin Addiction Replaces the “War on Drugs”
Treatment, not incarceration, is Governor Peter Shumlin’s answer to an epidemic that is destroying lives and communities Read More 09-22-2014
|
Department of Justice Gives $4.75 Million to Initiative Created to Reduce Mistrust between Law Enforcement and Communities
After disaster in Ferguson, MO tension in cities across the country grows Read More 09-19-2014
|
Three Ex-Governors, the Current New Jersey Governor, and Nancy Pelosi Walk into a Room..
No, that’s not the start of a joke but a sign that at least in NJ reentry is being taken seriously Read More 09-17-2014
|
Do Collateral Consequence Laws Have a Negative Impact on Recidivism?
It might depend on the state in which one resides Read More 09-16-2014
|
The Ill in Arizona's Privatized Prison Health System Ordered to "Be Patient or Pray"
In too many cases, neither directive worked Read More 09-15-2014
|
Sixteen Experts Comment on What Can Be Done to Eliminate Errors in the Criminal Justice System
Errors in criminal justice system rarely isolated event, new report claims Read More 09-12-2014
|
Federal Government Called On to Reclaim Leadership Role in Criminal Justice Reform for Women
Most women in prisons are incarcerated for property or drug offenses Read More 09-11-2014
|
Call for Information: Formerly Incarcerated Mothers Invited to Speak on Their Experiences
Does being incarcerated automatically diminish a woman as a mother in the eyes of the law? Read More 09-10-2014
|
New Study Shows That Earnings Improve When Criminal History Report Is Cleared
Specialized projects that help erase some types of criminal convictions spur employment for segment of population often denied jobs Read More 09-09-2014
|
Should Prisons Shift from Custodial to Self-Help Corrections Systems?
Leading expert on “addict-inmates” believes such a move would be more effective Read More 09-08-2014
|
Report Reveals How Racial Perceptions Effect Punishment Policies
Research finds racial bias can sway criminal justice practitioners and policy makers Read More 09-05-2014
|
NIJ is seeking proposals for the W.E.B. Du Bois Fellowship for Research on Race, Gender, Culture and Crime FY 2015
Up to $300,000 may become available for multiple awards under this solicitation Read More 09-04-2014
|
New Report Exposes Extensive Delays in Danbury Women’s Prison Renovations
Blumenthal, Murphy call on Bureau of Prisons to expedite transition and mitigate harm Read More 09-03-2014
|
Formerly Incarcerated Men Reveal What "Being a Man" in Prison Meant to Them
For some, aging chronologically conflicted with aging mentally and emotionally Read More 09-02-2014
|
How One Young Man Decided His Past Mistakes Wouldn't Define Him
Inspiring story illustrates how rehabilitation must be a crucial part of the juvenile justice system Read More 09-01-2014
|
Recognizing Those Who Work While Incarcerated
Prisoners are America’s invisible work force Read More 09-01-2014
|
States Spend $16 Billion Annually on Elderly People in Prison
Almost a quarter of a million people in prison are 50 or older Read More 08-29-2014
|
Tool Kit for Status Offender Reform
Guidance provided for "community-based, family-focused, and service oriented" reform Read More 08-28-2014
|
Safer Foundation Extends RFP Deadline
Seeks service providers to help improve outcomes for court-involved youth Read More 08-27-2014
|
The Dangers of Risk Assessment
Practice found to foster increase in racial disparity in criminal justice system Read More 08-26-2014
|
The Real Women of “Orange is the New Black” Find the Series Nothing to Laugh About
With all the glitter of the Emmys, the dark side of incarceration is obscured Read More 08-25-2014
|
Recommendations to Prevent Wrongful Convictions
Police as “gatekeepers” to criminal justice system can study past wrongful convictions to learn from, and not repeat, mistakes Read More 08-22-2014
|
Predicting Crime through Incarceration: The Impact of Rates of Prison Cycling On Rates of Crime in Communities
“Coercive mobility” actually increases crime in certain neighborhoods rather than deters it Read More 08-21-2014
|
Study Puts to Rest Myths Surrounding “Crack Babies”
No significant differences found in children who were exposed to crack in-utero and those in control group Read More 08-20-2014
|
Safer Foundation Seeks Non-Profit Organizations in Mid-West to Apply for Community Grants
Funds available for development of programs that help court-involved youth develop job skills Read More 08-19-2014
|
In The Spotlight: The Lord’s Place of West Palm Beach, Florida
An organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness opens its doors to formerly incarcerated men and women (and their children) Read More 08-18-2014
|
Major California Unions Endorse Proposition 47 to Reduce Incarceration
Funds spent on incarceration could be diverted to schools, drug and mental health treatment and Victims of crime Read More 08-15-2014
|
A Guide to Eleven Businesses That Hire People with a Felony
From coast-to-coast businesses and organizations are more than willing to offer a second chance Read More 08-14-2014
|
Dow Chemical Company Foundation Awards Michigan Reentry Organization $15,000
Midland Community Former Offenders Advocacy and Rehabilitation created when state-run program lost funds Read More 08-13-2014
|
In Memory of a Loving Daughter Whose Plea to Obama Fell on Deaf Ears
Begging Obama to release her mother, Chanda Garraway cited all that was wrong with harsh sentences for nonviolent first-time offenders Read More 08-12-2014
|
Science Debunks Some of the Myths Surrounding Marijuana
Less harmful than alcohol and tobacco, possession of marijuana is still a criminal offense in many places Read More 08-11-2014
|
Using Trauma Information to Help, Not Hurt, Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth
Trauma can unnecessarily lead children and youth into the child welfare or criminal justice system Read More 08-08-2014
|
NY Times: U.S. Inquiry Finds a “Culture of Violence” Against Teenage Inmates at Rikers Island
Report shows 44 percent of adolescents subjected to “use of force” incidents Read More 08-07-2014
|
In the Spotlight: New York City’s Doe Foundation
Organization helps over 1000 people a day with jobs, housing and education Read More 08-07-2014
|
Rethinking Anti-Gang Policies
Experts say “arresting the problem away” is not the way to curb gangs and violence Read More 08-06-2014
|
Eddie Ellis: An Open Letter to Our Friends on the Question of Language
Why words like “ex-con” and “inmate” should be eliminated when talking about people Read More 08-04-2014
|
Foundations to Give Two Hundred Million Dollars to Help Reduce High Rates of Racial Disparity and Incarceration among Boys and Young Men of Color
Eleven foundations join together to help the goals of My Brother’s Keeper become a reality Read More 08-01-2014
|
Fewer Prisoners, Less Crime: A Tale of Three States
Sentencing Project reports reduction of prison populations averaging 25%, while violent crimes in the states studied also dropped Read More 07-31-2014
|
"Co-optation” of Restorative Justice is a Serious Concern
Community voices often ignored by professionals, claims John Lash Read More 07-30-2014
|
In the Spotlight: The Living Harvest. Inc. of Tallahassee, Florida
New faith-based reentry program offers something most others do not Read More 07-29-2014
|
“Sometimes People Bar You from Jobs Forever Because of One Incident”
Ban the Box is making progress across America, albeit slowly Read More 07-28-2014
|
Will Drones Be Coming to a Prison Near You?
Maybe, if you live in Ohio Read More 07-25-2014
|
New Study Reveals Health Crisis of Bronx Re-Entry Populations
58% Released to Bronx from State Prisons Have Major Chronic Conditions; 38% Never Lived in the Bronx Read More 07-24-2014
|
In the Spotlight: Project Return of Nashville, Tennessee
New Reentry Central feature recognizes successful reentry programs across America Read More 07-23-2014
|
Formerly Incarcerated Black Males Asked to Share Experiences
Criminal justice reform advocate/doctoral student seeks help for research project Read More 07-22-2014
|
U.S. Sentencing Commission Clears Way for 46,000 Federal Prisoners to Apply for Shorter Sentences
Sentencing Commission vote affects only 3 percent of U.S. prisoners Read More 07-19-2014
|
Study: Blacks and Hispanics Fare Worse than Whites and Asians Charged with Same Crime
But, Vera Institute also found other factors come into play Read More 07-18-2014
|
Jane Doe Update: Transgender Teen Moved to Juvenile “Training School” for Boys
Connecticut claims Children’s Psychiatric Center “not suitable” for troubled teen after she allegedly assaulted others Read More 07-16-2014
|
Funding Available for Updating Juvenile Drug Courts
Up to eight juvenile drugs courts to receive $500,000 over three years Read More 07-16-2014
|
The Violent Treatment of Mentally Ill Inmates in New York City Jail
New York Times uncovers 129 brutal beatings in one year span at second-largest jail in America Read More 07-15-2014
|
In the Spotlight: Connecticut Reentry Program Helps Formerly Incarcerated People Hit Their “STRIDE”
Saving Connecticut $2.1 million is just one of the benefits of the STRIDE Program Read More 07-14-2014
|
Should Defense Attorneys Be Included in Criminal Justice Policy Making Decisions?
Yes, says Charles Kronzek, and he’ll tell you why Read More 07-11-2014
|
State-by-State Incarceration Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Inter-active map shows just how much Blacks, Hispanics and Native Americans are overrepresented in each state’s prisons and jails Read More 07-10-2014
|
Was Your Ancestor a Part of America’s Early Prison Population?
Digitalizing old prison records helps families to discover hidden bits of information about the not-so-illustrious past of ancestors Read More 07-09-2014
|
When Prisons Become Hospices
Photographs of elderly and dying prisoners show human beings instead of the cold statistics that define them Read More 07-08-2014
|
Incarcerated Juveniles Have Higher Death Rates after Release
Juvenile females who were locked up are 5 - 9 times more likely to die than those in the general population Read More 07-07-2014
|
Solitary Watch: New Solitary Confinement Policies in California Bring Small Changes and Raise Big Questions
Critics worry CDCR policy “will continue to authorize the prolonged solitary confinement of individuals who have been validated as prison gang affiliates” Read More 07-04-2014
|
You’ve Seen Him on Hoarders, Find Out Why Clutter Cleaner Founder is Doing His Part to Reduce Recidivism
Giving second chances comes naturally to Matt Paxton Read More 07-03-2014
|
The Meteoric Rise of Women Prisoners Since 1980
Only five states have lowered female incarceration rates in the past 24 years Read More 07-02-2014
|
Short Video Describes the Drug War’s “Worst Idea”
In four minutes Peter Wagner speaks on a fundamentally flawed law that many believe never should have been enacted Read More 07-01-2014
|
If Every State Were a Country, Which Would Be the World’s Prison Capital?
Thirty-Six states and Washington, DC have a higher rate of incarceration than Cuba Read More 06-30-2014
|
Connecticut Law Tribune: Women Who Did Time In Danbury Prison Push For Reforms
Former inmates and lawyers weigh in on how to reduce mass incarceration Read More 06-28-2014
|
Free Her: Formerly Incarcerated Women Demand an End to Mass Incarceration
Victoria Law covers movement building rally of formerly incarcerated women Read More 06-27-2014
|
How to Use Cost-Benefit Analysis to Estimate and Value Impact of Your Criminal Justice Program
CBA allows programs and policymakers to distinguish if a program is successful Read More 06-26-2014
|
Update: Transgender Teen Removed from Adult Prison
“Jane Doe” is now being treated at a juvenile psychiatric center Read More 06-25-2014
|
Preparing Yourself to Relive Memories of Life in Prison
Successful prison consultant faces the demons let loose by popular new prison series Read More 06-24-2014
|
Hepatitis C: The “New Monster” in Corrections
Depending on the prison, hepatitis C rates vary from 15 percent to 54 percent Read More 06-23-2014
|
National Facts: Mothers in Prison, Children in Crisis
Women neglected or abused as children 77 percent more likely to be arrested than those who were not neglected or abused Read More 06-20-2014
|
New Report Reveals One in Five Prisoners Released without Supervision
Florida leads the country with prisoners who max out their sentences Read More 06-19-2014
|
An Amazing Reentry Story That You Will Not Want to Miss
Written off as a “lifer,” Maryland man creates two businesses and jobs for other formerly incarcerated people Read More 06-18-2014
|
The Jaw-Dropping Prison Pipeline No One Talks About
Youths with disabilities are five times more likely to wind up in the juvenile justice system than young people in the general population Read More 06-17-2014
|
Only Men's Prison Choir to Sing Outside of Prison Walls is “Conducting Hope”
(Corrected June 18, 2014)
New film shows how prisoners and community volunteers work toward reintegration and healing Read More 06-16-2014
|
Criminal Stigma, Race, Gender and Employment
Survey of employers exposes negative stereotypes of applicants with a criminal conviction Read More 06-13-2014
|
New Tool Tracks States’ Juvenile Laws and Practices
“Justice GPS” also includes state and national statistics Read More 06-12-2014
|
“Free Her” Rally Planned For Washington, D.C.
Goal of rally is to bring attention to increased number of incarcerated women, and the effect it has on their children and communities Read More 06-11-2014
|
New Paper Explains How States Can Cut Incarceration Rates Without Compromising Public Safety
States encouraged to review “truth-in-sentencing” laws and abolish mandatory minimum sentences Read More 06-10-2014
|
The Sentencing Project’s Annual Report Packed with Valuable Research
Women in the criminal justice system, racial disparity and life sentences are some of the topics covered Read More 06-09-2014
|
Transgender Teen to Be Removed From Connecticut Adult Prison
Incarceration of teen who was not charged with a crime sparked outrage across the nation Read More 06-06-2014
|
Can America Forgive and Forget Those Caught Up in The War On Crime?
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers issues report on post-conviction collateral consequences Read More 06-05-2014
|
Three Reports on Youth in the Juvenile Justice System
Criminal patterns, explanations for offending, and prediction and risk/needs assessment discussed Read More 06-04-2014
|
Ethan Nadelmann: Time to Make America “Average” When It Comes to Incarceration Rates
Executive director of Drug Policy Alliance claims America needs to “rejoin the family of civilized nations” who keep incarceration rates low Read More 06-03-2014
|
California Releases a Record Number of Inmates with Life Sentences
One in five California ‘lifers” are eligible for parole Read More 05-30-2014
|
High Rate of Incarcerated Blacks Impedes Health Research
Dr Emily Wang writes on “The Effect of Incarceration on the Epidemiology of Heart Disease” Read More 05-29-2014
|
Gruesome Deaths of Mentally Ill Inmates and Infant Born in Solitary Confinement Cause Grave Concern
Lack of attention by corrections staff produces fatal outcome for four Read More 05-28-2014
|
How Two Women with a Passion for Criminal Justice Reform Created a Strong Recidivism Reducing Model
The Reset Foundation helps young men with a criminal background achieve an education, and their dreams Read More 05-27-2014
|
Crossfire Hosts “Outraged” at Broken Corrections System
Vera Institute and New York Times also want America to rethink its criminal justice policies Read More 05-26-2014
|
Racial Disparity of Incarcerated Juveniles: Your State’s Rating?
Interactive map allows state-by-state comparison Read More 05-23-2014
|
Report: The 2% Death Penalty: How a Minority of Counties Produce Most Death Cases at Enormous Costs to All
The Death Penalty Information Center reveals that 85% of counties haven’t executed a person in 45 years Read More 05-22-2014
|
Is Prison the Best Place to Start Curing People with Hepatitis C?
With 1.86 million incarcerated people infected with hepatitis C virus it just might be, says noted doctor Read More 05-21-2014
|
Ten Economic Facts about Crime and Incarceration
African American males without a highs school diploma have a 70 percent chance of being incarcerated Read More 05-20-2014
|
Department of Justice Seeks Applications for $4.75 Million Grant
Reducing racial bias in criminal justice system is goal of DOJ Read More 05-19-2014
|
Neighborhoods, Recidivism and Employment among Returning Prisoners
Report finds neighborhoods parolees return to are predictors of recidivism and employment outcome Read More 05-16-2014
|
Parenting Classes for Inmates Found To Reduce Recidivism
Oregon Department of Correction study shows significant drop in re-arrests for parenting skills class participants when they are released Read More 05-15-2014
|
How Behavioral Economics and Social Policy Impacts Prisoners and States
Average prisoner can face $20,000 in unpaid child support when released, leading to collateral consequences for state and former inmate Read More 05-14-2014
|
Right on Crime Policy Director Marc A. Levin Disappointed Connecticut Legislature Failed to Pass Bill That Would Review Juvenile Life Sentences
Supporters of the bill hope it will be brought up again in a special legislative session Read More 05-13-2014
|
Update: Connecticut Governor Calls for Removal of Transgender Juvenile from Adult Prison
Teen’s letter to the Governor begs him to do something quickly Read More 05-12-2014
|
Honoring a Special Kind Of Mother on Mother’s Day
Hallmark doesn’t make a Mother’s Day card for mothers of prisoners Read More 05-09-2014
|
Juvenile Victims of Violence Often Exhibit Delinquent Behavior
Study shows that girls often dissociate as a reaction to violence Read More 05-08-2014
|
Bed Bath and Beyond Agrees to Stop Automatically Disqualifying Job Applicants with a Criminal History
Retailer’s $125,000 settlement with New York includes $40,000 to job seekers unlawfully rejected due to past criminal convictions Read More 05-07-2014
|
United Nations Human Rights Office Calls for U.S. to Declare Immediate Moratorium on Executions
Bungled execution of Clayton Lockett raises disturbing questions about the drugs used and how they were administered Read More 05-06-2014
|
Real Women from the Prison “Orange is the New Black” Is Based on Call for the End of Mass Incarceration
Families for Justice as Healing sheds light on the woes women face in a criminal justice system gone mad Read More 05-05-2014
|
New Report Shows Evidence of A “Drug War Détente”
Thirty states have led the way to reforming drug policies Read More 05-02-2014
|
Breaking News: Explosion Rocks Florida Jail Killing Two
Up to 150 inmates and corrections staff injured Read More 05-01-2014
|
Massachusetts Rallies for “Jobs Not Jails”
Diverse group forms coalition to end mass incarceration by creating jobs and other support programs Read More 04-30-2014
|
The Battle to Educate the Public about the Real Consequences of Drug-Free School Zones Goes On
Critics of the zones say enhanced penalties are already on the books for selling drugs to children, and that in some cases virtually whole cities are drug-free school zones Read More 04-29-2014
|
Do Private Prisons Really Save States Money?
Evidence suggests they don’t, but Success-Oriented Funding does, so why aren’t more states implementing it? Read More 04-28-2014
|
After 17 Years in Prison Man Ordered to Be Set Free Due to Police Corruption
Judge rules police manufactured evidence Read More 04-25-2014
|
Bureau of Justice Statistics: Three in Four Former Prisoners in 30 States Arrested Within Five Years of Release
Sixteen percent of released prisoners responsible for almost half of the arrests Read More 04-24-2014
|
South Dakota Seeks Wide Spread Criminal Justice Reform, Not Just Prison Reform
Parolees rewarded with shorter parole time for everyday of good behavior Read More 04-23-2014
|
(Updated 4-24-14) Is Obama Ready to Grant Clemency to “Hundreds, Perhaps Thousands” of Nonviolent Drug Offenders?
Clinging to hope, Barbara Scrivner is just one of thousands who await the president’s decision on clemency Read More 04-21-2014
|
Study Finds Federal Prosecutors Do Not Base Their Charging Decisions on Age, Race and Gender
But, when it comes to reducing charges age, race and gender do play a part Read More 04-21-2014
|
Racial-Ethnic Fairness and Youth in the Juvenile Justice System
Juvenile Justice Information Exchange introduces new section to its Resource Hub Read More 04-18-2014
|
Does the ACA Apply to Violent Sex Offenders Held Under A Civil Commitment?
State could save millions of dollars if ACA picks up treatment costs Read More 04-17-2014
|
(Update) Transgender Juvenile in Adult Prison Tells of Her Horrific Life in Court Document
Asking for mental health treatment, not prison, teen make plea to Court Read More 04-16-2014
|
Dehumanization of Black Children Leads to Suspicion of Guilt, Study Shows
Black children often perceived as older, and therefore more responsible for their actions Read More 04-15-2014
|
Report Concludes Long Sentences May Be Counterproductive
Harsh sentences do not have significant impact on increasing public safety Read More 04-14-2014
|
Two Short Videos Drive Home What is Wrong with the Criminal Justice System
Videos pinpoint how America’s criminal justices system became the world leader in mass incarceration and racial disparity Read More 04-11-2014
|
Unsentenced Transgendered Juvenile Sent To Connecticut Adult Correctional Facility
Critics claim a newly opened secure facility for juvenile girls would have been a better destination Read More 04-10-2014
|
Four Million People with Severe Mental Illness without Health Coverage
How many of them will land in prison because states refused to expand Medicaid under the ACA? Read More 04-09-2014
|
Glenn Martin: Perhaps the Most Honest Article on Criminal Justice Reform You Will Ever Read
JusticeLeadershipUSA founder rips apart “risk assessment” tools for prisoner release decisions Read More 04-08-2014
|
Arizona House Appropriations Chairman Tries to Covertly Give Private Prison Company $900,000 in Extra Taxpayers’ Dollars
Arizona already pays GEO Group $45 million to house prisoners Read More 04-07-2014
|
Advice for Helping Formerly Incarcerated Clients Answer “The Felony Question” During a Job Interview
STRIDE teaches convicted felons the “Three R’s” of making a positive impression on a potential employer Read More 04-04-2014
|
Montgomery County, Ohio Judges Find Innovative Ways to Make the Criminal Justice System More Effective
Using Skype to reach inaccessible defendants (and judges) and creating a drug court for women can cut costs and recidivism Read More 04-03-2014
|
Juvenile Correctional Facilities’ Visiting Policies Can Effect Behavior and School Experience
Study finds less behavioral incidents and higher GPAs for juveniles receiving visits Read More 04-02-2014
|
Is It Immoral to Deny Prisoners Hepatitis C Treatment Because of The Cost?
