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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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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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Poachers become protectors: How tigers bounced back in an Indian park

Felix Franz

June 18, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: India, Kumily, Kerala

With poaching on the rise in the South Indian Periyar Tiger Reserve, officials turned to the poachers themselves to see if they could turn their problem into a solution. In lieu of facing charges, the poachers became the protectors and the reserve saw a reduction in poaching all while offering an alternate form of income for the former full-time poachers.

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Prison

Matthew McCann

May 12, 2018 |

Temple University |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Across the country, prisons are incorporating “therapeutic communities” to help incarcerated individuals find the residential treatment they need. Substance abuse continues to be strongly linked to recidivism, and in an attempt to break that cycle, these therapeutic communities provide people with structured rehabilitation, counseling, and support as an alternative to traditional prison. Many are federally funded, but considering they’ve only recently gained traction, they still face issues like buy-in and capacity.

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Police

Julie Christie

May 12, 2018 |

Temple University |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In Philadelphia, the 22nd District police department has adopted the Police Assisted Diversion program, or PAD. The program trains police officers to take a public health approach to addiction and substance abuse, giving those they encounter who need treatment the option to go through treatment rather than the criminal justice system. Besides helping those with substance abuse issues, the PAD program seeks to build trust between the community and the police through on-the-ground engagement efforts.

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From screaming and police to college in the fall, family says juvenile justice program 'saved son's life'

Brian Edwards

May 01, 2018 |

The Montgomery Advertiser |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Auburn, Alabama

Reaching out to juvenile offenders with support and services, rather than putting them in jail, reduces recidivism and can save public money. A program called Youth Villages is instrumental in helping youth offenders in Alabama build better futures for themselves, reaching about 50 young people every year. A bill that would have expanded this approach across the state was proposed but failed to pass before the end of the legislative session.

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As opioids land more women in prison, Ohio finds alternative treatments

Allison Herrera

April 02, 2018 |

Public Radio International (PRI) |

Multi-Media |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Marysville, Ohio

The Ohio Reformatory for Women is a prison that offers inmates a chance to enroll in Tapestry, an inpatient drug treatment program that tries to delve into the deeper causes women turn to drugs. It also believes in connecting women who are addicts with one another because “on the outside there’s not enough support.” The 18 month program is “about healing mind, body and spirit.”

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'I have no thought of escaping': inside the Brazilian prisons with no guards

Jo Griffin

April 02, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Brazil, Itaúna, Minas Gerais

In Apac prisons, inmates hold the keys. “By committing a crime, prisoners break the social pact,” says Ana Paula Pellegrino of Igarape Institute. “An Apac prison restores this by allowing inmates to work for the community.” Inmates contribute to local projects, follow a routine of work and study, and are addressed by name rather than number. The rehabilitation-focused approach is completely different from what happens in Brazil's mainstream prisons, a fact that motivates inmates to honor the rules.

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