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Even in Texas, Mass Imprisonment Is Going Out of Style

Tina Rosenberg

February 14, 2017 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Texas

In Texas, Mass-Incarceration is becoming a surprising hub of bi-partisan reform. By finding common ground, and brainstorming new solutions and alternatives to mass incarceration, the state has seen a drop in incarceration and crime rates.

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Could this one simple idea stop the revolving door to prison?

Samantha Melamed

February 14, 2017 |

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, “500 men and about 10 women juvenile lifers who have been locked away for decades” will be released due to a recent Supreme Court decision that said it was unconstitutional for judges to strike automatic life-without-parole sentence for juveniles. Unfortunately, recidivism rates show that “ 60 percent of people are locked up again within three years of being released.” However, pairing a former prisoner with a mentor is an old school solution that has been proven to be successful. Studies show “participants who had mentors were twice as likely to find jobs and 39 percent less likely to reci

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America Beyond Detention: Taking Shelter

Gus Bova

January 30, 2017 |

Texas Observer |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Austin, Texas

Three Part Series, "America Beyond Detention": For decades, immigrant advocates have argued that the federal government should increase the use of residential shelters - like Casa Marianella in Austin - as an alternative to detention. The shelters are generally less expensive, treat immigrants more humanely, and are better equipped to integrate people into their new communities.

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Mercer County officials discuss Mental Health Court to curb violence

Penny Ray

January 01, 2017 |

The Trentonian |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Trenton, New Jersey

Research has shown that criminal activity is often a result of a person with a mental illness falling into substance abuse and jail time does nothing to help a person’s illness. To lower the number of people with a mental illness in the criminal justice system, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office have been practicing an “informal Mental Health Court,” where defendants are put in a life coaching program instead of jail.

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New court aims to redefine young adult justice in Chicago

Nissa Rhee

December 24, 2016 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

Chicago plans to open a community court for young adult offenders that focuses on rehabilitative services and community support, giving them a chance to make reparations to victims and avoid a criminal record that can jeopardize opportunities for the rest of their lives. Part 3 of 3.

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N.J. will eliminate cash bail, speed up criminal trials in 2017

Joe Hernandez

December 21, 2016 |

WHYY |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New Jersey

New Jersey has eliminated cash bail and will instead make a determination, driven in part by computer algorithms, on whether someone is likely to commit another crime or not show up for their court date. This eliminates a system where more than a third of people awaiting trial were behind bars only because they could not afford bail. If a judge does decide to hold someone in jail, another reform kicks in assuring a speedy trial by setting required deadlines for cases to be heard.

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‘Not a Dungeon': The Evolving Approach to Juvenile Detention

Sierra Mannie Arielle Dreher

December 14, 2016 |

Jackson Free Press |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Jackson, Mississippi

The approach of some state detention directors to juvenile justice has evolved at Henley-Young Juvenile Justice Center. Research shows that traditional detention is simply not working as a deterrent to youth crime—and can actually increase it. Administrators, county and special-interest groups have chipped away at antiquated practices to make room for rehabilitation and therapy. These efforts attempt to address the core issues that culminate in youth crime, delinquency and recidivism.

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Meth series: Family drug courts fight rising tide of meth-fueled child abuse and neglect

Kathleen J. Bryan

December 13, 2016 |

The Montana Standard |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Montana

Montana saw the rise of child abuse and neglect cases due to parental substance abuse, particularly with those using methamphetamine. Family drug courts are reversing this trend due to a more holistic approach striving for permanency through rewards and sanctions program, frequent testing, and treatment.

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Impact of Chicago's violence on girls in toughest neighborhoods often overlooked

Annie Sweeney

December 10, 2016 |

Chicago Tribune |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

Girls in Chicago's toughest neighborhoods face extensive danger on a daily basis. Not enough is being done to help girls so that they do not engage in violence or self-harm. Programs such as the Urban Warrior Program, Demoiselle 2 Femme, and the juvenile justice system are implementing programs tailored to understand the issues for girls in this community and to then provide mentoring and education.

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This Kansas farmer fought a government program to keep his farm sustainable

Kristin Ohlson

December 05, 2016 |

Ensia |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Kansas

Regenerative farming practices such as cover crops can be environmentally friendly and financially profitable. But federal crop insurance rules and certain characteristics of the agriculture industry have prevented farmers from employing these techniques fully. However, one farmer, Gail Fuller, has been working to broaden access to such techniques.

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