New, highly expensive medications can wipe out the virus, but can prison budgets afford to pay for them? Read More 04-01-2014
|
Police and Other Law Enforcement Agencies Invited to Contribute to Proposed Guidebook
Planned manual will offer tools to law enforcement on building trust within communities of color Read More 03-31-2014
|
Public Health and Public Safety Collaborations Use Innovative Ideas to Prevent Crime
Fit Zones, Cure Violence Initiatives take back neighborhoods and help reduce violence Read More 03-28-2014
|
Sixty Years after Brown v. Board Jim Crow Still Exists
African-American children are three times more likely to be suspended than white children, and suspensions start in preschool Read More 03-27-2014
|
How “Destroying Government Property” Contributed to a Work of Art
You can take the artist out of the community, but you can’t keep art from being created in prison Read More 03-26-2014
|
Six Signs That Solitary Confinement Is Being Taken More Seriously
Prisoners’ voices are being heard above the cries of outrage against a deplorable behavior modification tactic Read More 03-24-2014
|
Advancing the Quality of Cost-Benefit Analysis for Justice Programs
CBA underutilized in creating criminal justice policies Read More 03-21-2014
|
Substance Abuse, Mental Health, and Juvenile Justice System All Intertwined
Conference highlights valuable lessons on saving young people from drugs and jail Read More 03-20-2014
|
The Shocking Story of How a Minor Infraction Can Keep You Trapped in the Criminal Justice System for Years
Indigent people who can’t pay small fines end up in jail owing thousands of dollars while private probation companies profit Read More 03-19-2014
|
Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Disparity in the Criminal Justice System
Collection of articles discusses variety of topics ranging from prosecution to redemption Read More 03-18-2014
|
Conservative Christians Now Getting Aboard the Criminal Justice Reform Express
It took 30 years, but a change is coming Read More 03-17-2014
|
Affordable Health Care Act: An Unexpected Prison Reform Measure?
Eligibility for mental health and substance abuse treatment seen as a way to reduce recidivism Read More 03-13-2014
|
Can Having a Probation Officer in School Reduce Recidivism?
One county says “yes,” and they say it also helps dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline Read More 03-12-2014
|
Poignant, Riveting and Informative Film on Program for Incarcerated Mothers and Their Children to be Broadcast on Television
“Wherever you are is where your child is at home” Read More 03-11-2014
|
The Often Ignored Voice of Incarcerated Women during Women’s History Month
The history of the war on drugs and mandatory minimum sentences plays a huge role in destroying the lives of many women Read More 03-10-2014
|
How Fair is Your State’s Legal System to the Poor, Disabled, and Others?
Find out with The National Center for Access to Justice’s inter-active map Read More 03-07-2014
|
Two Cities Reach Out to the Formerly Incarcerated through New Reentry Programs
New Haven and Jersey City Launch Reentry Initiatives Read More 03-06-2014
|
Do Federal Prosecutors Oppose Mandatory Minimum Reform?
Some members of The National Association of Assistant United States Attorneys believe ignoring mandatory minimum sentences in any case is wrong Read More 03-05-2014
|
Success-Oriented Funding: The Wave of Future Grants
Are we now seeing most effective way to fund criminal justice programs? Read More 03-04-2014
|
David Kerr on Whether Marijuana Should Be Legalized, or Maybe Just Decriminalized
Innovative leader on substance abuse treatment weighs in on a hot topic Read More 03-03-2014
|
Country’s First Social Impact Bond Funds Successful Rikers Island Juvenile Program
Adolescent Behavioral Learning Experience program moves to reduce recidivism among young offenders Read More 03-02-2014
|
Wireless Tablets for Prisoners Seen as an Important Management Tool
Designed for use in a correctional setting, tablet allows inmates to connect with families, while cutting costly administrative task s Read More 02-28-2014
|
Half of all Prison Suicides Occur in Solitary Confinement
Hearing on solitary confinement filled with startling revealtions (Edited 3-2-14) Read More 02-26-2014
|
Rhode Island City Sued By Citizens for Counting Prisoners as Residents
ALCU and supporters claim redistricting plan violates Constitution Read More 02-25-2014
|
Executive Director of Colorado Bureau of Prisons Experiences Solitary Confinement
Rick Raemisch sets an example for others to follow Read More 02-21-2014
|
Up to $4.6 Billion Expected to be Saved by Justice Reinvestment States
"Justice Reinvestment Initiative State Asssessment" report shows how 17 states are yielding financial benefits Read More 02-20-2014
|
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Bold Move to Reduce Recidivism
Providing college level classes in prisons throughout New York State is expected to be cost effective Read More 02-19-2014
|
Will Nebraska be the Next State to Cut Prison Costs and Reduce Recidivism?
New paper offers recommendations designed cut prison population without compromising public safety Read More 02-18-2014
|
Will a Wal-Mart in Your Community Cause Crime Rates to Rise?
Wal-Mart disputes findings of “The Wal-Mart effect” study Read More 02-17-2014
|
Ten More Facts on Women Engaged in the Criminal Justice System
Costs of jailing females and transitioning back into the community differ from male offenders Read More 02-14-2014
|
California Governor Gets a Do-Over
Court gives Gov. Jerry Brown another two years to lower inmate population Read More 02-13-2014
|
How to Keep Young People Charged with Status Offenses Out of the Juvenile Justice System
White Paper offers strategies for keeping status offenders in the community Read More 02-12-2014
|
PTSD Viewed as a Crisis in Many High Crime Neighborhoods
Those with PTSD likely to carry weapons for protection against perceived danger and not seek help for undiagnosed, but life altering, condition Read More 02-11-2014
|
Two Reports Show How States are Closing Prisons and Implementing Sentencing Reform
Tight budgets, along with “smart on crime” initiatives are helping to keep prison populations down Read More 02-10-2014
|
When a Health Issue Is Also a Human Rights Issue
James Ridgeway of Solitary Watch asserts that health professionals often ignore prison health issues Read More 02-07-2014
|
New York City Mayor Announces Stop and Frisk Law Suits Will Be Settled
City will follow reforms ordered by federal judge Read More 02-06-2014
|
Prisoners Dissect Dostoevsky and Get a Better Understanding of Their Own Lives
Prison Entrepreneurship Program uses “Crime and Punishment” as teaching tool Read More 02-05-2014
|
$15 Million to Be Awarded in School Safety Grants
Researched-focused initiatives sought Read More 02-04-2014
|
Sweeping Bi-Partisan Sentencing Reform Passed
Smarter Sentencing Act largest sentencing reform since Nixon era Read More 02-03-2014
|
$27 Million Pay For Success Initiative Targeting Reduction of Juvenile Recidivism Launched in Massachusetts
“Landmark project” is largest PPS Initiative in America Read More 01-31-2014
|
Seventy Percent of Juvenile Justice System Involved Youth Have a Mental Disorder
New white paper offers insight and solutions Read More 01-30-2014
|
“Invisible” Women in Federal Special Housing Units
Female prisoners held in federal SHUs ignored in internal audit Read More 01-29-2014
|
One Cop’s Story on How Restorative Justice Changed His Outlook on Incarceration
Restorative justice saves lives and cuts down on new crimes Read More 01-28-2014
|
New Film Seeks to Educate Public on Realities of Reentry
“Released” is a raw and powerful film that hammers home the struggles of incarceration and reentry Read More 01-27-2014
|
Can Giving Parents Living in Deep Poverty a Stipend Keep Their Children Out of the Criminal Justice System?
Casino generated stipend helps reduce psychiatric disorders and criminal behavior among poor children Read More 01-23-2014
|
David Kennedy on Why America’s Murder Rate is Dropping
Focusing on “micro hotspots” and “hot-people” proves to be highly effective in reducing violence Read More 01-22-2014
|
Public Invited to Comment on Measure to Reduce Drug Trafficking Sentences
“All drugs minus two” amendment would correct federal sentencing guideline “problems” Read More 01-21-2014
|
Reentry Services Becoming More Holistic
“Sobering realities” of reentry catalyst for improving services Read More 01-20-2014
|
Years after Exoneration "Beatrice Six" Still Seeking Justice (Updated July 12, 2016: Beatrice Six Awarded $28.1 Million)
Jury to decide if authorities conducted “reckless investigation” including ignoring DNA evidence Read More 01-16-2014
|
Omnibus Federal Spending Package Includes a $51.6 Billion Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) Appropriations Bill
Justice Center reports Second Chance Act would be funded at $67.7 million Read More 01-15-2014
|
New Technology Can Reduce Suicides in Jails and Prisons
Non-contact monitors alert corrections officers when someone is asphyxiating Read More 01-14-2014
|
Race, Gender and Arrests
Statistics show that by age 23 almost half of African-American males have been arrested Read More 01-13-2014
|
Department of Justice and Department of Education Work Together to Help End School-to-Prison Pipeline
Best practices on creating a safe, just, and equal school environment offered Read More 01-10-2014
|
Flint, Michigan Elects Convicted Felon to City Council
Hartford, CT, however, isn’t so open minded about a political appointee Read More 01-09-2014
|
Can New York City Mayor Stop the School-to-Prison Pipeline
The Nation’s Mychal Denzel Smith says yes, and he can stop over-policing and under-educating students, to boot Read More 01-08-2014
|
Will “Gideon Vouchers” Allow Indigent Defendants to Obtain Better Legal Representation?
New approach to indigent defense might halt faulty “meet and plead” deals Read More 01-07-2014
|
Complex Set of Problems Plague Senior Prisoners
Reentry back into the community also fraught with difficulties for the elderly Read More 01-06-2014
|
Study Finds 2,000 People Exonerated for Crimes They Didn’t Commit
Some of those later exonerated were sentenced to death Read More 01-03-2014
|
What We’ve Learned So Far About Social Impact Bonds
Lessons from New York City which had the first operational SIB in America Read More 01-02-2014
|
Do Offender Registries Help or Hinder Public Safety?
Offender registry laws documented in informative article by Elizabeth Pratt Read More 12-31-2013
|
Reforming Drug Free Zone Laws
Law targets poor and people of color in big cities, often ignoring white suburbanites and university students Read More 12-30-2013
|
Nation’s First State-Led Social Impact Bond Partnership Launched
Pay-for-success partnership in New York State brings public, private and social sectors together in landmark venture Read More 12-30-2013
|
Jericho Reentry Program Shares another Success Story
Helping formerly incarcerated men beat the odds is mission of Maryland organization Read More 12-27-2013
|
Bureau of Justice Statistic Releases Numbers for Total Correctional Population in U.S.
Correctional population down for fourth consecutive year, though latest decline was only 0.7 percent Read More 12-26-2013
|
Another Christmas and Still 2.3 Million Americans are Incarcerated
Again the question is asked, “By this time next year will that shameful number still stand? Read More 12-25-2013
|
U.S. Inspector General Names Top Management and Performance Challenges Facing Department of Justice in 2013
Six areas recognized as “pressing concerns,” including crisis in federal prison system Read More 12-24-2013
|
Earliest Known Memoir from African American Prisoner Dates Back to 1858
Rare manuscript sheds light on being black and incarcerated in the 19th century Read More 12-23-2013
|
Obama Commutes Sentences of Eight Prisoners Serving Time on Drug Convictions
Freedom in sight for non-violent offenders serving decades behind bars Read More 12-20-2013
|
National Institute of Justice Gives $145 Million in Awards in FY2013
350 recipients chosen for funding Read More 12-19-2013
|
A Day in the Life of a Juvenile Public Defender
Limited resources, grueling hours , and (mostly) grateful clients greet public defenders in the juvenile justice system each day Read More 12-18-2013
|
ACLU And Drug Policy Alliance: Healthcare Not Handcuffs
Affordable Health Care Act presents opportunities for criminal justice and drug policy reform Read More 12-17-2013
|
The Dannon Project: Successful Reentry Program Built from the Ashes of Grief
“Feeding Dreams” is motto of Alabama organization created by family members of murder victim Read More 12-16-2013
|
Virginia Governor Commits to Investing in Prison Reentry
Governor Bob McDonnell also seeks to expedite automatic restoration of civil rights process Read More 12-13-2013
|
Extensive Resources on Juvenile Indigent Defense Available
Two premier juvenile justice advocacy organizations help identify systemic issues and offer recommendations to fix them Read More 12-12-2013
|
Eighteen Los Angeles County Sheriffs Indicted on Civil Rights and Corruption Charges
Beatings of inmates and visitors, obstructing justice and numerous other crimes are charged Read More 12-11-2013
|
National Institute of Justice's Sentinel Events Initiative: Looking Back to Look Forward
Adapting the “learning-from-error approach” used by other entities might lessen errors in the criminal justice system Read More 12-10-2013
|
Louisiana’s Jail System Guarantees People Will Be Locked Up
Little incentive offered to struggling parishes to reduce jail populations Read More 12-09-2013
|
Why Sweden’s Prison Population is Dropping Significantly
Confident “probation service and more programs for violent offenders are a part of the reason for the decline Read More 12-06-2013
|
How Felony Disenfranchisement and Prison Gerrymandering Weakens Reform
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the war on drugs have conflicting agendas Read More 12-05-2013
|
Maine Allocates $4.5 Million to Fight Recidivism
Jails to compete for pay-for-success funds Read More 12-04-2013
|
The Negative Consequences of Extended Pretrial Detention
Pretrial detainees are 3-4 times more likely to be sent to jail or prison than those who were free pending court cases Read More 12-03-2013
|
Research Shows that "Positive" Experience in Juvenile Justice System Can Reduce Recidivism by Almost 50 Percent
“Hearing” what juvenile offenders are saying rather than just “listening” to them can produce astounding results Read More 12-02-2013
|
Organization Tries to Stop Bill That Would Lock Up 2,500 People
Project NIA clashes with Chicago Mayor over proposed mandatory minimum bill Read More 11-29-2013
|
Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Hanukkah
Reentry Central is thankful for your support Read More 11-28-2013
|
Tool Kit on Justice Reinvestment Offered for Local Leaders
Local justice reinvestment model use limited resources wisely Read More 11-27-2013
|
Will This be The Year the President Grants Freedom to More Than Two Turkeys?
Improving his dismal record of granting clemency would be a symbolic start to Obama’s pledge to reduce mass incarceration Read More 11-26-2013
|
Justice Policy Institute: Virginia Must Rebuild Its Criminal Justice System
Policy brief calls the current system “expensive, ineffective, and unfair” Read More 11-25-2013
|
Proposed Elimination of Life Sentences for Juveniles Brings Impassioned Arguments from Both Sides of the Issue
Connecticut Sentencing Commission tasked with balancing justice and redemption Read More 11-22-2013
|
The Shocking Revelations Behind Life Without Parole Sentences for Non-Violent Crimes
Drug Offenses and shoplifting can lock a person away for life Read More 11-21-2013
|
Report Offers Evaluation of Restorative Justice-Based Reentry Programs for High Risk Sex Offenders
Five Circle of Support and Accountability (COSA) program sites examined for effectiveness Read More 11-20-2013
|
Anthony Papa on When the War on Drugs Goes Way Too Far
Invasive body searches that yield no drugs are nightmares for innocent victims Read More 11-20-2013
|
Racine Reentry Programs Helps Those with a Criminal Conviction Become Law-Abiding Entrepreneurs
New program provides business courses and mentors for formerly incarcerated persons Read More 11-18-2013
|
Pope Francis: It is Easier to Punish the Small Fry, But Let the Big Fish Swim Free
Message to prison chaplains recognizes injustices in the criminal justice system Read More 11-15-2013
|
Senators Leahy and Portman Announce Bill Reauthorizing Second Chance Act
Senators say reauthorization would help break the cycle of violence and recidivism Read More 11-14-2013
|
Reentry Central Exclusive: Jennifer Hulvat on Prosecuting Juveniles as Adults
Argument raised against laws that make it easy for juveniles to be transferred to adult courts Read More 11-13-2013
|
Serving Our Country and then Serving Time
Veterans Day is over but let’s make next year’s celebration more meaningful for forgotten veterans Read More 11-12-2013
|
Prosecutor Who Put Innocent Man Behind Bars for 25 years Gets 10 Days in Jail
Former DA (who later became a judge) Ken Anderson deliberately withheld exculpatory evidence that would have cleared Michael Morton of murder Read More 11-11-2013
|
Guide Offers Resource for Reentry-Related Legal Services
Nineteen-state guide helps those with a criminal history address reentry obstacles Read More 11-08-2013
|
Privately Run Georgia Juvenile Prison with Highest Rate of Sexual Victimization in U.S. to Be Closed
Economics, not sexual victimization of youths, is the reason prison will be shuttered Read More 11-07-2013
|
Oregon County Awarded $700,000 for Reentry Program
140 newly released citizens to benefit from reentry services Read More 11-06-2013
|
Update: Federal Bureau of Prisons Will Keep Female Prisoners from Northeast at FCI-Danbury
Concerns of Senators, federal judges, child advocates and prisoners’ rights groups lead BOP to rescind transfers Read More 11-05-2013
|
How the 851 Notice Can Corrupt Justice
Defendants often feel pressured to plead guilty to avoid “trial penalty” Read More 11-04-2013
|
Senate Judiciary Committee to Hold Oversight Hearing On Bureau of Prisons
BOP Director Samuels to testify on November 6 Read More 11-01-2013
|
Should Inmate Mothers be Allowed to Provide Breast Milk to their Babies?
Studies show that breast feeding has many advantages for babies, but is rarely allowed in a correctional setting Read More 10-31-2013
|
Target Corporation Implements “Ban the Box” Policy Nationwide
Major retailer gives those with a criminal history a second chance Read More 10-30-2013
|
Christopher Varmus: The Case for “Raising the Age”
Remembering the juvenilein juvenile offenders Read More 10-29-2013
|
Eleven-Year Olds Joining Gangs
How early prevention measures and community efforts can save children from making a lifetime mistake Read More 10-28-2013
|
Experts Recommend that Judges Should Consider Collateral Consequences of Parental Incarceration
American Bar Association conference highlights damaging affects to children of incarcerated parents Read More 10-24-2013
|
What Determines an Intellectual Disability in Death Penalty Cases?
“Bright-line cutoff” of an IQ of 70 or below has many concerned Read More 10-23-2013
|
Indications of Bias against Females in White Collar Crime Sentences
Females in federal white collar crime study found to receive sentences three times higher than males with similar charges Read More 10-22-2013
|
National Survey Finds American Voters Support Sentencing and Correctional Reforms
Voters who were surveyed feel sentences for non-violent offenders are too harsh Read More 10-21-2013
|
California Governor Vetoes “Modest” Criminal Justice Reform Bill
Law would have made simple drug possession a misdemeanor, saving California millions of dollars Read More 10-18-2013
|
Legislator Introduces Bill to Allow Surgical Castration of Some Sex Offenders
At least nine states allow chemical castration, but new bill goes deeper Read More 10-17-2013
|
Activists Unite Against Transfer of Female Federal Prisoners from Danbury FCI
Senator calls Bureau of Prisons called “hardheaded” in its determination to close down the only federal prison for women in Northeast Read More 10-16-2013
|
Study Reveals Impact of Stop and Frisk Police Actions on Young People
Young people who were stopped and frisked by police are less likely to trust police, or call on them for help Read More 10-15-2013
|
Are Students of Color Targeted for Suspension in New York City Schools?
Organization claims school safety agents outnumber counselors in NYC schools Read More 10-14-2013
|
Report Documents How Racial Disparities in U.S. Criminal Justice System Violate the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Racial disparity and bias taints everything from traffic stops to capital punishment Read More 10-13-2013
|
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture Calls for U.S. to Release Prisoner Held 41 Years in Solitary Confinement
Ban on indefinite solitary confinement of others also called for Read More 10-11-2013
|
Illinois Governor Issues “Ban the Box” Order
Governor Pat Quinn cites employment as major factor in reducing recidivism, increasing public safety Read More 10-09-2013
|
Rand Paul’s Very Liberal Views on Criminal Justice Reform
Some say Paul has outdone even Democrats in calling for major reform Read More 10-08-2013
|
Democracy Imprisoned: Felony Disenfranchisement in America
2.2 million African-Americans are disenfranchised due to criminal convictions Read More 10-07-2013
|
(Updated 10-5-13) Rumors Continue to Swirl Regarding Imminent Transfer of Women Prisoners at Danbury Federal Correctional Institution
Danbury FCI is only federal prison for women in North East Read More 10-04-2013
|
Trying to Kill Their Spirit: Children in Solitary Confinement
Long term solitary confinement for juveniles is a fact of life for too many juveniles Read More 10-04-2013
|
What costs more, Four Years Tuition at Harvard or a Year at Rikers Island?
