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

Search Results

You searched for: -

There are 872 results  for your search.  View and Refine Your Search Terms

  • Last Days of Solitary

    April 18, 2017 |

    PBS Frontline |

    Documentary |

    Over 15 Minutes

    Response Location: United States, Warren, Maine

    Across the United States, the use of administrative segregation is being rethought and reduced, as study after study shows it’s link to higher rates of violence and recidivism. At Maine State Prison, over the course of six years, the number of people in solitary went from 100 to 8, while also seeing a decline in fights, use of weapons, and emergency room transportation in the prison’s general population. The prison has instead started implementing individualized mental health programming and structured living units – opting to implement rehabilitation over punitive measures.

    Read More


    Go to Original Story

  • Has a bold reform plan helped to shrink Philly's prison population?

    April 12, 2017 |

    The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia has one of the highest incarceration rates in the country, but with a $3.5 million McArthur Foundation grant the city has used several initiatives to change that. The efforts appear to be working, with the number of inmates falling by 12 percent over one year. Programs include getting addicts treatment instead of more jail time, working to release those who cannot afford bail ahead of a trial and making attorneys more available for those who want to seek early parole.

    Read More


    Go to Original Story

  • Mentally ill man worse off after acquittal

    April 08, 2017 |

    The Victoria Advocate |

    Multi-Media |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: United States, Victoria, Texas

    “Two million people with mental illness are booked into jails every year.” Mental health courts, would take into accounts a person’s illness, rather than solely focusing on the crime.

    Read More


    Go to Original Story

  • After 36 Years in Prison, This Philadelphian Has a Model for Criminal Justice Reform

    March 31, 2017 |

    Next City |

    Text |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    Lack of education was the downfall of one Philadelphia man who spent 36 years in prison, and education proved to be his redemption when he discovered he could do well in coursework. He got a college degree and helped bring the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program to the prison where he was incarcerated. He continues to work with the program, which matches prisoners with college students and professors to help them gain the skills they need, and also fosters more compassion and understanding for those incarcerated.

    Read More


    Go to Original Story

  • This former Philadelphia cop had an incredibly simple plan to keep kids out of prison: Don't arrest them.

    March 30, 2017 |

    The Washington Post |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    The zero-tolerance of Philadelphia's school system towards even minor infractions from students was creating a detrimental school-to-prison pipeline that was doing more long term harm to youth than good. But one former officer took the initiative to break the cycle, founding the Police School Diversion Program to drastically reduce arrests and offer students supportive services such as counseling instead, helping create a more constructive environment for children, educators, and officers alike.

    Read More


    Go to Original Story

  • How ban-the-box rules help ex-offenders, hurt women, young people

    March 22, 2017 |

    The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

    Text |

    Under 800 Words

    Response Location: United States

    Ban-the-box legislation can help people with criminal records receive fair consideration as job applicants. However, the employment prospects of other applicants, particularly African American women and young workers, can decrease if employers use alternative methods of weeding out people who may have criminal records, such as prejudging names that signal African American or Hispanic backgrounds and adding educational and experience requirements to job descriptions.

    Read More


    Go to Original Story

  • What selling drugs taught him about running a supermarket

    March 20, 2017 |

    The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    A former drug dealer who made massive amounts of cash finds his skills adapt well to the job he found after prison in a supermarket. Luckily the manager at this particular store recognized that fact and gave Louis Rivera a chance when we begged for a job right after his release. It was difficult for Rivera to adjust to making so much less money, but he has applied his business skills to move up into management and tries to help others following in his footsteps.

    Read More


    Go to Original Story

  • Reentry Think Tank wants returning citizens designing reentry services

    March 09, 2017 |

    Generocity |

    Multi-Media |

    Under 800 Words

    Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    The Reentry Think Tank in Philadelphia brings a badly needed component to the world of services helping inmates reintegrate back into society: The experiences of actual former inmates. The nonprofit created fellowships for those coming back from prison and it has joined with the larger Philadelphia Reentry Coalition to make sure these voices are at the table with policy makers. They're working on a list of policy suggestions called the People's Bill of Rights in a model they want to see replicated across other social services.

    Read More


    Go to Original Story

  • Now he slings ice cream, instead of cocaine; ShopRite finds talent in former drug dealers

    March 07, 2017 |

    The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

    Multi-Media |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    Most employers might not hire former inmates, but one grocery store in Philadelphia is looking to do just that. Brown Store’s Inc. has made it a company mission to hire people out of prison. Employment is an important factor to keep former inmates from returning to prison.

    Read More


    Go to Original Story

  • Small Town, Big Success With Reentry Program

    March 06, 2017 |

    Next City |

    Text |

    Under 800 Words

    Response Location: United States, New Castle, Pennsylvania

    Jail-to-Jobs, a program with one employee, has helped more than 260 formerly incarcerated people find full-time jobs. Created by a district attorney who saw former felons struggling to be considered for openings, the program links local companies with insurance and support in order to promote hiring.

    Read More


    Go to Original Story

Go to All Solutions in Focus