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How Can America Reduce Mass Incarceration?

Terry Gross

August 06, 2018 |

NPR |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Newark, New Jersey

A community court program in Newark, New Jersey provides alternative sentencing options for low-level offenders rather than jail or release that include getting help for mental health issues and addiction. It's part of a multi-state effort by the Center for Court Innovation to address that high rates of incarceration in the U.S. by addressing the criminalization of behaviors that are usually driven by other underlying factors such poverty, addiction and homelessness.

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An innovative approach to criminal justice reform: Put black women in charge

Timothy Pratt

August 03, 2018 |

The Washington Post |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, South Fulton, Georgia

South Fulton is the only city in the U.S. to put black women in charge of its criminal justice system—from the judge, to the prosecutor, to the public defender. “The result: A focus on community policing, pretrial diversion programs and assigning public defenders to all cases.” Ultimately, the aim is to divert black people from entering the prison pipeline, and establishing a model that can be replicated in other cities.

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Philanthropic horticulturists and other prison community leaders

Anne Hillman

August 01, 2018 |

Alaska Public Media |

Multi-Media |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Seward, Alaska

At Spring Creek Correctional Center, profits from the prison store are shared among seven prison clubs. The clubs operate like nonprofits, bringing educational opportunities, music, plants, and more to inmates and donating extra funds to organizations on the outside. The system improves quality of life and offers leadership opportunities.

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Expungement fairs build regional momentum while helping locals move past criminal backgrounds

Brianna Kelly

August 01, 2018 |

Concentrate |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Ypsilanti, Michigan

Michigan Works! Southeast is an organization that, among other things, is helping Michigan residents with criminal records get those records expunged in order to increase their job opportunities in the future. By simplifying this process, participants save money and time, making these fairs a more accessible option than using a lawyer. So far, two expungement fairs have been held that have attracted about 50 people, but there is talk of expanding to a statewide program.

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North Dakota Prison Officials Think Outside The Box To Revamp Solitary Confinement

Cheryl Corley

July 31, 2018 |

NPR |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, North Dakota

Prison officials in North Dakota have revamped solitary confinement, inspired in part by Norway's system, which focuses on “punishment that works.” There is much less focus on using isolation to punish small infractions and more emphasis on mental health and helping inmates learn new skills to change behavior. The shift has reduced tensions between guards and prisoners, fostering better relationships and less disruptive behavior and suicide attempts by inmates.

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Yoga, herbs and sunshine: New Zealand opens 'humane' jail for most violent inmates

Eleanor Ainge Roy

July 29, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: New Zealand, Auckland

New Zealand is opening a new prison for its most dangerous inmates, but it will feature more space and holistic therapies in the vein of prisons in Scandinavia, Belgium and Germany. The majority of people in New Zealand's prisons have a mental illness or addiction diagnosis and more than half are Maori. The new facility will focus on helping people eventually reintegrate back into the community and officials hope this will curtail the steadily rising incarceration rates in the country.

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The Power of a Theater Performance in Prison

Lisa Armstrong

July 29, 2018 |

Rolling Stone |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Creativity activities in prisons can provide inmates with an emotional outlet, a way to process their life experiences, and an opportunity to constructively work in a group. The theatrical performances staged at New York's Sing Sing prison by the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program provides inmates with these benefits as well as a sense of skill and pride in their accomplishment.

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When mental illness leads to an arrest, this court steps in

Anita Wadhwani

July 28, 2018 |

The Tennessean |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Nashville, Tennessee

Non-violent offenders arrested during mental health episodes in Davidson County are sent to Mental Health Court rather than criminal court. Through this court, they are connected to safety net services such as housing, medication assistance, and therapy.

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Prison hurts women more than men — so England is trying a new approach

Edward Siddons

July 27, 2018 |

Apolitical |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, all 12 women's prisons have implemented a program to “treat trauma through the lens of gender” in an effort to address the root causes that drive women into prison. It's based on work by the Center for Gender and Justice in California and focuses on training staff to understand trauma, as well as helping inmates heal from trauma. Initial results are promising, but there are serious challenges to implementing this strategy on a systemic basis.

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Throw the books at them: How more training for Wisconsin's prisoners could help companies

David D. Haynes

July 26, 2018 |

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, the Department of Corrections is tailoring their prison education programs to meet the needs of the job market, and it is benefitting former inmates as well as the economy. Milwaukee Area Technical College works to get inmates credentials, which helps them get jobs upon release from prison. The investment pays off. For every dollar spent educating inmates, the government saves $5 in the years after their release.

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