If you guessed tuition at Harvard you are wrong Read More 10-03-2013
|
(Updated 10-5-13) After 41 Years in Solitary Confinement Herman Wallace is Free
Dying of liver cancer, Wallace allowed to live his last days outside of Angola Prison Read More 10-02-2013
|
Public Defense Crisis Shakes Fresno County, California
Fresno County public defender attorneys have decreased 34 percent since 2009 while caseloads continue to rise Read More 10-01-2013
|
Formerly Incarcerated Entrepreneurs Invited to Compete for Cash Prize and Expert Advice
Prison to Prosperity Fair to hold Shark Tank-like event Read More 09-30-2013
|
Pipeline Cases to be Included in Effort to Reduce Federal Prison Population
Updated policy to apply to those who have been charged, but not yet sentenced Read More 09-27-2013
|
Worcester, Massachusetts Reaches Out to High Risk Re-Entrants
Agencies collaborate to help re-entrants get a fresh start Read More 09-26-2013
|
Alabama Department of Corrections to Stop Segregating HIV+ Inmates
Female prisoners already integrated into general population, with men to follow shortly Read More 09-25-2013
|
Michael Douglas Questions Criminal Justice System at Emmy Awards
Famed actor brings international attention to drug addiction and imprisonment Read More 09-24-2013
|
Life Sentences on the Rise
Over 10,000 prisoners serving life sentences for non-violent crimes Read More 09-23-2013
|
Council of State Governments Releases White Paper on Reducing Recidivism by Promoting Job Readiness
Shared results produce more successful outcomes Read More 09-20-2013
|
Reentry via “Reentry Central”
How being given a second chance turned my life around Read More 09-19-2013
|
Rethinking Public Sex Offender Registries
Video attempts to open dialogue on whether public registries are effective in preventing new sex crimes Read More 09-18-2013
|
How to Prevent Young People from Joining Gangs
Evidence-based prevention measures offered by top experts in public health and public safety Read More 09-17-2013
|
Six Reports on Transitions between Juvenile Delinquency and Adult Crime
Bulletins offer research on patterns, predictions, explanations, effective strategies and prevention and intervention Read More 09-16-2013
|
Urban Institute Recommends Front- and Back- End Changes to Reduce Federal Prison Growth
BOP system, as it stands today, called “unsustainable” Read More 09-13-2013
|
AFL-CIO Condemns Mass Incarceration in America
The Nation reports on why AFSCME is joining sides with prison reform advocates Read More 09-12-2013
|
Study Finds LGBT Teens Have Higher Risk of Becoming Victims of Dating Violence
LGBT teens also subjected to cyber-bullying and other forms of harassment and abuse Read More 09-11-2013
|
“States’ Innovations in Juvenile Justice” Briefing Demonstrates Effective Juvenile Justice Policy Reforms
Bi-partisan reform efforts in Connecticut, Texas and Ohio help to reduce number of youth held in the juvenile justice system Read More 09-10-2013
|
The Best Reporting on Mental Illness in Prisons
ProPublica lists eight articles you won’t want to miss Read More 09-09-2013
|
Maggie Clark: After Supreme Court Ruling, States Act on Juvenile Sentences
Pew offers interactive on which states have developed policies in compliance to Court’s ruling Read More 09-08-2013
|
California Prison Hunger Strike Suspended
Hunger strike participants vow to work to end CDCR’s harsh solitary confinement policy Read More 09-06-2013
|
People in Prison Who Have Never Used the Internet Are Asked to Describe It
How to do you explain something that didn’t exist when you were first locked up? Read More 09-05-2013
|
Campaign to Divest from Private Prisons to Begin in October
Schools, churches, cities, and others with money in private prison companies asked to divest Read More 09-04-2013
|
Best Practices for Increasing Access to SSI/SSDI upon Exiting Criminal Justice Settings
Helping reentering individuals reinstate their benefits quickly reduces homelessness and recidivism Read More 09-03-2013
|
MacArthur Foundation Expands Investment in Juvenile Justice Reform to $165 Million
Models for Change Resource Center Partnership unveiled Read More 09-02-2013
|
As Labor Day Approaches: A Look at Barriers to Employment for Those with a Criminal History
Millions of Americans eager to join labor force, if only someone will give them a second chance Read More 08-30-2013
|
CURE National’s Charles Sullivan to Address Presidential Commission on Election Administration Concerning Absentee Voting by Voters Who Are Incarcerated in Jails
Interested parties are invited to weigh in with their thoughts and suggestions Read More 08-29-2013
|
Amicus Brief Filed in Michigan “Debtors Prison” Case
Appeal filed for man sentenced to prison because he couldn’t pay court-ordered restitution Read More 08-28-2013
|
Judge Brenda Murray Urges Those Who Will Be Affected by Closing of Danbury FCI to Contact Their Senators
CURE National shares email requesting feedback Read More 08-27-2013
|
Solitary Watch Hunger Strike Update
Inmates still refusing food as threat of force-feeding looms Read More 08-26-2013
|
Study Shows New Jersey Day Reporting Centers Do Not Reduce Recidivism
Report claims NJ Day Reporting Centers are less effective and more costly than traditional parole programs Read More 08-23-2013
|
Reentry Central Special Report: Women in Danbury Federal Facilities Embrace BOP’s Efforts to Keep Them Closer to Home
Outcry over plan to transfer inmates 1,110 miles away from families spurs BOP to make some unexpected decisions Read More 08-22-2013
|
College Admissions and Criminal Background Checks
New paper details Maryland’s approach to admitting students with a criminal history Read More 08-21-2013
|
Nancy Ritter: “New Tool Will Manage Community Corrections ... and Beyond”
Statistics-based risk assessment tool can be used by probation departments in identifying those at risk to commit violent crime Read More 08-20-2013
|
Two Washington Cities Alleged to Deprive Defendants with Right to Effective Counsel
Department of Justice Enters Statement of Interest in Pending Law Suit Read More 08-19-2013
|
Federal Bureau of Prisons Suspends Transfer of Female Inmates from Connecticut to Alabama
Bureau of prisons agrees to put transfers on hold until Senators’ concerns are addressed Read More 08-15-2013
|
Faith-based Reentry Program Found to Reduce Recidivism Rate in Minnesota
Program saved $3 million by reducing recidivism 26 percent Read More 08-14-2013
|
Court Rules New York City’s “Stop and Frisk” Policy Violates Rights
Opponents claim policy targeted minorities Read More 08-13-2013
|
Attorney General Eric Holder Announces New Sentencing Policy
More sentencing discretion to be given to federal judges and prosecutors as mandatory minimum policy is updated Read More 08-12-2013
|
New York Reentry Education Network Conference Produces Strategies for Reducing Recidivism
Report from NYREN conference stresses the key role “reentry education” plays in keeping formerly incarcerated persons from going back to prison Read More 08-12-2013
|
The Justice Reinvestment Initiative: Experiences from the States
Urban Institute reports 17 states with Justice Reinvestment Initiative model can save $3.3 billion over the next decade Read More 08-09-2013
|
Most Americans are Surprised that the Largest Mental Health Facility in the Country is a a Jail
Well intentioned former President’s program to treat mentally-ill individuals outside of amental hospital backfired Read More 08-08-2013
|
Court Tells “Kids for Cash” Judge He Will Serve 28 Years in Prison
Former judge Mark Ciavarella, Jr claim sentence is too harsh Read More 08-07-2013
|
Check List Offered to Jails Regarding Inmates with Mental Health/Substance Abuse Disorders
SAMHSA forms provide centralized record for jail detainees that can be used in developing a solid reentry plan Read More 08-06-2013
|
Senators Demand Answers Regarding Federal Bureau of Prison’s Decision to Transfer Women from Danbury, CT Prison
Senators ask Director of BOP to suspend transfers until all concerns are addressed Read More 08-05-2013
|
Report on Prison Visitation Policies Spurs Reform in Some States
Fifty-State survey by Yale law students praised by scholars, researchers and policy makers Read More 08-02-2013
|
“Scared Straight” Programs Ineffective in Preventing Juvenile Crime
Experts claim such programs can be harmful to youths Read More 08-01-2013
|
Dating Violence Among Latino Adolescents
New study reveals Latino adolescents less likely to seek professional help when victimized Read More 07-31-2013
|
The Collateral Consequences of Closing Danbury’s Federal Prison for Women
A real life drama plays out in correctional setting associated with popular new Netflix series Read More 07-30-2013
|
First Casualty of California Hunger Strike Reported
Investigation called for in what officials claim was a suicide by hunger striker Read More 07-28-2013
|
Facts on Solitary Confinement
California prison hunger strike enters third week of protesting solitary confinement policy Read More 07-26-2013
|
Rhode Island Joins the Ban the Box Bandwagon
The following announcement was released by the National Employment Law Project: Read More 07-24-2013
|
“Most Rehabilitated Man in America” Speaks on Solitary Confinement and the California Hunger Strike
Journalist once imprisoned for over 40 years writes on why we should care when inmates stage a protest Read More 07-23-2013
|
Beyond the Sentence - Understanding Collateral Consequences
American Bar Association offers data base on collateral consequences Read More 07-22-2013
|
Graduate Student Seeking to Interview Women Who Were Pregnant During Incarceration
Research study hopes to shed light on unique needs and experiences of pregnant inmates Read More 07-20-2013
|
Brennan Center for Justice: What the Zimmerman Verdict Reveals About Mass Incarceration
Some experts are claiming there’s a link between the verdict and racial disparity in the criminal justice system. Read More 07-19-2013
|
Can the Results of a Brain Scan Predict Who Will Re-offend?
Low Anterior Cingulate Cortex activity thought to be an indicator of future criminal activity, neuroscientist claims Read More 07-18-2013
|
Will California Force Feed Prison Hunger Strikers?
Supporters of hunger strike hope correction officials will agree to prisoner demands before force feeding is necessary to prevent deaths Read More 07-17-2013
|
OSHA 10 Certification Classes Draws Re-entrants Seeking to Improve Their Chances of Obtaining Jobs
Couple hopes their classes will help students achieve their dreams of gainful employment Read More 07-16-2013
|
San Diego DA Works with Others to Help Formerly Incarcerated Persons Find Resources
Helping newly released inmates quickly obtain needed services can reduce recidivism Read More 07-15-2013
|
Forging the Parental Bond Between Incarcerated Teen Fathers and their Children
Thirty percent of males in juvenile detention centers have children Read More 07-12-2013
|
Fortune Society to Train Formerly Incarcerated Persons for Green Jobs
Environmental Protection Agency awards Fortune Society $200,000 to recruit, train and place re-entrants Read More 07-11-2013
|
New Accusations of Coerced Sterilizations of Female Inmates Hurled at California
State already has sordid history of practicing eugenics in the past Read More 07-10-2013
|
30,000 California Inmates Begin Hunger Strike over State’s Solitary Confinement Policy
10,000 inmates held in solitary confinement, some for two decades Read More 07-09-2013
|
An Emotional Way to Keep Young People Out of Prison
Learning to understand emotions in a supportive setting helps disconnect the school-to-prison pipeline Read More 07-08-2013
|
Females at Danbury, CT Federal Women’s Prison Told to Pack Up to Make Way for Men
Severe over-crowding in low-security male prisons forces women out Read More 07-05-2013
|
The Dirty 30: Nothing to Celebrate About Thirty Years of Corrections Corporation of America
New report claims success of private prisons is nothing to cheer about Read More 07-04-2013
|
Sean McElwee: Americans Commit Three Felonies a Day
PolicyMic uncovers what happens to them when they do Read More 07-03-2013
|
Final Statements: The Last Words of Death Row Inmates
What do those about to be executed want the world to know? Read More 07-02-2013
|
States Not Taking Advantage of Medicaid Coverage for Inmates
Millions of dollars in reimbursement lost Read More 07-01-2013
|
Scandal at Riker’s Island after Assistant Security Chief Allegedly Orders Correctional Officers to Kick Inmate’s Teeth In
Ten indicted after unprovoked attack Read More 06-28-2013
|
New Website Features Information Sharing Between Justice and Healthcare Systems
Benefits include lowering costs, better access to treatment and reduction in crimes Read More 06-27-2013
|
EEOC Files Suit Against Two Employers for Faulty Background Check Policies
BMW and Dollar General target by EEOC Read More 06-26-2013
|
Fortune Society Awarded $1.1 Million to House HIV+ Re-Entrants
HUD’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) calls need to provide stable housing for HIV+ re-entrants “critical” Read More 06-25-2013
|
New Employment Model for Low-Skill Adults Can be Adapted for Re-Entrants
WorkAdvance model offers post-employment coaching to booster success Read More 06-24-2013
|
Is Your State Designated as a “Comeback State” for Reversing High Juvenile Detention Rates?
Nine states lauded for policy revisions that keep youth out of juvenile facilities Read More 06-21-2013
|
Some States Pushing to Expedite Executions of Death Row Inmates
While other states have abolished the death penalty, North Carolina and Florida want to ramp it up Read More 06-20-2013
|
Reclaiming Futures Leadership Institute Offers Resources from Recent Workshops
Topics include youth substance abuse, and mental health Read More 06-19-2013
|
Colorado Using Telemedicine to Reduce Inmate Healthcare Costs
Some “bumps in the road” foreseen as new program is implemented Read More 06-19-2013
|
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Trauma and Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders in Detained Youth
Report suggests that witnessing violence can perpetuate cycle of violence Read More 06-17-2013
|
Michael Suede: Why We Need Prison Reform
Is the government “squandering money” to incarcerate those who commit victimless crimes, and making citizens pay for it? Read More 06-14-2013
|
Reentry, Redemption and Running for Mayor
Sundiata Keitazulu wants to deconstruct the criminal justice system and rebuild it to work effectively Read More 06-13-2013
|
Michigan Department of Corrections Receives Grant for Post-Secondary Education for Inmates
Educational and vocational programs to be offered as way to reduce recidivism Read More 06-12-2013
|
Sesame Street Introduces a New Character with Whom 2.7 Million Children Can Identify
Having an incarcerated parent affects one of every 28 children in America Read More 06-11-2013
|
Colorado Prison Review Finds Over Half of Prison Sentences Contain Errors
Hopes and dreams dashed as some released inmates are rounded up and sent back behind bars Read More 06-10-2013
|
War on Marijuana Accounted for One Arrest every 37 seconds in 2010
Of these arrests, Blacks were almost four times more likely to be charged than Whites Read More 06-07-2013
|
Which State Has the Most Incarcerated Black Males?
If you named a state in the Deep South, guess again Read More 06-06-2013
|
Faith Based Organizations are Offered Information on Reentry and Building Strong Fatherhood Programs
Webinars provide expert advice when dealing with reentrants and their families Read More 06-05-2013
|
Senator Vitter’s Amendment Spurs Call to Action Against It
Critics predict serious collateral consequences if lifetime SNAP ban is implemented Read More 06-04-2013
|
California Facing More Prison Woes
Lawyers claim mentally ill prisoners are being physically abused Read More 06-03-2013
|
Results of First Nationwide Survey on Recovery from Alcohol and Drug Abuse Published
Faces and Voices of Recovery finds that one in ten Americans is in recovery Read More 05-31-2013
|
Best Practice Standards for Employers Hiring Individuals with Criminal History
Reentry advocates and legal experts answer call by employers to determine the correct way to use background checks in hiring decisions Read More 05-30-2013
|
Nine million Americans Cycle through Jails Each Year
New toolkit offers information on jail-to-community transition Read More 05-29-2013
|
Prison or Treatment for Addiction: What is More Effective in Increasing Public Safety?
One Michigan County believes locking up addicts is the best way to increase public safety Read More 05-28-2013
|
Court Allows Florida Public Defenders to Refuse New Cases
When caseloads become “unmanageable” Miami Dade County Public Defendants are no longer obligated to help new clients Read More 05-27-2013
|
California’s Prison Realignment
Questions need to be asked, and answered Read More 05-24-2013
|
Should the Government Continue to Fund Unsuccessful Half-Way Houses?
Half-way houses are needed, but recidivism rates are shameful Read More 05-23-2013
|
Inmate Hospice Caregivers
Connecticut program teaches skills to help inmates take care of sick or dying prisoners Read More 05-22-2013
|
What Does a Woman Want?
If she’s an incarcerated mother her main goal is reuniting with her children Read More 05-21-2013
|
Blueprint for a Public Health and Safety Approach to Drug Policy
New York Academy of Medicine and the Drug Policy Alliance present research on failing policies and offer recommendations for changes Read More 05-20-2013
|
New Reentry Education Model Targets Low-Skill Inmates
Strong educational programs in correctional settings can play a major role in reducing recidivism Read More 05-17-2013
|
David Kennedy: Another Kind of Gun Control
Focusing on “hot” groups and areas are key to reducing gun violence, says noted criminologist Read More 05-16-2013
|
New Program Designed to Keep Women with Children Out of Prison
District Attorney Charles J. Hynes and the Women’s Prison Association announce a new Alternative to Incarceration program Read More 05-15-2013
|
Understanding the Costs and Benefits of Criminal Justice Policies
Vera Institute issues a new guide to better understand marginal costs Read More 05-14-2013
|
MDRC Offering Technical Assistance on Social Impact Bonds
Up to four organizations to receive technical assistance in pursuit of SIB financing Read More 05-13-2013
|
GAO: Office of National Drug Control Policy Lacks Progress in Achieving Goals
Report finds no significant reduction of illicit drug use Read More 05-10-2013
|
Latino Youth Disproportionately Represented in Juvenile Justice System
Twenty-five percent of incarcerated youth are Latino, study finds Read More 05-09-2013
|
Citizens for Criminal Justice Reform Reports That New Hampshire Parole Board is Changing for the Better
New Hampshire tries using the science of parole rather than politics in making decisions on who to release Read More 05-08-2013
|
Vera Institute Offers Guide to Becoming an Evidenced-Based Practice
Guide can be used beyond the scope of juvenile justice programs for which it was written Read More 05-07-2013
|
The Hunger Strike at Guantanamo Bay
Guantanamo's medical personnel “working around the clock” to force feed prisoners Read More 05-06-2013
|
U.S. Department of Justice Report Finds Federal Bureau of Prisons Compassionate Release Program "Poorly Managed"
Eligible inmates routinely denied release Read More 05-03-2013
|
Expanding the Vision of Social Impact Bonds
Authors of new article assert that SIBs should do much more than simply save money Read More 05-02-2013
|
Two States and Two Disturbing Stories of Inmate Health Care
California and Oklahoma facing court action Read More 05-01-2013
|
Conference Produces 16 Papers on “Closing the School Discipline Gap”
Studies examine racial disparity, economic factors, and juvenile justice issues surrounding school suspensions Read More 04-30-2013
|
Repurposing Empty Correctional Facilities to Reduce Recidivism
New York looks to use empty correctionl faciliies for reentry programs Read More 04-29-2013
|
Noted Experts Provide Crucial Research to Criminal Justice Professionals and Students
Two new books on mass incarceration and reentry provide invaluable information for those trying to understand America’s criminal justice system Read More 04-26-2013
|
The Lasting Psychological Effects of Incarceration
Mika’il DeVeaux explains “The Trauma of the Incarceration Experience” Read More 04-24-2013
|
Employment Screening Practices & Trends: the Era of Heightened Care and Diligence
Responders to an EmployeeScreenIQ survey provide hope that a past conviction may not be a barrier to employment Read More 04-23-2013
|
New Report Shows Housing Voucher Recipients Are Not the Cause of Crime
Push to promote landlords in low crime areas to accept housing vouchers aided by new study Read More 04-22-2013
|
Educating Police Officers on the Collateral Consequences of Arresting a Parent in Front of a Child
More training and written protocol is being promoted as a way to reduce childhood trauma Read More 04-19-2013
|
Ending Mass Incarceration: Charting a New Justice Reinvestment
Report shows that Justice Reinvestment has failed to live up to expectations Read More 04-18-2013
|
Do Police Officers in Schools Help or Harm Youth?
Report finds children often criminalized for minor infractions when schools have “resource officers’ on duty Read More 04-17-2013
|
Court to Governor Brown: Fix Prison System Quickly
Lack of proper mental health care and continual overcrowding brings wrath of Court upon California Read More 04-16-2013
|
When Police are Tracking a Suspect’s Cell Phone is Your Cell Phone’s Information Popping Up Too?
New device that allows police to extract cell phone information without a warrant is called invasive, though not illegal Read More 04-15-2013
|
Reducing Recidivism of Adults with Behavioral Health Needs
Report presents strategies to increase recovery and reduce recidivism Read More 04-12-2013
|
Is Redemption Possible after a Criminal Conviction?
Yes, claims a new study, but employers rarely consider it Read More 04-11-2013
|
Three Reform Measures to Revive the Right to Counsel
New Brennan Center report examines challenges faced by public defenders and offers remedies to eliminate stumbling blocks Read More 04-10-2013
|
Lessons Learned: Planning and Assessing a Law Enforcement Reentry Strategy
Local law enforcement and community reentry programs can form a partnership to reduce crime and recidivism Read More 04-09-2013
|
Formerly Incarcerated Persons to Get Health Coverage Under Affordable Care Act
Study finds death rate among reentrants over twelve times greater than for those in the general population Read More 04-08-2013
|
ProPublica: Who Polices Prosecutors Who Abuse Their Authority? Usually Nobody
Report finds guilty people freed, innocent people incarcerated and prosecutors rarely investigated or disciplined for misconduct Read More 04-05-2013
|
Changing School Culture to Reduce Violence and Aggression
Social and Emotional Learning programs can help keep young people out of the criminal justice system Read More 04-04-2013
|
Did New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly Use the City’s Stop and Frisk Policy to Intimidate Blacks and Latinos?
New York State Senator Eric Adams says “yes,” Kelly says “no” Read More 04-03-2013
|
Fifty-State Survey Focuses on Pretrial Justice
Front-end reform viewed as the path to improving criminal justice Read More 04-02-2013
|
The “Best” Wrongful Conviction Articles
ProPublica’s MuckReads highlights some of the most egregious cases of wrongful convictions Read More 04-01-2013
|
Report Finds “Barriers to Justice” for Female Domestic Violence Survivors- Defendants
After conviction survivors-defendants lose opportunities afforded other inmates Read More 03-29-2013
|
Is Your State Among Those Implementing Criminal Justice Reform?
Reducing mass incarceration is a key goal of many state governments Read More 03-28-2013
|
New Study Reveals Major Problems with Massachusetts Criminal Justice Polices
Ineffective system can cost state $2 billion in coming years Read More 03-27-2013
|
What Else Can Oklahoma Do to Bring About Effective Criminal Justice Reform?
The Oklahoma Policy Institute offers several practical suggestions Read More 03-26-2013
|
Rochester Police Chief Utilizes National Network for Safe Communities Strategy to Reduce Gang Violence
NNSC initiative is a model for law enforcement agencies across the country Read More 03-25-2013
|
Five Things Law Enforcement Executives Should Know
Sometimes the simplest rules generate the best outcome Read More 03-22-2013
|
Bi-Partisan Legislation Would Give Judges More Flexibility in Federal Sentencing
Expansion of “safety valve” would allow judges to sentence below mandatory minimums Read More 03-21-2013
|
Breaking News: Head of Colorado Department of Corrections Murdered
(Updated 3-22-2013)
Tom Clements remembered as a man who sought to find “good in any situation” Read More 03-20-2013
|
Fifty Years after Gideon v. Wainwright the Battle Goes On
Some states ignore the Court’s decision, while some lawyers can be a defendant’s worse nightmare Read More 03-19-2013
|
Denying Drug Felons Food Stamps is Counter-Productive to Successful Reentry
Children of felons, health risks and public safety are some of the collateral consequences associated with a ban on assistance Read More 03-18-2013
|
What We Know About Women Engaged in the Criminal Justice System
Male and female prisoners often have many things in common, but female inmates have issues that most men never face Read More 03-15-2013
|
Inmate Healthcare: Providing Care While Reducing Costs
Several strategies might provide solutions to the inmate health care issue Read More 03-14-2013
|
What Do Arizona, Connecticut, Louisiana, Minnesota and Tennessee have in Common?
They have reduced juvenile confinement rates by over fifty percent Read More 03-13-2013
|
Can Wrongful Convictions be Predicted and Prevented?
Several facts are indicators that a wrongful conviction may be in the works Read More 03-12-2013
|
Dr. Ashley Nellis Writes on the Inappropriateness of Life Without Parole Sentences as an Alternative to Death Penalty
Study shows 300 percent increase in life without parole sentences over 20 year period Read More 03-11-2013
|
Report Finds More Female Prisoners Than Male Inmates Are Diagnosed With a Mental Disorder
National rate for female inmates is 73 percent Read More 03-08-2013
|
User Friendly Recidivism Reduction Checklists Offered
Separate checklists created for executive and legislative policymakers, state corrections administrators, and state reentry coordinators Read More 03-07-2013
|
President Pardons 17 People
In a nation that has the highest incarceration rate in the world, that number could have been higher Read More 03-06-2013
|
Connecticut Seen as the Model for Juvenile Justice Reform (Updated 3-12-13)
State praised for re-inventing its juvenile justice policies Read More 03-05-2013
|
New York City Mayor Announces Launch of Jail-Based Reentry Program
New initiative expected to reduce recidivism by ten percent Read More 03-04-2013
|
Sentencing Project Report: The Changing Racial Dynamics of Women’s Incarceration
Incarceration rate for black women drops, while the incarceration rate for white women rises Read More 03-01-2013
|
Federal Bureau of Prisons to Lose $338 Million Under Sequestration
Reentry programs, inmates, and correctional officers will feel the sting Read More 02-28-2013
|
Connecticut Reviewing Prison Educational Programs to Better Prepare Inmates for Reentry
Reentry Counselors to be added to more state prisons in effort to reduce recidivism rates Read More 02-27-2013
|
Public Defenders Versus Appointed Attorneys: Who Comes Out on Top?
