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Redina's story: A mother's troubled journey home from prison

Katie Colaneri

November 27, 2017 |

WHYY |

Multi-Media |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

For Redina, and others suffering from addiction, it is hard to break the cycle. 'Women Working for a Change' is a program that tries to change addicts' thinking in order to prevent a relapse.

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Mental health court could lower recidivism, cut costs

Carlos Andres López

November 27, 2017 |

NMPolitics.net |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Las Cruces, New Mexico

For offenders with a co-occurring mental health disorder, the regular prison system is not viewed as an optimal environment. A mental health court would help lower recidivism and increase the offender's quality of life by treating their mental health issues in order to focus on the underlying issue contributing to the criminal acts.

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When Communities Say No One Should Stay in Jail Just Because They're Poor

Amy Roe

November 27, 2017 |

Yes! Magazine |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Atlanta, Georgia

Across the United States, organizations like Southerners on New ground and the Bronx Freedom Fund are posting bail for individuals facing low-level offenses who cannot afford it on their own. Such initiatives have gained in popularity because of the Black Mamas Bail-Out, a coordinated effort during May of each year. In posting their bail, these organizations are working to equitably help people of color, who are disproportionately affected by the cash bail system.

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Lessons learned: Hiring ex-offenders pays off, but the workers need help

Jane M. Von Bergen

November 27, 2017 |

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

How do you find a job when you get out of prison? For some, it’s almost impossible. But, UpLift Solutions trains former offenders, and if they pass the six week course, they get hired at ShopRite, a grocery store. For some, the program is life changing.

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A Prison Sits Empty. A Nonprofit Moves In

Neil Parmar

November 20, 2017 |

NationSwell |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Laurinburg, North Carolina

Hundreds of prisons sit empty and unused across the United States. Inspired by the potential, GrowingChange was founded to help flip the land into a space where former juvenile offenders could come together for constructive activities like gardening and group counseling, creating a positive space for reform and empowerment that has been helping to break the prison cycle for youth.

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This Vermont program might reduce sex offender recidivism. Could it work in Philly?

Malcolm Burnley

November 16, 2017 |

Generocity |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A program called Circles in Vermont is built on the idea that it takes an entire community to help sex offenders reintegrate back into a community. Circles is also used in other states and countries and creates supportive networks of volunteers who offer a safe place for offenders to discuss their triggers and help them build authentic connections and relationships so they are part of the community rather than pushed to the fringes.

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Inside a Philadelphia Prison, a Parenting Movement Grows

Christopher Moraff

November 15, 2017 |

Next City |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

When a man goes to prison, a child loses their father and this can have detrimental effects. It is especially troubling considering the number of men incarcerated. F.A.C.T is a parenting program that helps teach incarcerated fathers to be better parents while also helping to facilitate their involvement in their children's lives.

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Assisting the Poor to Make Bail Helps Everyone

Tina Rosenberg

November 15, 2017 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Organizations that supply funds to provide bail for people arrested for misdemeanors not only saves money for taxpayers, but reduces the number of guilty pleas, and could possibly save lives. Those who cannot pay for bail must either await trial in jail or plead guilty, leading to permanent criminal records. Organizations like the Bronx Freedom Fund supply $2,000 or less to help these individuals keep jobs, housing, and reduce the risk of suicide in jail without requiring them to plead guilty.

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Americans want fewer prisoners. What's art have to do with it?

Julie Zeglen

November 14, 2017 |

Generocity |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Pennsylvania

"Songs in the Key of Free" is a program in a Pennsylvania prison brings together inmates to play music and write songs that they perform inside, while professional musicians also play the songs in venues outside prison. The program is just a year old and is based on a successful theater program in California that cut recidivism rates and helped decrease prison infractions. The founders of "Songs in the Key of Free" are creating an album of the work, but after that, future funding is unclear.

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How ex-offenders get a second chance and a new career in rural Tennessee. Is it a model for Philly?

Jane M. Von Bergen

November 11, 2017 |

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Winchester, Tennessee

In rural Tennessee the unemployment rate can be very high, making it hard for inmates to find jobs upon their release, which then increases the rate of recidivism. The Rural Reentry Program has set up training programs for inmates while in jail in order for them to earn their certification and then find work at a local factory. This effort helps lower recidivism and balances the cost of imprisonment.

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