Story Search Results

Advanced Search

There are so many ways to search the solutions journalism stories in this database. Explore our searchable fields:

Search Results

You searched for: -

There are 379 results for your search. View and Refine Your Search Terms

Legal advocate helps workers under shadow of criminal records

Jane M. Von Bergen

November 20, 2016 |

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia enacted a law in 2016 that allows for people convicted of minor crimes to get their records sealed by a court. In this article an employment lawyer who has worked for many years with people who have records talks about why it's extremely difficult for people to reintegrate into a community and get a job with even a minor conviction in their past. The shift has garnered support across political lines as people begin to realize the economic and other costs to society when people can't work and end up back in prison.

Read More
Go to Original Story
If you have a criminal record, read this

Jane M. Von Bergen

November 19, 2016 |

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A law in Philadelphia allows people with certain misdemeanor convictions to ask a court to seal their records. This means job seekers could honestly tell prospective employers they have no criminal record and schools and landlords would not see the records either. However, law enforcement and district attorneys would still have access to the records so if a person is rearrested their history could be taken into account in setting bail or in sentencing.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Job seekers with criminal histories thankful for expungement clinic

Aaron Moselle

November 12, 2016 |

WHYY |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

An expungement clinic in Philadelphia allows some with criminal charges in their past to start the process of having those sealed from public view by a judge. The workshops follow the passage of Act 5, a new state law that provides an additional path to expungement besides just a pardon from the governor. Many are hopeful the process will make it easier for people with issues in their past to get jobs and become independent citizens, although there are strict guidelines in the law on who can seek expungement.

Read More
Go to Original Story
A day to expunge criminal records is hugely popular in Philly

Jane M. Von Bergen

November 11, 2016 |

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, people with certain types of misdemeanors can ask the courts to seal their records from public view. When this law was passed, a team of 175 lawyers, paralegals, and law students volunteered to help eligible people start the process of sealing their records. The event was a big hit with 1,853 people signing up for help, so many that registration had to close. Of the applicants, 1,200 will likely get their records sealed.

Read More
Go to Original Story
‘We Failed Him': Caught in the Revolving Door of Juvenile Detention

Tim Summers, Jr.

November 09, 2016 |

Jackson Free Press |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Jackson, Mississippi

If juveniles in the Hinds County youth-court system, whose families tend to have limited resources, cannot get sustained, meaningful help at the center, they do not have many other options. But, thanks to a lawsuit on behalf of the juveniles in the facility, the county is starting to address the lack of mental-health services - whether in facilities or starting at home with the family.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Don't Lock 'Em Up. Give 'Em a Chance to Quit Drugs

Caroline Preston

October 25, 2016 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Seattle, Washington

In Seattle, the over-policing of drug users has been extensive and frequently racially biased. Looking for a new solution, the LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) program, driven by a harm reduction philosophy, is connecting users with key social services rather than punishment.

Read More
Go to Original Story
New Program to Stem Chicago's Violence Epidemic Starts in Jail

Brandis Friedman

October 20, 2016 |

WTTW-PBS |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

Chicago's Cook County Jail seeks to short-circuit the cycle of violence by involving young men from the city's most violent zip codes in a program that includes counseling, conflict resolution and anger management. The Sheriff's Anti-Violence Effort, or SAVE, then connects them with services once they're released to find housing and employment. Results are preliminary, but so far more than 80 have gone through the program and 20 were released, with just two ending up back in jail.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Replacing Military-Style Detention

Arielle Dreher

October 05, 2016 |

Jackson Free Press |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Jackson, Mississippi

Mississippians who receive earned probation for crimes that do not carry a death sentence or involve deadly weapons will now have access to high-school equivalency education, alcohol and drug counseling, re-entry and employment services—and perhaps, most importantly, "Thinking for a Change," an evidence-based cognitive behavioral-therapy program.

Read More
Go to Original Story
How Dress for Success Has Outfitted Women for Two Decades

Chavie Lieber

September 27, 2016 |

Racked |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Business clothes are expensive, and this can often be a barrier to low-income professionals. Dress for Success in New York City is a non-profit that collects second-hand business clothing and has high-end stylists on hand to help with fashion choices for clients. The clothes not only help low-income clients get better jobs, but also help improve self-esteem and confidence.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Is Nature the Key to Rehabilitating Prisoners?

Brian Mockenhaupt

September 07, 2016 |

Outside |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Eugene, Oregon

The United States' incarcerated population makes up roughly 25% of the world's prisoners, but many are serving short terms and will be released back into society only to be asked to rebuild their life with little to no help or experiences gained during their time in prison. Groups like Sponsors - a program that takes formerly incarcerated adults into nature as part of a reintegration program - are working to change this re-entry process by using the outdoors as a place for former inmates to become reacquainted not just with the world, but also with themselves.

Read More
Go to Original Story