The answer may prove to be surprising to some Read More 02-25-2013
|
Being Innocent on Death Row
Justice doesn’t only mean punishment Read More 02-21-2013
|
Mary Mortenson Answers: Why A Prison Congregation?
Prison Congregations of America, Inc. believes that prisoners are a part of the community, too Read More 02-20-2013
|
DRCCP’s Glen Martin Responds to Chicago Mayor’s Demand for Increase in Sentences for Gun Crimes
"Band-Aid" approach to reducing violence won't be successful, Martin claims Read More 02-19-2013
|
Who Gets Pardoned?
Often the decision depends on the political view of a governor, rather than the merits of the application Read More 02-18-2013
|
Texas Business Organization Supports Prison Reform
Powerful organization understands that reforms necessary to save state money and help reentrants Read More 02-15-2013
|
Los Angeles Judge Shorten Sentences for Prisoners Sentenced Under California’s Three-Strikes Law
First of many hearings result in shorter sentences for five individuals Read More 02-14-2013
|
GAO Releases Report on Issues Concerning the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA)
Added e-supplement offers information from GAO’s survey of SORNA offices Read More 02-13-2013
|
Jail Post Card-Only Policy Can Be Costly in the Long Run, New Report Claims (Updated 4-26-13)
Lawsuit expected to decide if post-card only policy violates right to free speech Read More 02-12-2013
|
How New York City Reduced Mass Incarceration: A Model for Change?
Vera Institute report relates how New York City police policies had an unexpected impact on reducing prison population throughout the state Read More 02-11-2013
|
What We Know, and Are Learning, About Successful Reentry Programs
More successful reentry strategies needed, new brief states Read More 02-08-2013
|
Audit of Privately Owned Ohio Prison Finds Inmates Forced to Defecate in Plastic Bags
Corrections Corporation of America prison penalized for lack of toilets, running water, improper medical care, staff shortages and overcrowded cells Read More 02-07-2013
|
Connecticut Facing Resistance with Plan for Inmate End-of-Life Facility (Updated 2-19-13)
Opposition from townspeople and union put needed facility on hold Read More 02-06-2013
|
When the Criminal Justice System, Immigration Enforcement and Child Welfare Systems Meet
Children are the victims of the “collateral harm” that ensues Read More 02-05-2013
|
New Study Answers the Question: How Much Do Individuals on Probation or Parole Contribute to Crime?
Data gathered in “unprecedented study” of four California districts offers surprising answer Read More 02-04-2013
|
Fact Sheets Offers Sobering Look at Parents in Prison
Intervention, rather than incarceration, might have kept many families intact Read More 02-03-2013
|
Violence Prevention: Evidence-Based Practices and Community Involvement
Safe Start Center believes that understanding what causes violence can be used to prevent it Read More 01-31-2013
|
What Happens When Young People Are Held In Solitary Confinement?
Harmful effects can be more profound for youth, than for adults, study finds Read More 01-30-2013
|
The State of Sentencing 2012: Developments in Policy and Practice
Sentencing Project report shows how sentencing policy reform worked to reduce incarceration and increase public safety in 24 states Read More 01-30-2013
|
Prison Prep School
Zero-tolerance” and “tough-on-crime” policies put students in a school-to-prison pipeline Read More 01-28-2013
|
Class Action Suit Claiming Texans Were Denied the Right to Counsel for Misdemeanor Offenses Settled
Systematic and deliberate scheme” against defendants charged Read More 01-28-2013
|
Female, Fat, and Facing a Jury? Uh-Oh
New study finds that obese women are more likely to be convicted by male jurors Read More 01-24-2013
|
Richard Crane: Is It Ethical to Incarcerate People for the Sole Purpose of Making Money?
Religion & Ethics Weekly presents the moral dilemma encompassing the Louisiana prison system Read More 01-23-2013
|
Brennan Center Highlights Impact of Criminal Records on the Economy
Comments to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights focus on discrimination, and the negative impact on the economy and public safety Read More 01-22-2013
|
Developing a Mental Health Court
Free multimedia curriculum offered to those wishing to start, maintain or learn about mental health courts Read More 01-21-2013
|
South Dakota Seeking Criminal Justice Reform (Updated February 13, 2013)
Diverting hundreds of non-violent offenders to special courts is expected to save the state millions of dollars Read More 01-18-2013
|
Attorney General’s Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence Report Released
Recommendations for rethinking juvenile criminal justice system included Read More 01-17-2013
|
North Carolina Tries to Do Right for the Wrongfully Convicted
Inmates released from death row face major hurdles when reentering society Read More 01-16-2013
|
Committed a Crime? Beware of FaceCrook
New Jersey sheriff’s office gets tips from the community and inmates Read More 01-15-2013
|
Section 8 Vouchers for Gang Members?
Will the Project Longevity Initiative and Housing Authority of New Haven make good on the promise to help former gang members start over? Read More 01-14-2013
|
The Angola Prison Rodeo: Another View
What part of rehabilitation includes torturing animals? Read More 01-11-2013
|
New Report Shows DNA Testing Can Exonerate Ten Percent of Those Convicted of Sexual Assault
DNA testing eliminated between 8 and 15 percent of convicted offenders and supported exoneration in Urban Institute’s Virginia Study Read More 01-10-2013
|
Combating Gun Violence in New York City
Report identifies who is shot, and why, and offers recommendations on what can be done to reduce shootings Read More 01-09-2013
|
How Should Law Enforcement Respond to People with Mental Illness?
New report offers strategies for local police Read More 01-08-2013
|
United States Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) Seeking Comments on Criminal Background Checks
Public is invited to offer comments for consideration in creating new USCCR report on barriers to employment for those with a criminal history Read More 01-05-2013
|
Are “Recession Babies” More Likely to Enter the Criminal Justice System?
New report indicates that children of recessions in the 1980’s have a higher incidence of substance abuse issues and arrests Read More 01-04-2013
|
Understanding and Compassion: Essential Ingredients to Mental Health Reform
Paul Heroux writes on how we must rid society of the stigmas attached to mental illness if meaningful reform is to be implemented Read More 01-04-2013
|
The Prison Gerrymandering Project Asks: Is Bernie Madoff Really a Resident of Granville County School Board District 3?
The Prison Policy Initiative warns of the harm that comes with prison-based gerrymandering Read More 01-03-2013
|
The Bittersweet Victory of Patricia Spottedcrow’s Release
ACLU blog celebrates Spottedcrow’s release, but addresses ugly truths about women, drug laws, and the need for reform Read More 12-31-2012
|
California Governor Issues 79 Pardons on Christmas Eve
Most of the pardons were granted to those convicted of a drug offense decades earlier Read More 12-28-2012
|
Survey Puts Spotlight on Health Needs of Reentrants in the Bronx
Reentrants report substance abuse, mental health, HIV and Hepatitis C issues,
Health People finds Read More 12-27-2012
|
Fortune Society Conducting Survey on the Impact of HUD Regulations and Enforcement on Individuals with Criminal Records
Housing providers, corrections officials and other service providers urged to provide information Read More 12-26-2012
|
2.3 Million Americans Won’t be Singing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”
By this time next year will that shameful number still stand? Read More 12-24-2012
|
Georgia Governor Reveals Long Awaited Report on Juvenile Justice Reform
Focusing on out-of-home facilities on higher-risk, serious offenders, and stronger support for evidence-based programs highlighted Read More 12-23-2012
|
A Review of the Pardon Attorney's Reconsideration of Clarence Aaron's Petition for Clemency
Aaron sentenced to three life terms as first time offender who did not buy, sell or supply drugs Read More 12-21-2012
|
Publication Devotes Issue to Youth and the Criminal Justice System
Child Welfare Watch focuses on the progress that has been made, and suggests what else can be done Read More 12-20-2012
|
One in Eight Convicted of Federal Crimes Receive Sentence Reduction for Cooperating with Federal Authorities
USA Today reports that a cottage industry has sprung up among inmates willing to sell other inmates information to offer authorities Read More 12-19-2012
|
Racial Disparity, Judges and Prosecutors in United States v. Booker
Study claims racial disparity reduced by Booker, not increased Read More 12-18-2012
|
YES! Magazine: Four Ways to Stop Gun Violence
How can we avoid another tragedy such as the slaughter at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT? Read More 12-17-2012
|
Judiciary Panel Holds Hearing on Ending the School-to-Prison Pipeline
Powerful testimony urges legislators to stop the criminalization of school children Read More 12-14-2012
|
Federal Prison Population Increases Tenfold in Past 30 Years, and is Expected to Keep Growing, New Report Claims
High federal prison rate gobbles up 25 percent of Department of Justice budget Read More 12-13-2012
|
False Confessions: Why Do People Confess to a Crime They Did Not Commit?
Age of the confessor coupled with police tactics might be the answer Read More 12-12-2012
|
Massachusetts Supreme Court Gives Prisoners in Solitary Confinement More Protection
State DOC must provide due process to inmates kept in solitary confinement over 90 days Read More 12-11-2012
|
Closing Prisons Can Add Up to a Savings of $337 Million This Year
Prison population declines for three years in a row as a result of shuttering prisons Read More 12-10-2012
|
American Justice: Marijuana Convicts Scarred While BP Execs Untouched
Truthout asserts prisons filled with non-violent, low-level minority marijuana sellers, while perpetrators of “eco-cide” walk free Read More 12-07-2012
|
Report Shows Federal Bureau of Prisons is Not Compassionate in Granting Compassionate Release Applications
Questions arise as to why BOP is not doing more to employ a policy that is notoriously underutilized Read More 12-06-2012
|
Innovations in Financing Public Services: Social Impact Bonds (SIB), Pay-for-Performance and Return on Taxpayer Investment
Conference discusses non-traditional ways to provide capital for social programs Read More 12-05-2012
|
California Juvenile Crime Rate Plummets
Marijuana law reform considered one of several key factors in lowering youth crime rates Read More 12-04-2012
|
Advice Offered for Implementing a Call-In Between Law Enforcement, Social Service Providers, Community Leaders and Gangs
Just how do you bring all parties to the table in an effort to reduce violence? Read More 12-03-2012
|
How Can Low-Skill Inmates Improve Their Chances for Successful Reintegration into the Community?
New report provides Reentry Education Model that promotes community educational services to the incarcerated Read More 11-29-2012
|
Government Offers Almost $1 Million in Funding for Educational Programs and Job Training in Prison
Local education providers working with state correctional facilities encouraged to apply for grants Read More 11-28-2012
|
Attorney General Holder and Connecticut Governor Announce Anti-Gun Violence Initiative
Similar initiatives in several cities have been successful in reducing murders Read More 11-27-2012
|
HIV/AIDS and American Prisoners
Although rates of infection have declined among prisoners, the disease still impacts those living with HIV/AIDS behind bars Read More 11-27-2012
|
England and Wales Offer a Story of Survival in the Age of Budget Cuts for Innovative Probation Programs
Key factors for success when funds run dry are presented in new report Read More 11-26-2012
|
New Orleans, Louisiana for Life Offers Grants Totaling $500,000 to Help Reduce Murders in That City
Local non-profits urged to apply for funding targeting at-risk residents Read More 11-23-2012
|
Something to Be Thankful About: The Exoneration of the Wrongfully Convicted
California leads the nation in exonerations of the innocent Read More 11-22-2012
|
Report Outlines Stumbling Blocks in Georgia’s Effort to Reform Its Criminal Justice System
Private correctional companies under fire for failing to live up to expectations Read More 11-21-2012
|
Are U.S. Attorneys and the FBI Supporting Washington’s Marijuana Laws?
YES! Magazine claims that some feds actually are Read More 11-20-2012
|
Transition from Jail to Community Model Hailed as Promising Reentry Initiative
Nine million inmates transition back into the community annually Read More 11-19-2012
|
Rutgers Law School Programs Offer Support to Juvenile and Adult Reentrants
Programs help law students hone their skills while providing legal help to inmates and reentrants Read More 11-16-2012
|
Prison Visitation Policies: A Fifty State Survey
State-by-State guide to prison rules and regulations show that some states need to revise their policies, while, other states encourage connection between inmates, loved ones and the community Read More 11-15-2012
|
Healing a Broken System: Veterans and the War on Drugs
Much is said about honoring our veterans, but our drug policies can make them criminals Read More 11-14-2012
|
Report Provides Steps to Aid Agencies in Developing Performance Incentive Funding Programs
Rewards for reducing recidivism funneled back into community programs Read More 11-13-2012
|
Connecticut Contemplating Changes to Sentencing Laws Regarding Juveniles
Supreme Court ruling impetus for reconsideration of existing laws Read More 11-12-2012
|
Loophole in California’s “Three Strikes” Law Closed as Voters Pass Proposition 36
Voters send message that sending someone to prison for life for stealing socks should not be an option Read More 11-09-2012
|
New Brief Helps Identify Risk Factors for Recidivism
Applying resources to those with highest risk proves to be a smart choice in reducing recidivism Read More 11-08-2012
|
Voters in Two States Choose to Legalize Marijuana (Updated on 11-12))
Three states had measure on ballot Read More 11-08-2012
|
Understanding the Correlation Between Traumatic Brian Injuries and Youthful Offenders
Report from England shows inmates have higher rate of TBI than general population Read More 11-07-2012
|
Violent Crimes Committed by Youth at the Lowest Rate in Thirty Years, New Report Proclaims
Still, 1.5 million young people arrested in 2011 Read More 11-06-2012
|
Pardons, Commutations, and Early Release are Scarce Under Obama
President has a dismal record compared to past presidents Read More 11-05-2012
|
Texas Criminal Justice Coalition: Community Solutions for Youth in Trouble
Prioritizing available resources is the key for producing the most effective results Read More 11-03-2012
|
The Honorable David J. Hickton Debunks Myths Surrounding Barriers to Reentry
New program also praised for ability to help reentrants Read More 11-01-2012
|
FBI: Violent Crime Down 3.8 percent in 2011
Violent crime and property crime rates have continued to decline over the past five and nine years respectively Read More 10-31-2012
|
Guide Book Offered to Probation Departments Seeking Improvement
Recommendations from a Jefferson Parish, Louisiana review can be useful to other probation departments Read More 10-30-2012
|
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Offers Summary of Laws Regarding Collateral Consequences in Each State
Information for those seeking federal relief is also included Read More 10-29-2012
|
The Impact on Children of a Parent’s Incarceration
Daphne Baille offers a look at a problem that is plaguing our nation Read More 10-28-2012
|
Jericho Reentry Program Gives Formerly Incarcerated Men the Skills They Need to Succeed
Baltimore organization helps to put a stop to the revolving door in and out of the criminal justice system Read More 10-26-2012
|
What Reentry Services Are Available When “Legally Innocent” Prisoners Are Released from Prison?
Not many, USA Today investigation finds Read More 10-25-2012
|
Federal Judge Rules Part of Nebraska’s Sex Offender Laws Is Unconstitutional
Decision will allow registered sex offenders to use social networking sites Read More 10-25-2012
|
SAMHSA Releases Findings from 2011 Survey on Drug Use and Health
Over one quarter of adults on probation who were surveyed claimed they were using illicit drugs Read More 10-19-2012
|
Video Visiting: Do Children Benefit or Suffer?
Is visiting a parent via a video camera ever acceptable? Read More 10-18-2012
|
New Report Shows What States Are Doing to Reduce Collateral Consequences
National Employment Legal Project provides update on key pieces of states’ efforts Read More 10-17-2012
|
Database of Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction Now Available
New website offers a quick (and eye-opening) view of just what consequences are attached to which crime Read More 10-16-2012
|
Bloomberg’s Young Men’s Initiative One Year Later
Providing opportunities to deter young men of color from getting involved in the criminal justice system seems to be working Read More 10-15-2012
|
Promoting Better School Disciplinary Policies Focus of Recent CSG Justice Center Meeting
Plans to dismantle the “school-to-prison pipeline” are underway Read More 10-12-2012
|
Jeff Gerritt: The Crazy Race to Incarcerate
The call is out for Obama and Romney to address America’s mass incarceration problem Read More 10-11-2012
|
Baylor University Receives $1.3 Million Grant to Study Seminary Behind Bars Program
Rehabilitating prisoners and teaching them to be “field missionaries” at other prisons is program goal Read More 10-10-2012
|
Drew House Offers One-of-a-Kind Alternative to Incarceration Program for Moms and Kids
Keeping families intact while navigating criminal justice system is goal of promising program Read More 10-09-2012
|
Justice Mapping Center Highlights “Million Dollar Blocks”
Spending money on reentry programs instead of re-incarceration can slash budgets and improve public safety Read More 10-08-2012
|
Mass Incarceration of the Elderly is Rising Cause for Concern
Questions are raised about the necessity of insisting that old, frail, and incapacitated people die behind bars Read More 10-05-2012
|
AIDS Related Deaths Decline Among U.S. Prisoners
Federal and state prisons also see an annual three percent decline in HIV/AIDS cases from 2001 - 2010 Read More 10-04-2012
|
California Governor Bans Shackling of Pregnant Inmates During Labor and Delivery
Practice of shackling seen as a danger to mother and child Read More 10-03-2012
|
Several States Recognized for Successfully Reducing Recidivism
Bipartisan support in tackling the problem of recidivism is one reason the seven highlighted states were so successful Read More 10-02-2012
|
“New Approach” to Helping Corrections-Involved Adults with Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders
Council of State Governments offers professionals help in reducing recidivism and promoting treatment among their clients Read More 10-01-2012
|
Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services Offers Two New Reports
Focused deterrence and racial reconciliation are timely topics discussed in COPS reports Read More 09-28-2012
|
Tool Kit Offered to Fight High Cost of Prison Phone Calls
Staying connected to a loved one in prison can cripple one’s Read More 09-27-2012
|
Is It Time to Dismantle America’s Bail Bonding System?
A new report recommends a better and more just way of working with arrestees Read More 09-26-2012
|
Report Shows Shift From Prison to Community Correction Reduces Spending Without Negative Impact on Public Safety
From 2009 to 2010 greatest decrease found Read More 09-25-2012
|
Has Anything Changed in America A Year After the Execution of Troy Davis?
Davis’s death may have awakened anti-death penalty sentiments across the nation Read More 09-24-2012
|
Report Finds Nearly Half of Federal Prisoners Sentenced for Drug Offenses
Harsh drug sentences result in overcrowding and safety concerns for staff and prisoners Read More 09-21-2012
|
Bureau of Justice Statistics: Almost Four Percent of Children in the U.S. Lived in Household Where a Family Member Experienced a Violent Crime
BJS report finds numbers dropped by 68 percent since 1993 Read More 09-20-2012
|
ACLU Takes on Alabama’s Policy of Segregating HIV Positive Prisoners
Alabama Department of Corrections denies inmates with HIV rehabilitative, vocational and mental health programs Read More 09-19-2012
|
Justice Center Asking Criminal Justice and Mental Health Practitioners to Take Part in Survey
Input on “learning sites” can help future sites Read More 09-19-2012
|
New Report Shows Money Bail System is Flawed and Unfair
Each day sixty-percent of people in U.S. Jails are waiting for their cases to be resolved Read More 09-17-2012
|
Connecticut Death Row Inmates Challenge Death Penalty
Connecticut abolished the death penalty in April, but only for future murders Read More 09-14-2012
|
Former Police Chief, Now San Francisco District Attorney, Calls for Criminal Justice Reform in California
Modifying the “three strikes” law, commuting death sentences to life in prison and allowing counties to have more power to work with non-violent offenders are ideas whose time have come, says D.A. Read More 09-13-2012
|
How Will the Affordable Health Care Act Impact Prisoners and Public Safety?
Sentencing Project report claims health care for inmates would improve, recidivism rates would drop, and racial disparities will be addressed Read More 09-12-2012
|
Guide Offers Prisoners and Reentering Citizens Helpful Tips on Navigating Educational Programs and Job Opportunities
Taking charge of one’s life by setting and achieving goals is basis for new government guide Read More 09-11-2012
|
What Are The Democratic and Republican Platforms on Criminal Justice Policy?
What is omitted is as important as what is included Read More 09-10-2012
|
The Role of Supportive Housing in Reducing Recidivism
Ohio pilot program targeting high-risk reentrants found to be cost effective and to reduce reincarceration Read More 09-07-2012
|
The Brain, Addiction, and California’s “Three Strikes” Law
Huffington Post questions whether a person should be put away for life for having a brain disease Read More 09-06-2012
|
Alabama Requiring Visitors to the State’s Correctional Facilities to be Fingerprinted
Critics claim move is unnecessary Read More 09-05-2012
|
FAQ: Communities and Families Involved with the Criminal Justice System
Answers to FAQ explain what formerly incarcerated persons, their families, churches, community and reentry professionals can do to bring families together and support successful reintergration Read More 09-04-2012
|
New Study: Post-Release Employment and Recidivism Among Different Types of Offenders With A Different Level of Education
A Criminal history is not the only thing that holds reentrants back Read More 09-01-2012
|
"Self Reliant" Counties in California Show Remarkable Success in Reducing Prison Population
Santa Cruz spotlighted as role model Read More 08-31-2012
|
Regional Chapters of NAACP Support Marijuana Initiatives
Changes in laws seen as move to keep people of color out of jail Read More 08-31-2012
|
ACLU to Justice Department: Help Release Wrongfully Held Federal Inmates
Sentence enhancements wrongly applied in many cases Read More 08-29-2012
|
Survey Finds Most Americans Support Juvenile Justice Reform
Rehabilitation and treatment recommended Read More 08-28-2012
|
Why Won’t States Release the Old or Infirm From Prison?
Compassionate release policies fail to help Read More 08-27-2012
|
Connecticut Children’s Camp Devoted to Kids with an Incarcerated Relative
Being in a program with others who understand helps kids realize they are not alone Read More 08-25-2012
|
Report Shows Shocking Levels of Disenfranchisement in the U.S.
In America one out of forty adults are prohibited from voting because of a criminal history Read More 08-23-2012
|
Being Cleared of a Crime Does Not Always Mean Release from Prison or a Clean Record
Two recent cases suggest more can be done to protect the innocent Read More 08-22-2012
|
What Happens When Prosecutors Wield Too Much Power?
