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How a new district attorney is shaking up the justice system in midcoast Maine

Beth Brogan

May 28, 2019 |

Bangor Daily News |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Knox, Maine

The newly-elected district attorney in Maine, Natasha Irving, has started implementing restorative justice practices into the area’s criminal justice system. The use of restorative justice in this case includes offering mental health and substance abuse treatment, amongst other supportive services, and using prison as a last resort. There has been some pushback from law enforcement, but a willingness to try the new approach aimed at reducing recidivism in the region.

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Sustainability Behind Bars: Washington Inmates Are Connecting with Nature

Jake Bullinger

May 22, 2019 |

Bitterroot |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Olympia, Washington

The Sustainability in Prisons Project has brought environmental lectures, work, and support to thousands of inmates since 2003. It offers a unique type of prison work - wildlife preservation, such as taking care of endangered butterflies. It has also started composting and educational programs, in addition to the therapeutic effects of greenery on prisoners and assistance in reentry.

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Washington University graduates its first class of students in prison

Blythe Bernhard

May 22, 2019 |

St. Louis Post-Dispatch |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Pacific, Missouri

At the Missouri Eastern Correctional Center, 10 individuals graduated from college with Associate Degrees as part of the Washington University Prison Education Project. Each student is required to have a high school diploma in order to apply, and must complete 60 credits to earn their degree. Beyond the provided education, the program has given incarcerated participants a sense of hope for their future.

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How Georgia Plans To Produce More High School Graduates

Martha Dalton

May 17, 2019 |

WABE |

Radio |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Georgia

In Georgia, about half of inmates don't have a high school diploma or GED. At Lee Airendale State Prison, a charter school offers inmates a chance to earn a high school degree. “The thing about the diploma is it’s from Foothills Charter High School so when they show it, it looks just like a diploma from any accredited high school," the regional coordinator said of the unique nature of the program.

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#FreeBlackMamas works to bail black mothers out of jail in time for Mother's Day

Erin Evans

May 11, 2019 |

NBC News |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

Community organizing groups around the country have mobilized to get black mothers out of prison. The initiative #FreeBlackMamas has raised over $1 million dollars in donations since 2017 and comes as a growing response against the cash bail system. Besides bailing out black mothers, the groups seek to build community and address the larger systemic issue of race and incarceration.

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Changing How You Think Helps The Transition From Prisoner Back To Citizen

Elissa Nadworny

May 06, 2019 |

NPR |

Radio |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, San Bernardino, California

For people reentering society after prison, the Reentry Initiative offers them the services and support they need. The program, housed at California State San Bernardino, provides former inmates the tools they need to avoid recidivism and rebuild their lives. Some of the classes offered are computer literacy, job readiness, and anger management – but fundamental to it all is cultivating a culture of respect and community amongst participants.

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Mississippi Leads the Nation in Criminal Justice Reform

Casey Leins

May 03, 2019 |

U.S. News & World Report |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Jackson, Mississippi

The state of Mississippi has taken drastic steps in reforming their criminal justice system, pointing to a nationwide cultural shift as a driving force. State legislation, such as expanding parole eligibility, eliminating mandatory minimum sentences, and barring licensing boards from discriminating against individuals who used to be incarcerated are just a handful of policies the state has championed. The reform has led to a prison population decrease of 11% and state savings of $46 million

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‘Returning from the twilight zone': Home to Stay offers one-stop shop for those leaving prisons

Allison Dikanovic

May 02, 2019 |

Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Home To Stay, a new collaborative program in Milwaukee, WI, brings together community-based organizations, government agencies, and private employers to provide outreach and services for formerly incarcerated individuals. Once a month, services like job recruiting, educational centers, and legal help come together under one roof to give those re-entering society an accessible place to receive the support they need.

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I Served My Prison Time. Why Do I Still Have to Pay?

Courtney E. Martin

April 30, 2019 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, San Francisco, California

In 2018, San Francisco county forgave $32 million worth of criminal justice administrative fees. These fees are issued to formerly incarcerated individuals upon release from prison, most of which are not employed and without stable housing. The coalition pursuing this policy change cited economic justice for those that have already paid their societal debt and an overall state savings in collection costs as the primary reasons to end this practice.

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Incarcerated Men Write the Stories of Wall City

Emily Nonko

April 29, 2019 |

Next City |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, San Quentin, California

Partnerships between those incarcerated and volunteers from the outside are crucial. Collaborations—such as the one between the Wall City magazine, the UC Berkeley, and the San Quentin Journalism Guild—make it possible for those incarcerated to have a voice. The publication of the newspaper not only informs discourse, it also serves as a way to help rehabilitate and reengage those behind bars.

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