Artwork stating 'Education Destroys Barriers', 'We Demand Treatment', and 'I Need A Chance'

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  • A College Education in Prison Opens Unexpected Path to Freedom

    September 21, 2019 |

    CapRadio |

    Radio |

    3-5 Minutes

    Response Location: United States, Long Beach, California

    California is leading the nation in prison education. “There are now in-person community college classes in all but one prison in the state, enrolling some 4,000 students." Nationally, 4 percent of higher ed institutions teach for-credit classes in prisons. “It's been the most amazing experience of my entire life, as either a free man or as an incarcerated human being." Evidence shows that providing people in prison with education reduces recidivism rates. “A major study by the RAND Corporation found taking classes in prison cuts the chances of getting locked up again by 43%.”

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  • This East Tenn. Program Aims to Stop NAS by Reaching Women Behind Bars

    September 17, 2019 |

    100 Days in Appalachia |

    Text |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: United States, Tennessee

    In Tennessee, health officials are fighting against the the opioid epidemic by educating opioid-affected pregnant women about neonatal abstinence syndrome. Although several approaches have been implemented, the Voluntary Reversible Long Acting Contraceptive Jail Initiative specifically provides resources to incarcerated women since studies show "women serving time in jails face a high risk of giving birth to a baby with NAS."

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  • Two Rural Counties Take Diverting Paths to Jail Reform

    September 16, 2019 |

    70 Million |

    Podcast |

    Over 15 Minutes

    Response Location: United States, Alamosa, Colorado

    Two southern Colorado counties responded differently when drug abuse, poverty, and mental illness contributed to overcrowding in their old, decrepit jails. Pueblo County's sheriff has gone to voters three times seeking approval of a near-doubling of his jail's capacity. Alamosa County's sheriff did the same, and succeeded in a renovation that nearly doubled capacity. But those extra cells turned out to be unnecessary because that county's criminal justice and community agencies collaborated on jail alternatives, significantly reducing how many people get jailed.

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  • Jeffrey Epstein's Death Highlights Inmate Suicide Problem

    September 10, 2019 |

    Stateline |

    Text |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: United States, Atlanta, Georgia

    After several high-profile suicides at various prisons throughout the U.S, ten states have enacted new policies for jails and prisons in order to intervene before it's too late. From enhanced suicide prevention training to more comprehensive intake regiments to abolishing solitary confinement practices, states across the nation are learning how to prioritize mental health care for inmates.

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  • How New York and Milwaukee approach juvenile justice

    September 09, 2019 |

    Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service |

    Text |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: United States, New York, New York

    New York’s Close to Home legislation approaches the juvenile justice system through the lens of rehabilitation, moving those in up-state juvenile facilities to local, sometimes residential housing that emphasizes family and community. The approach has led to a 71% decrease in the number of youth placed in these facilities and a drastic increase in academic performance. Halfway across the country, as Wisconsin closes two of its upstate juvenile facilities, Milwaukee legislators are seeking to implement similar, community-centered programming.

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  • Reimagining New York Jails Without Solitary Confinement

    August 19, 2019 |

    The City |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: United States, New York, New York

    Solitary confinement was once thought of as one of the only effective punishments for violent prison inmates. As more research surfaces showing the severe damage it does to mental health, the racial bias of those placed in solitary, and its relative ineffectiveness, more cities, like New York City, are exploring alternatives to the practice. In places such as Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco, rather than invoking a punitive approach, city officials are offering positive reinforcement – and seeing positive results.

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  • In Nigeria's overcrowded prisons, Catholic group frees inmates through free legal services

    August 12, 2019 |

    National Catholic Reporter |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: Nigeria

    Thousands of people incarcerated in Nigeria’s rapidly growing prison system, many of them awaiting trial without lawyers, receive free legal, health, and educational services from an NGO that for decades has paid twice-weekly visits to prisons around the country. Serving the prisoners’ general welfare, the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice, and Peace seeks the release of defendants on bail, advocates for better health care, and delivers aid packages to people held in the overcrowded lockups.

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  • When Arizona catches fire, prisoners step up

    August 05, 2019 |

    High Country News |

    Text |

    Over 3000 Words

    Response Location: United States, Arizona

    As the cost of fighting wildfires rises and the number of firefighters declines, Arizona found a solution: paying incarcerated men and women to do the same job for just five percent of the standard rate for firefighting. Arizona’s Inmate Wildfire Program, while fundamentally exploitative, is seemingly more complex. Those that go through the program find a sense of meaning and are given the opportunity to learn leadership and teamwork skills – things they can translate in life upon release.

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  • First Group Of Students Graduates From Wesleyan's Prison Education Program

    July 31, 2019 |

    Hartford Courant |

    Text |

    Under 800 Words

    Response Location: United States, Middletown, Connecticut

    The first class of students enrolled in the Wesleyan University Center for Prison Education has just graduated. The program awards participants with an associate degree from Middlesex Community College in general studies and intends to serve as a tool against recidivism by offering an opportunity for success after incarceration. The Center for Prison Education has existed since 2009, serving 138 students thus far, and started offering a degree option in 2016.

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  • A ‘Second Chance' After 27 Years in Prison: How Criminal Justice Helped an Ex-Inmate Graduate

    July 08, 2019 |

    The New York Times |

    Text |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: United States, Washington, District of Columbia

    Since 2016, the Second Chance Pell program has been providing financial aid for those experiencing incarceration to pursue a college education. Started under the Obama administration, it has gained bipartisan support and traction in the Trump administration as well. Considering 90% of incarcerated individuals will be released, the Second Chance Pell program serves as a demonstrated commitment to reduce recidivism and mass incarceration.

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