Justice, under such circumstances, can never be served Read More 08-22-2012
|
Ohio Moves to Reduce Collateral Consequences of a Conviction
Important legislation will remove barriers to success Read More 08-21-2012
|
Businesses Build on America’s Prison Population
Making money off of inmates is the new way to do business Read More 08-20-2012
|
Disenfranchisement Debate A Hot Topic as November Draws Near
The long, hard civil rights battle to allow people to vote seems forgotten by advocates for disenfranchisement Read More 08-20-2012
|
Broken Records: How Criminal Background Check Companies Get it Wrong and Ruin Lives
Growing background check industry is responsible for giving false information to employers Read More 08-16-2012
|
Rethinking Treatment for the “Addict Inmate”
David Kerr proposes a new way to treat incarcerated substance abusers Read More 08-15-2012
|
New York State Receives $1.13Million to Keep Juveniles Out Of Jail
Department of Justice gives grant to reduce juvenile crime and the resulting consequences Read More 08-14-2012
|
District Attorney Credited with Helping Reduce Berks County, Pennsylvania Prison Population by Thirty Percent
Alternatives to incarceration programs have remarkable results Read More 08-13-2012
|
Journalist Seeking Information on Solitary Confinement Experiences for Rolling Stone Article
Formerly incarcerated persons invited to give their thoughts on adjusting in the community after being isolated for a considerable time Read More 08-10-2012
|
New Report Details the Collateral Consequences of Solitary Confinement on Reentry
Those held in isolation are usually the least prepared for release Read More 08-10-2012
|
Riding School Opens Its (Barn) Doors to Formerly Incarcerated Persons
Iowa non-profit hopes learning new skills will enable half-way house residents to follow the right trail Read More 08-08-2012
|
New Report on Mental Health Needs of Arrestees in D.C. Released
Early identification of high-need population crucial for providing treatment Read More 08-07-2012
|
New York City The First in America to Begin Social Impact Bonds Experiment
Goldman Sachs commits $9.6 million to help programs reduce recidivism Read More 08-06-2012
|
Faith Based Mentoring Guide Offers Tips for Helping Formerly Incarcerated Persons
Studies show returning citizens fare better with support from strong role models Read More 08-04-2012
|
Former U.S. Attorney Raises Concerns about Federal Prison System
Federal Bureau of Prisons at 38 percent over capacity Read More 08-04-2012
|
Women Engaged in the Criminal Justice System: Webinar Offers Best Practices
Audio and video of best practices for women in criminal justice system Read More 08-01-2012
|
Nutrition and Reentrants: Fortune Society Finds Many Clients “Food Insecure”
Study finds a lack of money, healthy food, neighborhood grocery stores, and a stable residence has negative impact on returning citizens Read More 07-31-2012
|
San Marcos Police Department Learning How to Respond to Autistic Citizens
Training session hope to educate police about autism spectrum Read More 07-31-2012
|
Private Prison Companies Get Bigger Slice of the Pie as Number of Federal Detainees Rises to Record Level
Concerns grow over lack of transparency Read More 07-30-2012
|
South Dakota Governor Ready to Bring About Criminal Justice Reform
Study ordered to find solutions to problems in State's criminal justice system Read More 07-27-2012
|
ACLU Asks Massachusetts Governor to Reject “Deeply Flawed” Crime Bill (Updated July 29)
Mandatory sentences viewed as “unjust” Read More 07-26-2012
|
Policy Briefs on Justice Reinvestment Issued
Urban Institute offers government agencies guides to implementing successful justice reinvestment initiatives Read More 07-26-2012
|
Is Los Angeles Criminalizing School Children?
School officials vow to revisit ticketing policy after two reports reveal negative impact on children Read More 07-24-2012
|
Prompting Police Involvement in Reentry
New paper suggests that police involvement in reentry programs can keep recidivism rates down Read More 07-23-2012
|
California Allocates $190 Million for New Reentry Programs in Prisons
“Reentry Wings” to be created to provide inmates skills to succeed upon release Read More 07-20-2012
|
Helping Inmates Heal Through Art
Montgomery County, MD Department of Correction and Rehabilitation art program gives inmates a sense of accomplishment, and hope Read More 07-19-2012
|
Lutheran Organization Helps Illinois Reentrants Stay Out of Prison
Programs help keep recidivism rate below seven percent for participants Read More 07-18-2012
|
Social Impact Bonds: An Idea Whose Time Has Come in America
Reentry organizations could increase success by linking with social impact financing Read More 07-18-2012
|
Disenfranchisement: What is Your State’s Ranking?
One in every forty Americans is disenfranchised due to a felony conviction Read More 07-16-2012
|
Brennan Center Offers Advocates Advice on How to Eliminate “Debtor Prisons”
Poor individuals are often caught in a vicious cycle of returning to prison for not being able to pay criminal justice debts Read More 07-13-2012
|
Families of Prisoners Face Disrupted Lives
Children are often the collateral consequences of a parent’s conviction Read More 07-12-2012
|
Connecticut’s Prison Population Drops Again
New number “defies historical modeling” Read More 07-11-2012
|
Reentrants Involved in Educational Programs Less Likely to Recidivate
New tool kit offers suggestions on how to engage students involved in the criminal justice system Read More 07-10-2012
|
New Tool Promotes Cultural Competence in Treating American Indian Substance Misuse
Interactive Curriculum focuses on non-Euro-centric perspectives for treatment Read More 07-09-2012
|
Federal Parole: Yes, There is Such a Thing, Theoretically
Bob Walsh provides a history of federal parole that answers the question of why it is virtually non-existent today Read More 07-06-2012
|
Senator Lautenberg Calls for Bureau of Prisons to Review of NJ Federal Halfway Houses and Reentry Programs
NY Times article sparks demand for accountability in wake of escapes Read More 07-05-2012
|
Envisioning Criminal Justice Reform Twenty-Five Years from Now
Twenty-five experts project their hopes for the future Read More 07-03-2012
|
Connecticut Okays Release of Some Inmates to Nursing Home
Process is still in the works, with details being ironed out Read More 07-02-2012
|
Louisiana Earns the Dubious Distinction of Being the Prison Capital of the World
State incarcerates more people per capita than any country in the world Read More 06-29-2012
|
Iowa Governor Erects Barriers to Restoration of Voting Rights for Convicted Felons
Under Governor Branstad’s policy only 12 out of 8,000 felons now eligible to have rights restored have succeeded Read More 06-28-2012
|
Ohio Governor Signs Sweeping Criminal Reform Bill
Diverting first time offenders away from prison is gist of new law Read More 06-27-2012
|
Reducing Violent Crime—How Your Pocketbook Can Benefit
There’s another good reason for reducing crime beside the obvious Read More 06-26-2012
|
Breaking News: Supreme Court Rules Against Life Without Possibility of Parole for Juveniles Convicted of Murder
Eighth Amendment against cruel and unusual punishment cited in (divided) decision Read More 06-25-2012
|
Supreme Court Issues Ruling in Favor of "Pipeline Prisoners"
Ruling allows those sentenced for a crack cocaine offense after the FSA was passed to seek relief Read More 06-25-2012
|
The Iron Cage: Why It’s So Hard to Escape Mass Incarceration
Jonathan Simon writes on the myths surrounding half-way houses and resurrecting Willie Horton as a scare tactic Read More 06-21-2012
|
What Works in Works in Criminal Justice (and What Doesn’t)?
New government website rates programs for effectiveness Read More 06-20-2012
|
ACLU Report Details Unbridled Police Brutality in Puerto Rico
Second largest police force in the country criticized for uncontrolled abuse and excessive force Read More 06-20-2012
|
Rielle-ity Check
Ms Hunter, there is no such thing as a country club jail Read More 06-20-2012
|
The War Against the War on Drugs
Smart politicians are heeding the wishes of voters by raising the white flag of surrender in one of the most damning mistakes the government has made Read More 06-18-2012
|
U.S. Department of Labor Awards over $20.5 Million to 18 Reentry Programs
Funds given to reentry programs providing job related services Read More 06-14-2012
|
Innovative Program Gives Inmates Needed Skills to Compete in the Technology Industry
“The Last Mile” program is the first step to success for some San Quentin prisoners Read More 06-13-2012
|
American Bar Association to Young People: Think Before You Plea
The often unspoken collateral consequences of entering a guilty plea can come back to haunt years later Read More 06-12-2012
|
Social Networks, Delinquency, and Gang Memberships: New Report Follows the Link between Young Latinos and the Gang Lifestyle
How do interpersonal relationships and networks shape social interaction? Read More 06-11-2012
|
Fortune Society Offers Toolkit on Successful Transitional Housing for Individuals with a Criminal Background
Castel Gardens achieves “Triple Bottom Line” goals Read More 06-11-2012
|
Montana State University Billings Offers Unique Educational Program for Female Inmates
“Pathways to Self-Sufficiency” program gives incarcerated women the skills they need to put their best foot forward Read More 06-08-2012
|
New York Governor Calls for Standardization of Penalties for Marijuana Possession
Passage of pending bills would go far to reduce the criminalization of young people of color, advocates say Read More 06-07-2012
|
Pew Report: Length and Costs of Sentences Increased Significantly Over Past Two Decades
Florida leads reporting states with a whopping 136 percent increase in time served Read More 06-06-2012
|
New Book Revisits Some of the Darkest Days in Juvenile Justice History
Pennsylvania judges and cohorts developed “Kids for Cash” plan to fill privately owned juvenile detention centers Read More 06-04-2012
|
Racial Profiling Bill and Secure Communities Intersect
Will police fingerprint someone for a minor crime because they know the feds will run the prints to see if the person is undocumented? Read More 06-01-2012
|
New York City with 4,500,000 Incidents of "Stop and Frisk" Earns Dubious Distinction as the City with the "Most Massive Local Racial Profiling Program in the Country"
New York City’s “Stop and Frisk” Policy Under Fire For Targeting Blacks and Latinos Read More 05-31-2012
|
“The US 2.3 Million:” Perhaps the Largest Group You Never Heard of…or Considered
Where are the cameras and reporters if you aren’t a celebrity arrestee or part of a well-known activist group? Read More 05-30-2012
|
Research on Effective Reentry Programs and Practices Now Available
What Works in Reentry Clearinghouse offered by NRRC Read More 05-29-2012
|
Remembering the Fallen; Lifting up Those Who Stumble
Memorial Day should not only be about picnics and parades Read More 05-28-2012
|
Are You the Next Prisoner?
Conservative financial group suggests that you think carefully before answering Read More 05-25-2012
|
Clarence Aaron: “Poster Boy for Drug War Inequity”
Office of the Pardon Attorney under fire for failing to report vital information on Aaron’s pardon request during the Bush administration Read More 05-24-2012
|
Promising Beginnings: Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform in Key States
ACLU report describes how working together can create sound policies Read More 05-23-2012
|
National Registry of Exonerations Lists Almost 900 Individuals Found to be Innocent
Questions arise as to how many innocent people were executed for a crime they did not commit Read More 05-22-2012
|
Key Developments of the U.S. Criminal Justice System Over the Years
Colorful visual tool shows trends in Corrections in the U.S Read More 05-21-2012
|
New Study Shows Nearly One in Ten Inmates Experience Sexual Abuse and “Misconduct”
Majority of victims leave prison with feelings of guilt and shame Read More 05-18-2012
|
Can Connecticut’s New Medical Marijuana Law Be the Role Model for the Rest of the Nation?
Strict guidelines of CT law can help other states draft their own strong laws Read More 05-17-2012
|
New Colorado Housing Development Aims to Keep Homeless Out of Jail
Homeless people, many with mental health issues, often find themselves entrenched in the criminal justice system Read More 05-16-2012
|
GAO: Byrne JAG Funds Could, and Should, Be Used for Indigent Defense
Over fifty percent of grantees and public defenders surveyed were unaware that funds for indigent clients are available from the Byrne JAG Program Read More 05-16-2012
|
Children Treated as Adults in the Criminal Justice System Face Irreparable Harm
Ohio study determines public safety does not increase, but the risk of suicide rises when kids are locked up in adult prisons Read More 05-14-2012
|
Marc Maurer: How Sensationalist Imagery Can Undermine Sound Public Policy
Long after the Willie Horton ad campaign, advertisers are still desensitizing the public to the realities of prison and reentry Read More 05-11-2012
|
Mental Illness and the Incarcerated: Almost Fifty Percent of Inmates Report Symptoms
Study finds that female inmates display more symptoms of mental health issues on local, state and federal levels Read More 05-11-2012
|
Enhancing the Reentry Outcomes of Justice-Involved Women: New Resources Available for Criminal Justice Professionals
National Resource Center on Justice Involved-Women aims to improve outcome for women with criminal histories Read More 05-10-2012
|
Much Anticipated Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Updates Go into Effect in Massachusetts
Most background searches will only be allowed up until the past ten years Read More 05-08-2012
|
Childhood Disrupted: Understanding What Happens When Mommy Goes to Prison
As Mother’s day approaches, thousands of children will be celebrating alone Read More 05-07-2012
|
Self-Described “Hawk” on War on Drugs Believes Mandatory Minimums Should Apply to Kingpins Only
Former federal prosecutor claims "fairness and equity" are sidelined under current laws Read More 05-06-2012
|
Stanford University Students Help Formerly Incarcerated Women Succeed
Project ReMade teaches women how to become entrepreneurs Read More 05-05-2012
|
EPIC Resources: A How-to For People With a Criminal Justice History
Free on-line courses help formerly incatcerated persons become job-ready Read More 05-04-2012
|
Corrections Corporation of America Announces 2012 First Quarter Financial Results
Management revenue for 2012 first quarter is up from same period in 2011 Read More 05-04-2012
|
Safer Foundation Announces Support for Criminal Justice Reform in Illinois
Removing barriers to employment and granting probation instead of prison are bills under consideration Read More 04-30-2012
|
Private Prisons: Making Money by Locking People Up
Dina Rasor takes on private prisons, the war on drugs, and other issues regarding America’s fascination with incarceration Read More 04-30-2012
|
EEOC Offers Revised Guidelines for Hiring People with Criminal Records
“Forward thinking” guidance gives reentrants a fair shot in entering the labor market Read More 04-27-2012
|
Connecticut Governor Signs Bill to Repeal Death Penalty
Connecticut joins 16 states that abolished capital punishment Read More 04-27-2012
|
U.S. Jail Population Declines for Third Year in a Row
New report also reveals jails operating at their lowest capacity since 1984 Read More 04-26-2012
|
Is the End of the Epidemic of Mass Incarceration Looming on the Horizon?
Sunday Morning awakens Americans to the reality of our “Incarceration Nation” Read More 04-25-2012
|
One in Thirty-One: 7.3 Million Americans are a Part of the Corrections System
Pew Center offers ‘blueprint” to cut crime and recidivism Read More 04-24-2012
|
An American Story: Urban Poverty Surrounded by Wealth
Is mass incarceration part of the cause of these pockets of poverty? Read More 04-23-2012
|
Charles Colson, Advocate and Friend of the Incarcerated, Dies at 80
Convicted Watergate conspirator became beacon of hope for prisoners Read More 04-22-2012
|
2012 National Drug Control Strategy: Twenty-Five Billion to be Spent on Law Enforcement
Critics claim there is not much “new” in “new budget” Read More 04-21-2012
|
Saving Money and Saving Lives: The Restorative Impact of Rehabilitative Courts
Former prosecutor Jennifer Hulvat shares success stories Read More 04-17-2012
|
Improving Access to Services for Female Offenders Returning to the Community
Report finds women are often overlooked in reentry programs Read More 04-16-2012
|
Human Rights Watch Researching Compassionate Release Policy Of Federal Bureau of Prisons
Goal is to publish report with analysis and recommendations Read More 04-13-2012
|
A Silver Tide Behind Bars: The High Cost of Living and Dying in Prison
Karen Drucker exposes the harsh consequences elderly prisoners endure Read More 04-13-2012
|
Los Angeles Sherriff and ACLU Agree: Notorious Men’s Central Jail Must Be Closed
New study finds closing may lead to a major shift in criminal justice policy and practice across the nation Read More 04-12-2012
|
Urban Institute and Emory University Study: "Public Housing Transformation and Crime: Making the Case for Responsible Relocation”
Decrease in crime “less than expected” in Atlanta and Chicago Read More 04-10-2012
|
Babies Behind Bars?
Connecticut DOC Commissioner considers adding nursery to female correctional facility in effort to promote mother-child bonding Read More 04-09-2012
|
What Would Jesus Do About Drug Laws?
FAMM’s Molly M. Gill gives us a hint Read More 04-06-2012
|
Steven Yoder: Formerly Incarcerated Persons are America’s New Small Business Owners
Starting over after prison increasingly means starting a new business Read More 04-05-2012
|
Survey Finds Americans Unhappy with Incarceration Rate and Cost
Reduced prison terms and alternatives to incarceration are some changes voters want to see implemented Read More 04-03-2012
|
The Need for Reentry Agencies to “Get Real”
Should funding reentry organizations be contingent on whether they employ formerly incarcerated persons ? Read More 04-02-2012
|
Missouri House Approves Changes to Sex Offender Registry
Changes would allow for petition for removal of name from sex offender list Read More 03-30-2012
|
Could Five Million Votes Sway an Election?
Sure, but that won’t happen this year because a felony conviction will prevent millions from voting Read More 03-29-2012
|
Doe Fund Offers Guide to Hiring Qualified People with Convictions in New York
Tips on how to fairly evaluate a job applicant can be used in other states Read More 03-28-2012
|
Sweeping Changes to Criminal Record Laws About to Begin in Massachusetts
Effort to help reduce recidivism by making it easier to be considered for a job is goal of new CORI system Read More 03-27-2012
|
Pew Center Offers Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains
Majority of chaplains believe religious programs critical to rehabilitation Read More 03-26-2012
|
Florida Federal Halfway House the Scene of Violence
Gunmen shoot into building, hitting staff member Read More 03-23-2012
|
Reverend Doctor James Cook: Helping Veterans with Reentry after Prison
Former Marine helps formerly incarcerated veterans transition from incarceration into the community Read More 03-21-2012
|
The Sentencing Project: Envisioning the Next 25 Years of Reform
Criminal justice reform experts share their experience and views for the reformation of a flawed system Read More 03-21-2012
|
Study Finds Non-English Speakers in North Carolina Receive Harsher Sentences
Longer sentences handed down to those who don’t speak English Read More 03-19-2012
|
GAO Report to Congressional Requesters
Eligibility and Capacity Impact Use of Flexibilities to Reduce Inmates' Time in Prison Read More 03-19-2012
|
Targeting the Right Participants for Adult Drug Courts
National Drug Court Initiative offers fact sheet on reaching high risk and high need population Read More 03-18-2012
|
Fact Sheet Offered About Racial Disparity in the American Criminal Justice System
One in three black males face incarceration during their lifetime Read More 03-16-2012
|
Is Medical Heroin Better than Methadone in Treating Addiction?
Canadian study shows hard core addicts have more success with a medical heroin program than with methadone maintenance Read More 03-15-2012
|
Women in the American Criminal Justice System
Center for American Progress article highlights facts about women Read More 03-12-2012
|
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention: A Way to Reduce Recidivism
CBT found to help lower recidivism rate of juveniles and adults Read More 03-09-2012
|
Senator McConnell Wants Head of Bureau of Prisons to be Appointed by President
Kentucky politician wants to make BOP more accountable Read More 03-08-2012
|
Former Maryland Governor Plans Law School Clinic for Pardons
Leveling the odds” for pardons applicants goal of first-of its-kind law clinic Read More 03-07-2012
|
Florida Lawmakers Blast Department of Corrections Move to Close to Reentry Programs
Closings will cost, not save, taxpayers’ money, opponents argue Read More 03-06-2012
|
ACLU, Religious Organizations and Policy Groups Urge States Not to Succumb to CCA’s Offer to Purchase and Manage Prisons
Giant corporation seeks to gobble up more of America’s prisons Read More 03-05-2012
|
The Lives of Juvenile Lifers
Sentencing Project presents first ever survey of those serving life for an offense committed as a young person Read More 03-02-2012
|
Maryland Sees an Increase in Prison Populations
Although the state’s crime rate declined, the prison population did not Read More 03-01-2012
|
Cuyahoga County, Ohio Considering Ban the Box
Effort to aid 7,000 returning citizens spurs reform Read More 02-29-2012
|
Connecticut US Attorney’s Office Reaches Out to Young Women
Auditioning for 4 Peace film brings young people together at anti-violence event Read More 02-28-2012
|
Got Milk? How about a Criminal Justice Reform Agenda to Go Along with It?
Milk Not Jails seeks to provide alternatives to prison-based economy in upstate New York Read More 02-27-2012
|
Hampden County, MA Sherriff’s Department Aids Prisoners with Reentry
After Incarceration Support Services program connects former prisoners with community aid, with amazing results Read More 02-24-2012
|
From Prison to U.S. Probation Officer
The reentry success of Clark Porter gives hope to others Read More 02-24-2012
|
Cell-House Reentry Programs Underutilized Says Correctional Counselor
Many reentry programs in prisons perform only “perfunctory” duties Read More 02-22-2012
|
New Report Features Major Policy Reforms in 2011
Twenty-nine states cited for advancing criminal justice reform Read More 02-21-2012
|
The Education of DC Report: Education as a Public Safety Policy
Justice Policy Institute brief promotes holistic approach to reducing crime Read More 02-20-2012
|
New Jersey Taking Reentry Seriously
With pending state laws and community support, formerly incarcerated persons have a better chance of success Read More 02-17-2012
|
Neighborhood Striving for “No Entry” Rather Than Reentry
Keeping young people from being incarcerated is focus of one Connecticut community Read More 02-16-2012
|
Wisconsin Religious Leaders Set Goal to Reduce Prison Population by 11,000 by 2015
WISDOM network to launch campaign on February 20 Read More 02-15-2012
|
New Sentencing Project Report Calls Private Prisons “Too Good to be True”
Dramatic increase in the use of private prisons on a state and federal level has some concerned Read More 02-14-2012
|
Families Against Mandatory Minimums: Don’t Blame Judges for Racial Disparity
Mandatory sentencing guidelines limit judges' roles in meting out sentences Read More 02-13-2012
|
Eric Holder Announces Grants to Improve Indigent Defense Services
American Bar Association praised for its role in promoting quality defense services for indigent clients Read More 02-10-2012
|
Urban Institute Report Details Challenges of Reentry
Study sought to determine how to make reentry more successful Read More 02-09-2012
|
Scientific American Reports Brain Injuries Seven Times Greater in Prisoners
Can untreated TBI related behaviors account for high recidivism rate? Read More 02-08-2012
|
Charles Chieppo: The Solution to Reducing Recidivism
Newark’s “work first” approach to successful reentry pays off Read More 02-07-2012
|
Worcester, MA Announces Pilot Reentry Program
Community organizations will collaborate in providing services to formerly incarcerated persons Read More 02-06-2012
|
Reentry Employment Programs “Bunkers in the Storm”
Denver’s Belay Enterprises offers jobs to those getting out of prison Read More 02-05-2012
|
Fact Sheet Offers Insight Concerning Children of Incarcerated Parents
Stress, anxiety, and a sense of abandonment plague children of a parent who is behind bars Read More 02-02-2012
|
Adam Gopnik: Why do We Lock Up So Many People?
New Yorker article describes how Americans came to believe caging people is the most acceptable way to deal with crime Read More 01-31-2012
|
Human Rights Watch Reports Huge Increase in Number of Elderly Prisoners
US Prisons dubbed “old age homes behind bars” Read More 01-30-2012
|
Breast Cancer among Female Prisoners
Diagnosis and treatment often delayed with serious, if not fatal, consequences Read More 01-28-2012
|
Vera Institute: What Incarceration Costs Taxpayers
Costs outside of corrections budgets give a more accurate picture of just how much taxpayers are paying Read More 01-27-2012
|
Reentry Organizations Across the United States Band Together in Opposition of Wisconsin Senate Bill 207
Bill would permit employers to deny jobs to anyone with a felony conviction Read More 01-25-2012
|
From the Inside to the Outside: Federal Prisoners Try to Help Others Before They End up with an Eight Digit Number After Their Names
Josh Kovner reports on a unique program that opens eyes to what a criminal conviction really means Read More 01-24-2012
|
Charles Colson on Restoration of Voting Rights and Pardons
Formerly incarcerated Christian leader stands against “demonizing” those who paid their debt to society Read More 01-23-2012
|
Legal Action Committee Addresses the Legal Ramifications of Denying Medication Assisted Treatment to the Incarcerated
Denial of MAT can be considered violation of Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act Read More 01-20-2012
|
Governor Christie Calls for Treatment Not Incarceration for Substance Abusers
Bi-partisan cheers ring out in New Jersey State Assembly after Christie’s proclamation Read More 01-19-2012
|
Council for Court Excellence Report Examines Obstacles to Employment for D.C. Residents with a Criminal History
Employers fear risks of liability and negligent hiring claims, although such cases are minimal Read More 01-18-2012
|
Truthout: Stop the School-to-Prison Pipeline
Rethinking Schools stresses that curriculum and school policies must be changed to save children from being branded criminals Read More 01-17-2012
|
Criminal Background Checks by Pepsi Discriminated Against African-Americans, EEOC Finds
Company to pay $3.13 million, and offer jobs and training to settle charge of racial discrimination Read More 01-16-2012
|
New Haven, CT Mayor Offers Encouragement to Those with a Criminal History
Proposed ordinance would aid some felons in becoming entrepreneurs in a legal business Read More 01-15-2012
|
Data-Driven Justice Reinvestment Processes Responsible for “Landmark” Legislation in Ohio and North Carolina
Focusing on supervision and treatment expected to lower recidivism and reduce budget deficits Read More 01-12-2012
|
Prison Legal News Wins Big in South Carolina First Amendment Rights Case
Publication fought Berkeley County censorship of inmate reading materials Read More 01-11-2012
|
"Forever Rules” Deny Good People Success
New York Times Op Ed questions rules that bar people with criminal histories from moving forward Read More 01-10-2012
|
Georgia Special Council Report on Criminal Justice Reform Can be Used as Model for Other States
Council provides answers on what can be done to reduce state’s prison population and high recidivism rates, while increasing public safety Read More 01-09-2012
|
Bringing Together Victim Rights Advocates and Criminal Justice Reform Organizations
Paper suggests ways to bring collaboration between opposing factions Read More 01-06-2012
|
Malcolm Young: Getting Prison Numbers Down—For Good
Those battling to end mass incarceration contend with formidable foes, and numerous setbacks Read More 01-05-2012
|
Ending Racial Disparity in America’s Justice System is New Year Resolution for Many
Manual offers “best practices” for ways to undo decades of racially biased laws and thinking Read More 01-04-2012
|
International Call for Drug Law Reform Advances
Ending drug prohibition, legalization,, decriminalization, and substance abuse treatment are topics that received attention throughout the world in 2011 Read More 01-03-2012
|
Reentry Central Thanks All Those Who Have Worked Hard in 2011 to Make Positive Changes
We applaud your efforts to end mass incarceration and high recidivism rates in America Read More 01-02-2012
|
ACLU Shares Top Criminal Justice News for 2011
This year saw much progress, and some disappointment, in criminal justice reform Read More 12-30-2011
|
Paul Heroux: Jails and Prisons the New Mental Asylums
Those incarcerated multiple times often have an untreated mental illness Read More 12-29-2011
|
Government Accountability Office Issues Report Indicating Drug Courts Reduce Recidivism
Re-arrest rates for drug court participants lower than rates for general population Read More 12-28-2011
|
Americans Spend $775 per Person Annually on Employment for Corrections, Police Protection, and Judicial and Legal Services
New Report shows eight out of every 1,000 people in U.S. are employed in justice system Read More 12-27-2011
|
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza
Reentry Central wishes our readers the happiest of holidays Read More 12-24-2011
|
Poland’s Progressive Drug Law Offers Treatment Instead of Prison
New liberal politic party calls for current government to legalize “soft drugs” Read More 12-23-2011
|
Study Finds Over 30 percent of Americans Have been Arrested by Age Twenty-Three
Concerns grow that criminal records can have negative impact later in life Read More 12-22-2011
|
Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission Report: State is Failing in Successful Juvenile Reentry
Claims surface that youths’ right to due process is being denied Read More 12-21-2011
|
Turning the Corner on Mass Incarceration?
David Cole offers some insightful conclusions on where we should go from here Read More 12-20-2011
|
America’s Prison Population Finally Declines after Decades
Still, 2.3 million people remain behind bars in the U.S Read More 12-19-2011
|
Bureau of Justice Releases Latest Numbers on Deaths in Jails and Prisons
Death rate “stable” over last few years Read More 12-16-2011
|
Shedding Light on the Dark Secret of Solitary Confinement
Federal prisons use isolation to the extreme, opponents of solitary confinement assert Read More 12-15-2011
|
Wyoming City, Michigan Police Chief Wants Zoning Change to Limit Where Parolees Can Live
Formerly incarcerated persons would be relegated to industrial areas Read More 12-14-2011
|
Community-Based Study Examines Public Perceptions About Reentry
East and Central Harlem public housing residents weigh in on issues concerning housing and reintegration of formerly incarcerated persons Read More 12-13-2011
|
Racial Disparity in the United Kingdom: People of Color Face Harsher Sentences
Location of the court, and color of defendant, can have a huge impact on sentencing Read More 12-12-2011
|
Want a Presidential Pardon? It Helps If You are White -- or a Turkey
Washington Post article reports White House and Justice Department “surprised” at racial disparity of pardons Read More 12-09-2011
|
Supreme Court Takes Up Crack "Pipeline" Sentencing Cases
Decision will affect those who were convicted, but not sentenced, before the Fair Sentencing Act became effective Read More 12-08-2011
|
Fair Sentencing Act “Milestone” in U.S. and Foreign Drug Policy Reform, Report Claims
Drug and sentencing reform should be expanded beyond U.S. borders, paper asserts Read More 12-07-2011
|
ACLU Warns of Proposed Bill Allowing for Imprisonment Without Charges or Trial
Small group of legislators trying to get bill passed before Christmas Read More 12-06-2011
|
New Jersey Governor Seeks to Establish Drug Courts Throughout State
Christie proclaims that locking up non-violent drug offenders “makes no sense” Read More 12-05-2011
|
New Report on Promoting the Hiring of People with Criminal Records Highlights States’ Efforts
Creation of new laws designed to secure a better chance for formerly incarcerated persons to obtain employment Read More 12-02-2011
|
Criminalizing Children of Color: How Young People are Punished for Adolescent Behaviors
“Non-judicial drivers” unrelated to criminal behavior often lead to incarceration Read More 12-01-2011
|
Juvenile Justice Pakistani-Style
Preventing children from going to prison is a world-wide aspiration Read More 12-01-2011
|
Number of Americans on Parole or Probation Drops for Two Years in a Row
Decrease in recidivism of parolees over 10 year span also announced Read More 12-01-2011
|
Database Provides Recidivism Rates in 50 States
Studies shed light on what works in reentry programming Read More 11-28-2011
|
New Report Shows African Americans Sentenced to Higher Mandatory Minimums Terms Than Other Races
U.S. Sentencing Commission also claims mandatory minimums can be applied too broadly, severely and inconsistently Read More 11-25-2011
|
Happy Thanksgiving to Our Readers, and to Those Behind the Walls
Read More 11-24-2011
|
Oregon Governor Refuses to Execute Death Row Inmates While He Is in Office
Kitzhaber calls death penalty “a perversion of justice” Read More 11-23-2011
|
Seeking A Second Chance: Expungement of a Criminal Record Can Provide a New Beginning
New Haven, CT pardons workshop helps residents reclaim their lives Read More 11-22-2011
|
A Call to Help Veterans Before They Need Veterans Courts or Prison Reentry Services
“Invisible wounds” must be treated before veterans become involved in the criminal justice system Read More 11-21-2011
|
RAND Corporation: California Faces Challenges Meeting Health Needs of Newly Released Prisoners
Barriers prevent formerly incarcerated persons across the nation from receiving health care Read More 11-19-2011
|
School Resource Officers are a Waste of Resources, Claims New Report
Justice Policy Institute report contends that police in school can create an environment that makes learning difficult Read More 11-17-2011
|
Pregnant Prisoners: Are They Getting Proper Medical Treatment?
Lack of prenatal care and shackling during childbirth are issues that legislators need to correct now Read More 11-16-2011
|
Second Chance Programs to Receive $63 Million in Fiscal Year 2012 (Updated on 11/18/11)
Despite funding cuts reentry programs will still receive some money Read More 11-15-2011
|
Veterans-Only Dormitories in Prisons Help Veterans Get the Help They Need
Florida prisons provide innovative programs specific to issues veterans experience Read More 11-14-2011
|
Paul Heroux on Sex Offenders: Recidivism, Re-Entry Policy and Facts
Statistics show sex offenders have lowest re-arrest rate for “same category of offense” Read More 11-11-2011
|
Homelessness A Rising Problem for Newly Released Prisoners
Transition planning is a key to successful reentry, but often unavailable to prisoners Read More 11-11-2011
|
Akron Beacon Journal: Ex-Offenders Banished for Life from Some Jobs
Those with criminal histories barred from employment due to “collateral sanctions” Read More 11-09-2011
|
ACLU Report on Private Prisons Discloses Dangers and Myths
For-profit prisons found to have poorly trained staff, “atrocious” conditions, and are not as cost-effective as touted Read More 11-08-2011
|
Justice Policy Institute: Veterans Treatment Courts Help and Heal Those Who Fought for Our Country
Veterans with criminal charges are connected with programs that offer help for unique problems they face Read More 11-07-2011
|
Justice Center Offers Planning and Assessing a Law Enforcement Reentry Strategy Toolkit
Working with community organizations, law enforcement agencies can play a major role in reducing recidivism Read More 11-04-2011
|
Early Release Begins for Those Sentenced Under Old “Crack Cocaine Law”
Fair Sentencing Act praised for correcting racist law that incarcerated mostly African-Americans Read More 11-03-2011
|
Council of State Governments Justice Center and New York City Seek to Reduce High Number of Inmates with Mental Illness in City Jails
Thirty-three percent of inmates in NYC jails diagnosed with mental illness Read More 11-02-2011
|
Do Prisoners in Private Prisons Have the Right to Sue?
Today the case of inmate injured in private prison will be heard by Supreme Court Read More 11-01-2011
|
Green for All Offers Report: Best Practices for Green Reentry Strategies
Report focuses on green job opportunities for formerly incarcerated persons Read More 10-31-2011
|
Jason Davis, Poet, Activist, Gang Member, Speaks on Young People and Gangs
Keeping an open mind can help those enmeshed n the gang life-style, Davis claims Read More 10-28-2011
|
Brennan Center for Justice Examines Criminal Justice Debt
Often those who can’t pay fines or court costs go straight back to jail Read More 10-27-2011
|
Florida State University Study Shows Electronic Monitoring Can Reduce Recidivism by 31 Percent
Violations while under supervision, as well as new criminal offenses, reduced dramatically Read More 10-26-2011
|
North Carolina Opening New Medical Complex to Deal with Aging Prison Population
Cost of treating “in-house” expected to reduce DOC budget by one-third Read More 10-25-2011
|
Fortune Society Recognized by Peers as Best Reentry Organization
Philanthropedia survey of reentry experts identifies top 21 organizations in the U.S. Read More 10-24-2011
|
United Nations Calls for Ban on Solitary Confinement, Except in “Exceptional” Cases
Solitary confinement amounts to torture U.N. expert claims Read More 10-24-2011
|
Justice Policy Institute: Private Prison Population Increased by 353.7 Percent Since 1996
Two of the largest private prison companies have revenues of $2.9 billion Read More 10-24-2011
|
Senator Webb Vows to Continue Fight for Revamping Criminal Justice System
Passage of bill should have been a “no brainer,” retiring senator insists Read More 10-24-2011
|
New Report Slams Juvenile Justice System
Incarcerating kids ineffective, claims Annie E. Casey Foundation Read More 10-24-2011
|
Reentry Central Update: RAND Pulls LA Marijuana Dispensary Crime Study, Pending Review
Bowing to attacks from marijuana opponents, Rand takes report off of website Read More 10-14-2011
|
Youth Justice Programs Vary in Functions and Outcomes
Juvenile courts, probation departments, nonprofit organizations and schools seek to provide “fair and restorative” disposition to young offenders Read More 10-13-2011
|
Darnell F. Hawkins Evaluates Racial Disparities in the American Criminal Justice System
“Internal Colonialism” theory offered as one explanation of why racial disparity still exists Read More 10-12-2011
|
Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report Finds Blacks Searched More at Traffic Stops
Threats and force directed more by police at Blacks, report shows Read More 10-11-2011
|
Rand Study: The Presence of a Marijuana Dispensary in a Neighborhood Does Not Raise Crime Rate
Crime rates did rise in areas when dispensaries were shut down, study reports Read More 10-10-2011
|
New Hampshire County Jail Officilals Question Why So Many Mentally Ill Inmates Were Incarcerated
Analysis from Bureau of Justice Assistance proves to be “a slap in the face” Read More 10-10-2011
|
Correction: Recycling Lives: “Social Enterprise” Employs Newly Released Prisoners
Indianapolis electronic waste recycling business offers much needed transitional employment for those reentering Read More 10-06-2011
|
Paul Heroux on “Reducing Prison Overcrowding, Improving Justice and Preventing Crime”
Can America afford to spend $65 million for a flawed criminal justice system? Read More 10-05-2011
|
Reentry Central Update: Florida Court Puts Halt to Prison Privatization
Legislation called “unconstitutional” by judge, hailed by correctional union Read More 10-04-2011
|
Newark Community-Based Crime Prevention Program Awarded $2.1 Million Grant
Partnership between Office of Prisoner Reentry and Newark Police Department will aim to reduce violence, recidivism Read More 10-03-2011
|
Attorney General Holder Convenes Federal Reentry Council
131 Grants Awarded for Second Chance Act and Other Reentry Programs Read More 09-29-2011
|
United Kingdom Justice Secretary Asked to Make Reforms in Treatment of Female Prisoners
British citizens circulate petition to address health, bail, punitive sentencing, and children of incarcerated women Read More 09-29-2011
|
SentenceSpeak: “Trial Penalty” Makes Way into Criminal Justice Jargon
Threats of harsher sentences by prosecutors force many to plead guilty to a crime, even if they are innocent Read More 09-28-2011
|
National Symposium on Criminal Justice Issues Draws Large Crowd, and Esteemed Panelists
Think Outside the Cell: A New Day, A new Way offers suggestions, visions to end mass incarceration in America Read More 09-27-2011
|
Marc Maurer Examines Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System
Executive Director of The Sentencing Project offers recommendations for fixing a system that has been historically harsher on African-Americans Read More 09-26-2011
|
Troy Davis: “For those about to take my life, God have mercy on your souls”
Georgia executes Troy Davis despite doubt that he was guilty Read More 09-23-2011
|
Religious Leaders Support Second Chance Reauthorization Act
Clergy from eight states travel to U.S. Capitol this week to call for re-funding Read More 09-21-2011
|
Pilot Program Will Install Phones in Cells of Prisoners in England
Controversial program seeks to squash flourishing black-market mobile phone business run by inmates Read More 09-20-2011
|
Over 600,000 Thousand Supporters Around the World Seek To Halt the Execution of Troy Davis
Amnesty International claims "too much doubt" exists that Davis was killer of police officer Read More 09-19-2011
|
Stanford Criminal Justice Center Reports Incidence of Released Lifers Committing Serious Crimes to be "Minuscule"
California sees a 745 percent increase in lifer parole hearings over 30 year time span Read More 09-16-2011
|
Senate Sub-Committee Eliminates Funding for Second Chance Act Inmate Reentry
Leahy vows to work toward getting the funding restored Read More 09-15-2011
|
Report Examines Link Between Female Victims of Domestic Violence and Incarceration
Failure to protect victims beforehand often results in harsh treatment for survivor-defendants Read More 09-14-2011
|
Justice Policy Center Report Shows HUD’s HOPE IV Initiative Successful
Closing and redeveloping troublesome public housing sites found to lower crime rate Read More 09-13-2011
|
Report Finds Tribal Youth Make Up Almost Half of Juveniles in the Federal System
Tribal youth also more likely to be convicted of violent crimes Read More 09-12-2011
|
Prison Reform Forty Years After Attica
Has the criminal justice system changed since the bloodiest prison uprising in American history? Read More 09-09-2011
|
Ohio Prison Director Moving Forward Despite Recent Move Toward Privatization
Reorganization plan will bring much needed prison reform to state Read More 09-08-2011
|
Families of Inmates Forced to Pay $25 Fee to Visit Loved Ones
New law allows Arizona to levy a fee on visitors for background checks Read More 09-07-2011
|
California Corrections Budget Triples in 30 Years
Funding for state universities slashed during same time period Read More 09-06-2011
|
Australia Allows Inmates to Possess Personal Computers
Benefits of having a computer while incarcerated is acknowledged by Australian Department of Justice Read More 09-05-2011
|
U.S. Department of State Press Release Details America’s Criminal Justice Efforts in Fighting Narco-Trafficking, Offers Employment Opportunities
Hispanic National Bar Association hears about America’s partnership with Latin American countries Read More 09-02-2011
|
Michigan Prison Transition Fairs Aid Inmates Facing Reentry
Service providers go into prison to offer assistance to those about to be released Read More 09-02-2011
|
Bridgeport, CT Woman Succeeds in Helping Formerly Incarcerated Persons Succeed
Finding jobs for those with criminal convictions is just one of the things Stephanie Miller Urdang is noted for Read More 09-01-2011
|
Kennedy Center to Offer Safe Streets Art Foundation’s “Prison-to-Stage” Show on September 3, 2011
Plays written by talented prisoners featured in Kennedy Center’s “Page-to-Stage” festival Read More 08-31-2011
|
“Digital Scarlet Letter” Brands Sex-Offenders for Life
Re-examination of harsh laws suggested Read More 08-30-2011
|
Update on Amending Law for Juveniles with Life Sentences
Senator Yee vows to try again before legislation session closes in September Read More 08-27-2011
|
Sacramento Bee Editorial: Young Lifers Deserve Chance for Redemption
New Bill would allow juveniles with life sentences to petition court for rehearing after 15 years Read More 08-26-2011
|
Texas Foreign Prisoners to be Paroled -- and Deported
Savings to Texas estimated to be $100 million a year Read More 08-25-2011
|
Release of “West Memphis Three” Raises Questions about Reentry
Locked up as teens, trio faces significant reentry issues Read More 08-24-2011
|
Ruth Wilson Gilmore: More Incarceration Is Not the Answer
In California, the headlines about prisons always seem to be the same: out-of-control costs, inhumane living conditions. But it doesn’t need to be that way Read More 08-23-2011
|
Paul Heroux Answers the Question “Why Help a Convicted Felon?”
Reentry programs help more than just the formerly incarcerated Read More 08-22-2011
|
"Cost Saving” Florida Prison Privatization Not So Thrifty
Taxpayers stuck with $25 million bill Read More 08-18-2011
|
Louisiana Fighting to Correct Dismal Criminal Justice System
Many battles already won, while some are just beginning Read More 08-17-2011
|
Two Million American Children Arrested in the U.S. Each Year
New report examines collateral consequences of convictions Read More 08-17-2011
|
Study Offers Statistics on Children of Incarcerated Parents
Mass incarceration particularly harms children of color Read More 08-15-2011
|
Opening Up Minds In a Locked-UP Environment
Bard Prison Initiative offers college degrees to New York prisoners Read More 08-15-2011
|
American Civil Liberties Union Highlights Six States That are “Breaking America’s Addiction to Incarceration”
Former “tough on crime states” see increase in public safety after reduction in prison populations Read More 08-11-2011
|
Council of State Government Justice Center Offers Guide to Aid Probation Departments in Reducing Recidivism
With five million Americans under supervision, new policies and practices are a must Read More 08-10-2011
|
Project R.E.A.C.H. Director: Funding for the “War on Drugs” Must Be Redirected
Focus should be more on education, not incarceration Read More 08-09-2011
|
New Haven, CT Reentry Initiative Deserving of Praise for Adressing Important Issues
Drive, determination of small staff provides mini-miracles for returning citizens Read More 08-08-2011
|
New Report Shows States are Closing Prisons in Record Numbers
Smart on Crime” methods negate need for many state prisons Read More 08-05-2011
|
Michael Bloomberg and George Soros Put Their Money Where Their Hearts Are
New initiative aims to help young African-Americans and Latinos succeed Read More 08-04-2011
|
San Diego District Attorney’s Office Wins Prestigious Award for Successful Reentry Program
HOPE program reduces recidivism rate dramatically Read More 08-03-2011
|
Community Organizations Offer Unique Reentry Preparation Programs
Yoga? Puppies? Girl Scouts? Thinking “outside-of-the-box” brings fresh ideas to the inside Read More 08-02-2011
|
Inmate Mentors At Louisiana Penitentiary Teach Non-Violent Offenders Life, Work Skills
Unique Reentry Court program is “life-changing” for those involved Read More 08-01-2011
|
Connecticut Seeks to Change Juvenile Justice System for the Better
New laws protect children in a variety of ways Read More 07-29-2011
|
Dedicated Public Defenders Try to Work Miracles While Caseloads Pile Up and Resources Dry Up
New report claims that justice cannot be served unless changes to system are made Read More 07-28-2011
|
White Collar Criminal Defense College Set to Open
First of its kind “boot camp” program focuses on effectively defending white collar defendants Read More 07-27-2011
|
Report on Texas School System Shows Sixty Percent Suspension Rate
Low graduation rate and involvement in juvenile justice system connected to suspensions Read More 07-26-2011
|
Florida Governor Under Fire from Correctional Officers Over Decision to Privatize Prisons
Lawsuit filed as union workers get caught in the cross fire of budget cuts Read More 07-25-2011
|
Is the California Prison Hunger Strike Over?
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation agrees to make some concessions Read More 07-23-2011
|
Report on Children of Incarcerated Parents Outlines “What We Know and What We Don’t Know”
One in every 28 children in America has a parent behind bars Read More 07-22-2011
|
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to Hold Meeting on Criminal Background Checks
National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) will attend meeting to voice their view on any potential changes Read More 07-20-2011
|
Study Shows Drug Courts Work Well in Reducing Drug Use and Criminal Offenses
Encouragement of judges found “central” in success of participants Read More 07-19-2011
|
$70 million for the Second Chance Act Appropriated
First step in appropriations hurdle reached Read More 07-18-2011
|
California Hunger Strikers Call for Prison Reform
Prisoners vow to starve themselves to death if demands are not met Read More 07-17-2011
|
Community Solutions Court Unveiled in Newark
Non-violent offenders spared jail by seeking treatment, doing community service Read More 07-16-2011
|
Michigan DOC Blasted for Raising Phone Rates of Prisoners
Being able to connect with family is key component of reentry and rehabilitation, critics of rate increase claim Read More 07-14-2011
|
San Francisco Human Rights Commission Seeks to Aid Formerly Incarcerated Persons Obtain Housing
Commission seeks to place limits on background checks sought by landlords Read More 07-13-2011
|
Connecticut to Ban Porn in Prisons
Sexually explicit material deemed to cause hostile working environment Read More 07-12-2011
|
Reentry for the Notorious: Casey Anthony Faces Transition Back into the Community
But what community will have her? Read More 07-11-2011
|
Restorative Justice Maori Style
New Zealand claims first restorative justice program for juveniles Read More 07-11-2011
|
Predictive Policing: Cutting Edge Police Technology or New Tool for Racial Profiling?
The future of law enforcement may be written in algorithm Read More 07-10-2011
|
Reentry Strategy Must Begin on Day One of Sentence, Claims Hampden County (MA) Sheriff
Thirty-seven years of preparing inmates for reentry has generated excellent results in reducing recidivism Read More 07-06-2011
|
University Behind Bars Program Graduates Less Likely to Recidivate
College programs for prisoners “fly under the radar” to be able to survive Read More 07-05-2011
|
Hartford County, Maryland Announces Reentry Mediation Services
Formerly incarcerated persons offered help transitioning by innovative reentry program Read More 07-04-2011
|
Ohio to Send Low-Level Offenders to Alternatives to Incarceration Programs Under New Sentencing Reform Laws
Sentencing reform estimated to save state $46 million over four year period Read More 06-30-2011
|
Breaking News: U.S. Sentencing Committee Makes “Crack Cocaine Law” Retroactive
Sentence reductions imminent for thousands of prisoners held under unfair law Read More 06-30-2011
|
Connecticut U.S. Attorney’s Office Holds Conference on Preventing Youth Violence and Promoting Positive Youth Development
Progress discussed, future goals outlined Read More 06-29-2011
|
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder Applauds Toolkits created by The Fortune Society and John Jay College
Collaborative effort called “national model for reentry agencies” Read More 06-27-2011
|
Got Funding? DOJ Wants to Make Sure It is Spent Appropriately
Audit shows Birmingham, Alabama misused Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant money Read More 06-25-2011
|
Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Issues Report on Reentry in Europe
Prisons need to be rehabilitative and focus on reentry, report claims Read More 06-24-2011
|
Ailing Man Robs Bank to Get Healthcare in Prison
Note to teller stated he was of “sound mind, but not so much sound body” Read More 06-24-2011
|
Senators Leahy and Portman Announce Introduction of the Second Chance Act Reauthorization Bill
Bi-partisan bill seeks to reduce recidivism, lower prison costs and improve the reentry process Read More 06-23-2011
|
Formerly Incarcerated Person Sues Red Lobster For Job Discrimination
Qualified job seeker refused employment due to past criminal history Read More 06-20-2011
|
Oklahoma Federal, State and Local Agencies Collaborate on Successful Reentry and Recidivism Reduction Plan
Anti-violence initiative aims to reduce gun offenses while offering help to those coming out of prison Read More 06-20-2011
|
Psychologist Believes He Has the Solution to Ease Cost of Prison: Create Prisoner Worker Program
Suggests Donald Trump as Prisoner Worker Program Czar! Read More 06-16-2011
|
Effort to Reform “Three Strikes Law” Underway in California
Campaign hopes to change “one size fits all” law Read More 06-15-2011
|
Shima Baradaran Offers A Quick Fix to Overcrowding
Revamping pre-trial detainee system seen as solution to vexing problem Read More 06-15-2011
|
Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell Brings Supportive Reentry Programs into Prisons
Helping prisoners before release is the goal of Virginia’s Reentry Initiative Read More 06-13-2011
|
Supreme Court Rules on Unconstitutionality of Some Cross-Gender Pat Searches
Searches
New precedent in Ninth Circuit helps victims of prison sexual abuse Read More 06-10-2011
|
Physicians Claim America’s “Epidemic of Mass Incarceration” Responsible for Health Crisis Among Prisoners and Newly Released Individuals
Disturbing statistics propel physicians to seek connection between prisons and community health care providers Read More 06-10-2011
|
Doctors Suggest Ways to Change Flaws in Compassionate Release Guidelines
Standardization of guidelines would expedite release for dying inmates who pose no risk to society Read More 06-09-2011
|
Marijuana Decriminalization Law Passes in Connecticut
New law will save state money, and keep young people from having a criminal record Read More 06-08-2011
|
Connecticut Lawmakers Vote in Favor Of “Earned Credit” Bill
Inmates who prepare for release by participating in programs can get a sentence reduction of up to ten percent Read More 06-06-2011
|
Criminal Justice Reform: Not Just for Liberals Anymore
As crime rates drop, and costs rise, conservatives are supporting change Read More 06-03-2011
|
FBI Issues “Review of the FBI's Progress in Responding to the Recommendations in the OIG Report on the Fingerprint Misidentification in the Brandon Mayfield Case"
Oregon Attorney mistakenly identified as Madrid train bomber Read More 06-02-2011
|
Attorney General Asks Sentencing Commission to Make Fair Sentencing Act Retroactive
Holder claims Department of Justice is “ready to do that which is necessary to make our sentencing system fairer and more effective” Read More 06-01-2011
|
Supreme Court Orders California to Reduce Prison Population by up to 37,000 Inmates
Court decision cites “cruel and unusual punishment” in 5-4 vote Read More 05-31-2011
|
Michigan Considering Expunging Some Criminal Records
Measure seeks to help ex-offenders lead a “ normal and productive life” Read More 05-27-2011
|
Flogging: The Answer to America’s Criminal Justice System Debacle?
John Jay professor proposes a new approach that “can’t be beat” Read More 05-26-2011
|
Michigan Prosecutor: Offenders With Serious Crimes Do Not Deserve Second Chance
Michigan Prison ReEntry Initiative believes otherwise Read More 05-26-2011
|
Federal Support Court: An Idea Whose Time Has Come
Cutting back on recidivism is goal of Federal Government Read More 05-26-2011
|
Proposed Florida Program Recognizes What Formerly Incarcerated Citizens Need Most
Project 180 seeks to turn lives around Read More 05-20-2011
|
New Zealand Seeking to Overhaul Criminal Justice System
Prisons called “moral and fiscal failure“ by high-ranking government Minister Read More 05-20-2011
|
Compensating Those Wrongfully Convicted: Putting a Price Tag on Living in Hell
Complicated formula used to determine how much lost years are worth Read More 05-20-2011
|
Texas Puts Money in Program Space, Not New Prisons
Rehabilitation programs reduce recidivism rate in Lone Star State Read More 05-19-2011
|
Federal Reentry Council Addresses the Issues Surrounding Reentry
Public Safety is just one of the areas discussed Read More 05-17-2011
|
Ohio Judge Disagrees With New Move to Avoid Sentencing For Some Minor Crimes
Proposed new law would “handcuff” judges in regard to sentencing options, claims Lancaster judge Read More 05-15-2011
|
Detroit Police Chief: High Numbers of Arrests Are a Sign of Failure
Reaching citizens before they fail should be a primary goal of crime reduction Read More 05-12-2011
|
Alaska Reentry Task Force Presents Five Year Plan To Reduce Recidivism
State has one of the worst track records for repeat offenders Read More 05-11-2011
|
Michigan Sending Less Parolees Back to Prison
Small violations overlooked while focus is geared to larger reentry issues Read More 05-10-2011
|
Federal Interagency Reentry Council Commits to Improving Reentry
Council prepares to reform reentry process for millions of Americans Read More 05-06-2011
|
A Daughter’s Poignant Plea to the President: “Please Release My Mother”
Mother already served over 16 years of a 19.7 year sentence Read More 05-06-2011
|
Thesis of Wesleyan Student Focuses on Mothers of Incarcerated Children
Author brings to light a subject long ignored by scholars, the criminal justice system, and society Read More 05-05-2011
|
Connecticut Senate to Vote on Bill Which Would End Racially Disparate Sentencing
Enhanced sentencing for drug offenses committed in “school zone” result in “overkill" Read More 05-05-2011
|
Wyoming Department of Corrections Aids Inmates in Reentry
Federal grant enables expansion of services for existing program Read More 05-04-2011
|
Senate Committee Hears Testimony Concerning Employment for Veterans with Criminal Records
Supporters say veterans have “unique barriers’” to employment Read More 05-02-2011
|
Reentry Program is Under Fire for Sloppy Record Keeping
Questions arise concerning how grant money was spent Read More 05-02-2011
|
Massachusetts Jail Without Bars Has Twenty Percent Lower Recidivism Rate
Novel approach to incarceration pays off in public safety Read More 05-02-2011
|
Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency Rallies Employers to Hire Formerly Incarcerated Person
D.C. agency pulls out all stops to find jobs for clients Read More 04-28-2011
|
American Bar Association/National Institute of Justice Collaboration to Yield a State-By-State Data Collection on Criminal Conviction Collateral Consequences
Goal is to eliminate statutes that impede success in reentering Read More 04-28-2011
|
Malta Prison Volunteers Prodigal Project Helps Formerly Incarcerated Persons Find Employment
Offshoot program of the Order of Malta aids people of all faiths Read More 04-24-2011
|
Families Against Mandatory Minimums: Budget Cuts Need Not Reduce Public Safety
FAMM fact sheet shows lawmakers how it should be done Read More 04-23-2011
|
NAACP Champions Ban the Box Bill in All Fifty States
Push to get every state to implement Ban the Box law expected to get started at the end of April Read More 04-22-2011
|
Federal Judges Rally for Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 to be Retroactive
Sentencing some under old guidelines has judges upset Read More 04-21-2011
|
Looking Outside of U.S. Borders For Best Criminal Justice Practices
Report details the criminal justice policies of six countries with high criminal justice success rates Read More 04-20-2011
|
Prisons Receive Millions of Dollars in Kickbacks from Phone Call Service Providers
Exorbitant fees for calls often disconnects prisoners and their families Read More 04-18-2011
|
First Amendment Rights for Prisoners: Why Don’t Sheriffs Get It?
Prison Legal News fights for prisoner rights, again Read More 04-15-2011
|
Bureau of Justice Statistics Announces U.S. Jail Rates Lowest Since 2003
Most jail inmates are not yet convicted of a crime Read More 04-15-2011
|
Pew Center on the States Offers a Look at Recidivism in America
Despite best intentions, over one in four formerly incarcerated persons goes back to prison Read More 04-14-2011
|
Iowa Prison System: Good News/Bad News
Recidivism rates are down, but so are the number of correctional officers, as the prisons run 25% over capacity Read More 04-13-2011
|
Reentry Central Update: Is the Gun Offender Registry Act Unconstitutional?
Baltimore judge issues an opinion that indeed it is Read More 04-12-2011
|
The Impact of New Federal Health Care Laws on Formerly Incarcerated Persons
Prisoners and those transitioning into communities have a myriad of health care issues that the new laws can address Read More 04-11-2011
|
Kansas City Federal Court Program Helps High-Risk Federal Probationers
Federal reentry court's goal is to cut back on recidivism Read More 04-08-2011
|
Criminal Justice Initiative Map Highlights Reentry and Reform Organizations
State by state guide an aid to finding groups working for change Read More 04-07-2011
|
Jail: The New Reservation for Native Americans
Inside “Indian Country,” or outside, Native Americans are disproportionately incarcerated Read More 04-07-2011
|
New England: Revolutionizing Medical Marijuana Laws?
Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont at the forefront of medical marijuana reform movement Read More 04-04-2011
|
Is America Addicted to Drug Courts?
National Association of Drug Court Professionals and Justice Policy Institute have strikingly opposite views Read More 04-04-2011
|
New Haven (CT) Advocate: Giving Prisoners Time Off For Good Behavior Could Reduce Recidivism
Reducing the budget is also a benefit Read More 04-01-2011
|
Three-State Study Tracks Reentry of Male Prisoners in Three Large Cities
Reliance on family for financial support and housing increases, as optimism fades Read More 04-01-2011
|
New Head of Florida Department of Corrections Pushes for Radical Reform
Bi-partisan support gives an inkling that Florida is no longer resistant to change Read More 03-29-2011
|
Cracked Justice: New Report Details Why States Need to Reform Their Crack Cocaine Laws
Thirteen states still sentence crack cocaine offenders more harshly Read More 03-28-2011
|
Sixty-Five Million Americans with Criminal History Shunned by Employers
Major corporations are some of the most egregious discriminators Read More 03-28-2011
|
Have a Job Skill? If You Have a Criminal Conviction You Probably Will Be Banned From Employment in That Field
Skilled workers are denied job licenses despite a lack of correlation between their crime and their occupation Read More 03-28-2011
|
Ohio Reduces Juvenile Detainees 62% Over Ten Years
More reductions expected over the next year as alternatives to incarceration programs are sought for young offenders Read More 03-28-2011
|
Should the Connecticut Department of Correction Change Its Prison Library Policy?
Legislator proposes bill that would ban prisoners from reading books depicting graphic violence Read More 03-28-2011
|
Oklahoma House Passes Major Prison Reform Bill
Sentencing policy would be changed, as well as the Governor’s role in parole Read More 03-21-2011
|
Marc Maurer Addresses the U.S. Sentencing Committee
Executive Director of The Sentencing Project calls for the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 to be retroactive Read More 03-21-2011
|
Pre-trial Detention Has Major Consequences
Soros report calls for the re-examination of pre-trial detention policies Read More 03-21-2011
|
Safer Foundation President Addresses the House Appropriations Committee
Diane Williams presents models for alternatives to incarceration, and development of diversion programs Read More 03-21-2011
|
New Study Finds Racial Disparity in Washington State’s Criminal Justice System
Facially neutral” policies designed to ensure equality fall short of goal Read More 03-21-2011
|
Former Prosecutor Believes Judges Should Know the Cost of Incarceration Before Sentencing
Missouri formula shows the cost of various sentencing options, and the presumable recidivism rate connected with each Read More 03-07-2011
|
Legal Action Center Issues Toolkit for Obtaining JAG Funds
Online website helps service providers seeking grants Read More 03-04-2011
|
Michael Pinard: Collateral Consequences of the U.S. Criminal Justice System
Tough on Crime” laws did not take into account possible problems in the future Read More 03-03-2011
|
Prison Legal News Settles With Texas Sheriff Who Banned Books and Magazines in Jail
Lawsuit focused on violation of First Amendment rights Read More 03-03-2011
|
Justice Policy Institute Raises Concerns Over President’s FY 2012 Criminal Justice Budget
Fact sheet shows waste of time, effort and money in criminal justice reform efforts Read More 02-28-2011
|
Sending Prisoners Hundreds of Miles From Home Has Negative Impact On Families, and Recidivism
D.C. Study applies to other areas in terms of importance of family contact Read More 02-28-2011
|
Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center Brings together Federal Agencies, Reentry Groups, Formerly Incarcerated Persons, Victims and Others to Find Best Practices for Reentry
U.S. Department of Justice set to make reentry a “priority” Read More 02-23-2011
|
Connecticut Governor Joins Other States Seeking Criminal Justice Reform
The use of house arrest for nonviolent law-breakers and earned risk-reduction credit for inmates could save state millions Read More 02-21-2011
|
Sentencing Project Report Looks at the Efforts of Twenty - Three States to Examine Sentencing Policies
Ways to eliminate costly incarceration costs create suggestions for policy changes Read More 02-21-2011
|
Public Asked to Offer Comments on Prison Rape Elimination Act Standards
Reentry Groups are asked to join other organizations to help set strong standards Read More 02-21-2011
|
National Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Coalition Releases the Top Priorities for the 112th Congress
Coalition urges immediate reform, strong federal leadership Read More 02-15-2011
|
Reentry Central News Update: President Obama Allocates $187 Million for Reentry and Jail Diversion Programs
One hundred million dollars to go to Second Chance Act Read More 02-14-2011
|
Forty Criminal Justice Reform Organizations Issue Report Scrutinizing Criminal Justice System
Sixteen key areas reviewed, with recommendations for changes discussed Read More 02-11-2011
|
Reentry Central Update: Connecticut Cold Case Murder Playing Cards Do the Trick
Nine of Diamonds provided an ace lead Read More 02-10-2011
|
Congressman Wolf Issues New Report on Bipartisan Cooperation in the Area of Criminal Justice Reform
Topics include strategies for the reduction of crime and recidivism Read More 02-09-2011
|
Should Job Training Funds Target Those Classified as High-Risk Offenders?
New York’s Center for Employment Opportunities says “Yes!” Read More 02-09-2011
|
Washington D.C. Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency Offers Media Programming on Criminal Justice Issues
Federal parole and probation agency provides information via radio, television and blogs Read More 02-08-2011
|
Ohio Launches Pilot Supportive Housing Program for Released Prisoners
Program hopes to reduce recidivism and other reentry problems Read More 02-04-2011
|
Malcolm Young Proposes Realistic Solutions for Successful Reentry
Businesses, corrections and communities working together are a winning combination Read More 02-04-2011
|
Giving Victims a Voice in Criminal Justice Reform
Victims need to be heard, not manipulated, ignored Read More 02-03-2011
|
Florida “Anti-Murder Act” Decried as Wasteful
Call is for Governor to repeal “simplistic” law Read More 02-03-2011
|
Elected Officials Offered Toolkit for Successful Reentry
Toolkit offers ways to help the Nine million Americans released from jails each year Read More 02-02-2011
|
Things That Make You Go “Hmmmmmm”
Facts about the criminal justice system can boggle the mind Read More 01-31-2011
|
Connecticut Regional Institute for the 21st Century Issues Report on Connecticut Criminal Justice System
Research finds that the CT prison growth is not caused by crime, but by policy Read More 01-31-2011
|
Crisis Intervention Team International Seeks Presenters for March Conference
Criminal justice professionals, advocates, families and consumers urged to submit presentation proposals Read More 01-30-2011
|
Justice Department Issues New Rule to Combat Sexual Abuse of Prisoners
Areas targeted are adult prisons and jails, juvenile facilities, lockups, and community confinement facilities Read More 01-25-2011
|
Police Departments Learning How to Respond to Calls Involving Mentally Ill Individuals
Designated law enforcement/mental health learning sites will share expertise to provide treatment instead of incarceration Read More 01-21-2011
|
New Report Details How Locking Up Parents Creates Mental Health Issues, Criminal Justice Problems, and Other Dire Consequences for Children
More than 1.7 million children in U.S. have a parent in prison or jail Read More 01-21-2011
|
New Haven, CT Mayor Seeks Implementation of Gun Offenders Registration Act
Dual goals sought: Tracking high-risk offenders while plugging them into service providers Read More 01-19-2011
|
Conquering Fears, Learning New Life Skills are Just Two Obstacles Facing Released “Lifer”
After over two decades in prison, reentry can be challenging Read More 01-18-2011
|
Vivien Blackford: Thoughts Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Ms Blackford believes the U.S. is morally compelled to change our criminal justice sysytem. Read More 01-17-2011
|
Correctional Officer Speaks on Rehabilitation of Prisoners
Accepting responsibility for rehabilitation of prisoners is all in a day’s work, claims Iowa Correctional Officer Read More 01-10-2011
|
U.S Court of Appeals Declares Cross-Gender Searches Violates Fourth Amendment
Ninth Circuit en banc opinion concludes there is a link between cross-gender searches and sexual abuse of prisoners Read More 01-07-2011
|
Reentry Council Meets to Map Out Strategy for Successful Reentry
Reducing recidivism, aiding formerly incarcerated persons to become productive citizens, and saving money are the focal points of Council Read More 01-06-2011
|
New Study Details Problems African-American Women Face During Reentry
War on Drugs severely punishes African-American women prior to, and after, incarceration, claims law professor Read More 01-05-2011
|
Arnold Schwarzennegger Grants Clemencey to Girl Who Killed Her Pimp at Age Sixteen
Out going Governor reduces life sentence to 25 years, allowing for possibility of parole for Sara Kruzan Read More 01-04-2011
|
Conservative Christian Leader Calls for the Legalization of Marijuana
Pat Robertson claims marijuana laws “ruining young people” Read More 01-03-2011
|
Scott Sisters to be Released But Not Because of Unduly Harsh Sentence
Double life sentences to be suspended if kidney is given Read More 01-03-2011
|
Former Judge Turned Entrepreneur Uses His Prison Experience to Help Others
Those facing prison time, and their families, are offered sage advice and priceless information Read More 01-03-2011
|
President Obama Fails to Give Second Chance to Those Languishing in Prison for Years on Non-Violent Crimes
Disturbing lack of pardons has some questioning the President’s belief that others, beside Michael Vick, deserve a second chance Read More 01-03-2011
|
U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics Shows a Drop in Numbers of People on Probation and Parole
Despite the first decrease in thirty years, one in thirty-two Americans are still under supervision Read More 12-31-2010
|
Prison Fog: One Woman’s Poem About What it is Like to be in Prison
Joyce Ellwanger answers the question “What is it about being in prison that makes you feel diminished?” Read More 12-29-2010
|
The Reentry Central staff will be on vacation until January 4, 2011, so this will be the last issue of News Headlines for 2010. We wish you and your family Happy Holidays and Good Things for 2011.
Read More 12-13-2010
|
Report Card Issued on How States Treat Pregnant Prisoners
Most states fail in the areas of prenatal care, alternatives to incarceration, and post-natal programs and opportunities Read More 12-13-2010
|
The American Prospect Examines America’s “Flawed System” in Detailed Report
Bi-partisan overhaul of the criminal justice system needed to get “smart on crime” Read More 12-09-2010
|
Higher Education Can Be Denied to Those with Criminal Convictions
First of its kind report looks at how admission offices often reject formerly incarcerated persons Read More 12-09-2010
|
Reducing Violence by Offering Hard Core Gang Members New Opportunities
Boston program reaches out to the real purveyors of violence, and finds success Read More 12-09-2010
|
Harvard Business School Club of Connecticut Awards $5000 to Norwalk Non-Profit
Family Reentry of Norwalk is recognized for its successful Fresh Start Program Read More 12-05-2010
|
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Offers Advice on Helping Sex Offenders Reenter
Suggestions might seem controversial to some, but changes are needed claims CDCR Read More 12-03-2010
|
Massachusetts Federal Grand Jury Hearing Testimony Alleging Conspiracy, Fraud, and Extortion in the State Probation Department
Charges of patronage are being leveled against high ranking officials Read More 12-02-2010
|
Remembering HIV+ Prisoners on World AIDS Day
Prison policies are often responsible for the transmission of HIV in a correctional setting Read More 12-01-2010
|
Increase in Number of Unemployed Ex-Offenders Means a Loss of Up to $65 Billion in Output Losses
Not being hired because of prior convictions will increase output losses in near future as one in fifteen adults of working age is a convicted felon Read More 11-30-2010
|
New York Law School Holds “Summit on Children of Incarcerated Parents”
Parole Officers, social workers and service providers hear children’s lament of being caught in crossfire between bureaucracy and their parents Read More 11-29-2010
|
Up to Thirty Percent of Philadelphia Inmates Reading at Third Grade Level or Below
Call for change of direction in prison education programs sounded Read More 11-29-2010
|
California Report Recommends Ways Those With Criminal Backgrounds Can Increase Their Chances of Finding Employment
University suggestions will aid those in the reentry field to help clients find jobs Read More 11-29-2010
|
Obama Pardons Two Turkeys For Thanksgiving As Many Eagerly Await His Pardons For Some Of The 2.3 Million In U.S. Prisons
Happy Thanksgiving! Read More 11-25-2010
|
Former Congressman Rethinks His “Tough on Crime” Stance
Experiencing the harsh reality of prison life prompts ex-lawmaker to
call for a bi-partisan overhaul of criminal justice system Read More 11-24-2010
|
Connecticut Department of Corrections Has a Novel Way to Crack Unsolved Murders
Recreational activity may inspire some inmates to help police solve cold cases Read More 11-22-2010
|
New Jersey Lauds Success of Drug Courts
Sharp decline in recidivism cited as a triumph for drug court programs Read More 11-20-2010
|
Attorney General Holder Reverses Bush Policy on DNA Waivers
Defense attorneys claim policy forced clients to waive their rights in order to obtain plea agreements Read More 11-19-2010
|
Research Shows Staggering Cost of Crime
In 2009 murders cost Americans $263 billion Read More 11-18-2010
|
New York Parole Officers and Social Workers Join Forces to Help Ex-Inmates Reenter Their Communities
Conference held on helping sex offenders transition, and how to motivate formerly incarcerated persons Read More 11-18-2010
|
Are Polling Results on the Death Penalty Really Accurate?
When alternatives are mentioned Americans are not so “pro death” Read More 11-16-2010
|
Incarceration Rate for Mothers Jumps One Hundred Twenty-Two Percent
Fastest growing prison population puts a lie to the phrase “No child left behind" Read More 11-15-2010
|
Judge Gives Offender Jail-Time Credit and a New Nickname
The Court decrees, “Let them eat pancakes” Read More 11-14-2010
|
Growing Movement Supports Special Programs for Veterans in the Criminal Justice System
Unique circumstances of veterans call for unique solutions Read More 11-11-2010
|
Veterans in United States and the United Kingdom Share Similarities in Crimes, Sentencing
British report details how UK can follow US in treating veterans who commit crime Read More 11-11-2010
|
The Rate of Recidivism in California is a Whopping 67.5 Percent
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation knows why, but is limited in its efforts to make changes Read More 11-10-2010
|
San Francisco to Citizens: Don’t Be Homeless During the Day
Second citation for sitting or lying down before 11 p.m. is $500 fine/jail Read More 11-05-2010
|
Greenhouse in the “Big House?”
Inmates taught how to grow produce, and become master gardeners Read More 11-04-2010
|
Report Urges Ending of Byrne Justice Assistance Grant
Research shows that funding would be better spent on drug, mental health programs, and other areas rather than on law enforcement Read More 11-03-2010
|
New Federal Guidelines Regarding Crack Cocaine Go Into Effect
Temporary amendment may stand when Sentencing Commission meets in May 2011 Read More 11-02-2010
|
Brennan Center for Justice Issues New Report on Criminal Justice Debt
"User Fees" sabatoge succcessful reentry Read More 10-31-2010
|
George Soros Donates $1 Million to Help Pass California’s Proposition 19
Money to be used to encourage a “Yes” vote on November 2 Read More 10-29-2010
|
Will Obama Play Santa to Hopeful Prisoners?
The holidays are a time for giving ---clemencies and pardons Read More 10-29-2010
|
New Report Identifies Correctional Policy Trends
Vera Institute Report focuses on helping lawmakers understand the correlation between fiscal problems and policies in the past Read More 10-28-2010
|
Help for Veterans With Criminal Justice Issues Widening
Twenty-nine States now offer Veterans' Courts Read More 10-27-2010
|
Debtors' Prisons Deja Vu
Formerly incarcerated persons are finding themselves back in prison because they cannot pay their legal debts Read More 10-27-2010
|
The Elephant in the Room: Sex Offenders and Reentry Initiatives
Reentry organizations are wrestling with the problem of helping sex offenders reenter society in the face of widespread community rejection Read More 10-25-2010
|
Judge: Expense of Death Penalty Not a Mitigating Factor
Connecticut Superior Court Judge Jon C. Blue denies argument that cost of death sentence versus life in prison should be considered by jury in triple murder case Read More 10-21-2010
|
Prosecutorial Misconduct Discovered By California Bar Association
130 Prosecutors may face disciplinary action Read More 10-20-2010
|
California Court Program Designed With Women in Mind
Women’s Reentry Court offers alternatives instead of prison Read More 10-20-2010
|
The Need for “Drug Prisons” is Put Forth by Treatment Advocates
Treating substance abuse in, and out of, prison could save billions of dollars and many lives Read More 10-19-2010
|
Business Owner Tells "Why I Hire Former Convicts and Gang Members"
"Marginalized" workers help companies grow and profit Read More 10-18-2010
|
Entrepreneurship Programs for Formerly Incarcerated Persons Gaining Momentum in the Employment Field
In an absorbing Cleveland Plain Dealer article, Reentry Central’s Dr. Sandra Martin shares her thoughts on formerly incarcerard persons starting their own businesses Read More 10-17-2010
|
Spike in Serious Crimes by Girls Spurs Creation of Video and Training Manual on Gender-Specific Issues
Delaware Girls Initiative aims to educate those working within the juvenile justice system about special problems and needs of girls Read More 10-15-2010
|
California Professor Speaks Out About California Reentry Practices
Laws deny women the very things they need when leaving prison Read More 10-15-2010
|
Reentry Central Update: New Problems Hit Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program
DARE programs in Minnesota are latest to be cut Read More 10-12-2010
|
Holder: “Prisoner Reentry is One of the Most Complex Criminal-Justice Challenges”
U.S. Attorney General outlines new reentry initiatives in speech Read More 10-10-2010
|
Employing Formerly Incarcerated Persons Will Cut Recidivism
It’s time to stop talking and to start hiring Read More 10-09-2010
|
Jeanne Woodford: Public Safety is threatened, not enhanced, by a Massive, Inefficient Prison System
Former Director of California’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation/ former Warden of San Quentin calls for bipartisan support to correct Corrections Read More 10-08-2010
|
Conviction of Steven Hayes Ignites Death Penalty Debate
Proponents and opponents of the death penalty vocal in their beliefs Read More 10-07-2010
|
California Governor Signs Medical Parole Bill
Saving money was the key issue behind the decision, not compassion Read More 10-06-2010
|
Connecticut's Clifford Thornton Speaks Out On Drug Reform
In this Special Feature, Reentry Central’s Managing Editor, Beatrice Codianni, interviews Clifford Thornton and gets some sage and savvy comments on solving the nation’s failed war on drugs. Read More 10-04-2010
|
Female Reentry in Washington, D.C.
How Our Place welcomes women home Read More 10-01-2010
|
Pew Report: Formerly Incarcerated Men Take Home Forty Percent Less Annual Earnings
Collateral cost of incarceration is the topic of new Pew report Read More 09-29-2010
|
Vera Institute of Justice Publishes Intriguing History of Criminal Justice
New report shows how U.S. view of criminal justice has evolved over the last ten years from "Tough on Crime" to "Smart on Crime" Read More 09-28-2010
|
John Jay College Creates Reentry Guide for Continuing Education
Guide offers step-by-step instruction to ease process of reentry Read More 09-24-2010
|
Connecticut Residents Have the Opportunity to Change Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines
Present guidelines are out of touch with reality, especially for Formerly Incarcerated Persons Read More 09-24-2010
|
Missouri Puts a Price Tag on Sentencing
Prosecutors, judges urged to consider alternatives to incarceration Read More 09-24-2010
|
The New Fight to Restore Pell Grants to Prisoners
Study shows ninety-four percent of formerly incarcerated persons list education as a personal reentry need Read More 09-23-2010
|
NAACP Offers Reentry Program In Georgia
Preparing inmates for the outside promotes a successful transition Read More 09-23-2010
|
New National Justice Atlas of Corrections and Sentencing Unveiled
Map shows which neighborhoods have a high incarceration, reentry and poverty rate Read More 09-21-2010
|
Blatant Racism in the Criminal Justice System?
Bill Quigley cites fourteen examples of what he calls a “race-based institution” Read More 09-18-2010
|
Reentry Housing Provides Hope, Encouragement to the Formerly Incarcerated
The Fortune Society literally opens doors to reentering citizens Read More 09-17-2010
|
Alabama’s Chief Justice Calls Conference to Reduce Prison Overcrowding
Judges asked to consider options other than prison for drug offenses Read More 09-16-2010
|
Recognition That Mentally Ill Americans are Filling Up Jails Brings About Change in the Criminal Justice System
Mental Health Courts give another option than locking up the mentally ill Read More 09-15-2010
|
Spike in Drug Use By Older Americans Reported
Emergency Room visits and admissions into drug treatment programs rise to an alarming level Read More 09-14-2010
|
New Effort to End Gang Violence in Chicago Brings Law Enforcement, Gang Members to the Table
Model used in other cities to quell violence also has success in Chicago Read More 09-10-2010
|
New Device Designed to Subdue Prisoners By Burning Them
High-tech blaster penetrates skin Read More 09-10-2010
|
Omar Broadway: The Fellini of Felons
Inmate with hidden camera films life in prison Read More 09-10-2010
|
Veterans Who Run Afoul of Federal Laws Can Seek Rehabilitation Through Special Court
Western District of New York recognizes that veterans have special problems Read More 09-09-2010
|
DARE Program in Jeopardy
Anti-drug program aims to keep kids away from drugs and out of jail Read More 09-08-2010
|
National Association of Drug Court Professionals Issues Position on Proposition 19
NADCP claims scientific facts were distorted by Proposition 19 supporters Read More 09-08-2010
|
The Cost of Incarceration in Indiana Prompts a Call to Revise Its Criminal Code
Projected amount in seven years is estimated at $7 billion Read More 09-04-2010
|
Private Lawyer or Public Defender?
Study shows with whom a defendant might fare better Read More 09-04-2010
|
Federal Bureau of Prisons Conducts Audit on Furlough Program
Revision of policy, more accurate record keeping recommended Read More 09-03-2010
|
New Halfway House Memo Issued by Federal Bureau of Prisons
Second Chance Act allows for consideration of up to one year in a halfway house for federal prisoners Read More 09-02-2010
|
Gender-Specific Issues in the Juvenile Justice System
Criminal justice center calls for a major overhaul Read More 09-01-2010
|
Defeat of Barber v Thomas: Do the Math
Thirty-six thousand years of federal imprisonment and $951 million in added costs may be the result of Supreme Court Ruling Read More 08-31-2010
|
A Prison Camp That Really Is
Unique program promotes bonding between incarcerated fathers and their children. Read More 08-30-2010
|
Ebonics Translators Wanted
Department of Justice seeking to hire those fluent in Ebonics. Read More 08-28-2010
|
Bureau of Justice Statistics Releases Alarming Study of Sexual Abuse in Prisons and Jails
A reported 88,500 adults were sexually abused during the last year. Read More 08-26-2010
|
Famous Drug Users
Today's mandatory minimum sentencing laws might have had a negative impact on politics, wars, entertainment -- indeed, on the entire history of the world. Read More 08-25-2010
|
Monitoring Device Program Receives Raves
Dallas County has a three percent recidivism rate for those on ankle- monitors. Read More 08-24-2010
|
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition Weighs in on the Legalization Issue
Former Police officers, judges, and prosecutors belonging to LEAP call for drug legalization and regulation. Read More 08-23-2010
|
Has American developed a Prison “Racial Undercaste?”
ACLU presents an author’s view that indeed we have. Read More 08-20-2010
|
“A Nursing Home With Razor Wire”
A seventy-six percent growth rate, and higher incarceration cost has the prison system scrambling to accommodate older prisoners. Read More 08-20-2010
|
Southern Segregation 2010 - Style
Statements by the South Carolina Department of Corrections perpetuate HIV/AIDS myths. Read More 08-19-2010
|
A Tale of Two Reentry Concepts
Ogden Utah and the State of Texas have different ideas about housing reentry participants. Read More 08-18-2010
|
Data Driven Justice
Advocates claim using modern technology will bring courts out of the “stone age”. Read More 08-17-2010
|
Another Suicide in a Massachusetts Jail
Death of “Craigslist Killer” sparks national interest. Read More 08-16-2010
|
Urban Institute Announces Availability of Reentry Guidance Packets for Service Agencies
Series of three coaching packets offers strategies to reentry professionals. Read More 08-16-2010
|
Providing Substance Abuse Treatment to Prisoners is Found to Reduce The Recidivism Rate
Brown University professor questions opposition to prison treatment programs. Read More 08-16-2010
|
Governor Deval Patrick Mends CORI System
New law aims at reducing recidivism. Read More 08-16-2010
|
Former Mexican President Urges the Legalization of Drugs
Once a staunch advocate on the war on drugs, Vicente Fox now calls for legalization. Read More 08-12-2010
|
Reentry Organizations Face Increasing Number of Formerly Incarcerated Elderly
Elderly prisoners are confronting a whole new world upon release. Read More 08-11-2010
|
“In”-Sourcing: Inmates Staffing Call Centers
Inmates working in call centers earn money, dignity and profits for employers. Read More 08-10-2010
|
The Right and the Left Share a Common Desire, But for Different Reasons
Reducing the incarceration rate of the U.S. is possible if polar opposites unite. Read More 08-08-2010
|
Study Highlights Racial Prejudice in Courtroom
Light skinned defendants fared better in experiment. Read More 08-05-2010
|
President Obama Signs S 1789 Into Law
“Crack Cocaine Bill” will ease disparity between crack and powder cocaine sentencing. Read More 08-05-2010
|
One in Every Hundred Americans Imprisoned
Petty criminals and violent criminals face same sentencing time. Read More 08-04-2010
|
Pregnant in Prison
Women face obstacles in a system designed for men. Read More 08-03-2010
|
Former Gang Members Work to Bring Peace to the Streets
Efforts are being made to stop street violence by those who once terrorized their neighborhoods Read More 08-02-2010
|
Candidates in Oklahoma Gubernatorial Race Seek Changes in the States Criminal Justice System
Being smart on crime is the sensible answer to failing tough on crime stance, say would-be governors Read More 08-01-2010
|
Congress Moves to End Disparity Between Crack and Powder Cocaine Sentencing
Five grams of crack cocaine was equal to 500 grams of powder cocaine at sentencing Read More 07-30-2010
|
Florida Appoints Innocence Commission To Examine Wrongful Convictions
Witness identification is often flawed, Florida finds. Read More 07-30-2010
|
House of Representatives Passes National Criminal Justice Commission Act
Bipartisan legislation will focus on thorough review of the criminal justice system. Read More 07-28-2010
|
Foster Care and Adoption: The Dark Side of Incarceration
Terminating custodial rights of incarcerated mothers has significant ramifications for mothers, children and communities. Read More 07-28-2010
|
Missouri Allocates Nearly $3 Million For Reentry Projects
Thirty-four non-profits receive funding for support services to formerly incarcerated persons. Read More 07-26-2010
|
Reentry Central Update to July 13, 2010 Article on Trauma Experiences in Juveniles
New study shows African-American students exposed to homicides score lower on tests during time period following murders. Read More 07-23-2010
|
Former Rhode Island Ice Cream Factory Will Be A “Cool” New Home For Formerly Incarcerated Persons
Model program aims to reduce recidivism by providing single-unit apartments, counseling and workshops Read More 07-22-2010
|
Theories Abound On Why the U.S. Crime Rate Has Dropped
Supporters of diverse theories vie to take credit for the drop in crime rate. Read More 07-22-2010
|
US Prison System’s Dirty Little “Secret”
Minorities make up most of America’s prison population. Read More 07-21-2010
|
Prisoners Losing Federal Prison Industries Jobs
Once thriving source of cheap labor and well-made products is being severely reduced, causing tension in the federal prison system. Read More 07-20-2010
|
Texas Faith Based Ministry Calls for Unity Among Reentry Organizations
Coalition formed to help formerly incarcerated succeed after release from prison. Read More 07-16-2010
|
Dying in Jail
Suicide in jail is three times as high as in prison. Read More 07-16-2010
|
Reentry Central News Update: Jail Suicides
Inmate suicides in Massachusetts are four times the national average. Read More 07-16-2010
|
Kentucky Searches for Practical Solutions for Prison Problems
Overcrowding, the bursting budget and private prisons are issues that Kentucky is seeking to resolve. Read More 07-15-2010
|
Attorney General Holder Unveils “New Approach” to Reentry
Fresh strategies are planned to lower recidivism rate and improve public safety. Read More 07-14-2010
|
Traumatic Experiences in Juveniles Are Often Ignored in the Juvenile Justice System
Far-reaching consequences occur when screening for a trauma background is ignored. Read More 07-13-2010
|
From Jail to Judge?
Powerful supporters urge appointment of ex-drug addict/felon to the bench. Read More 06-29-2010
|
Continuing Education in Prison Can Help Cut Recidivism Rate
Prison college courses and job training are seen by some as a way to ease reentry. Read More 06-28-2010
|
DC Creates a Campaign to Link Businesses With Formerly Incarcerated Persons
Media blitz aims to educate businesses about the incentives for hiring ex offenders. Read More 06-25-2010
|
Being Attractive Can Aid in Being Found “Not Guilty”
Cornell study finds that those considered attractive fare better in court. Read More 06-24-2010
|
Department of Justice Study Finds That a Large Number of Prisoners Are Mentally Ill
The release of mentally ill prisoners into the community is deemed “the next big… challenge“. Read More 06-23-2010
|
Connecticut House and Senate Override Governor's Veto of Ban the Box Bill
Unanimous support from Connecticut’s House and Senate failed to sway Governor, but the bill was passed into law after an override. Read More 06-22-2010
|
June 2010 Report Calls U.S. An “Incarceration Nation”
A new report from the Center for Economic and Policy Research outlines in clear, shocking terms the U.S. lock-em-up mentality. Read More 06-16-2010
|
Virginia Governor Appoints Ex-Offender to His Reentry Council
Virginia Governor Bob McDonell took announced on May 11 that he had set up the first Virginia Prisoner and Juvenile Offender Re-Entry Council whose aim is to investigate why the state’s recidivism rate is one third after three years. Read More 06-01-2010
|
National Criminal Justice Committee Eyes Much Needed Prison Reform
High incarceration rates and glaring racial disparities are some of the problems the committee seeks to address. Read More 05-29-2010
|
Criminal Defense Clinic is New Hope For “3 Strikes” Lifers
Stanford law students help those sentenced to life for petty crimes. Read More 05-29-2010
|
Missouri’s Juvenile Offenders Program Is Considered the Best by Many.
"Engage" not just "cage" is Missouri's method for keeping its juvenile recidivism rate below the national average Read More 05-29-2010
|
Crime and Incarceration Rates Drop
FBI analysis finds that imprisonment does not necessarily ensure public safety. Read More 05-26-2010
|
Governor Schwatzenegger's Plan to Cut Prison Costs is Under Fire
Critized for spending seven time as much on prisoners than on pupils, Schwarzenegger comes up with a budget plan that has many of his constituents angry. Read More 05-23-2010
|
Juvenile Justice Sentence Often Means Death after Release
Female juvenile ex-offenders have a death rate 8 times higher than the general population. Read More 05-23-2010
|
U.S. Hemorrhaging Money in the Failed War on Drugs
Over $1 trillion has been spent on the unsuccessful War on Drugs. Read More 05-23-2010
|
Current Effort to Find Jobs for Ex-Offenders Could Be Aided by Recent Carnegie Mellon Study
Commissioned by the Justice Department, the 2009 study found that the hazard rate of ex-offenders is the same as those in the general population. Read More 05-14-2010
|
California Picks Prisoners Over Pupils
California's cost per prisoner is the highest in the nation, and exceeds by seven times its cost per student in the state's educational system. Read More 05-14-2010
|
