Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP)

With so many new followers, we thought it was time for a reintroduction! The Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP), located at the UConn School of Public Policy is a non-partisan organization that bridges the gap between academia, policymakers, and the community that champions fair, effective, and just public policies in #criminaljustice, #justicereform, and #policing. Our mission is driven by our 🌟 Core Values 🌟 💡 Integrity – We are committed to excellence, honesty, and fairness in everything we do. 🔍 Objectivity – We rely on evidence-based research, focusing on fairness and nonpartisanship. 🤝 Collaboration – We thrive on working together with colleagues, policymakers, and communities to achieve shared goals. 🌍 Diversity – We value inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives, helping us understand and address the needs of all. 💪 Courage – We embrace innovation and tackle tough issues with open-mindedness and proactive solutions. These principles are the foundation of our commitment to a just, equitable, and inclusive society. Together, we can continue to advance public policies that make a lasting impact! #CoreValues #Integrity #Collaboration #Diversity #Objectivity #Courage #PublicPolicy #Impact #Leadership #SocialGood Pictured: A selection of staff members and collaborators at our October symposium collaboration with CJPPD: "Expanding Access: the Future of Second Chance Pell Education in Connecticut"

In the face of both challenge and opportunity, we "March On"! That's the theme of IMRP's quarterly newsletter which highlights recent project and staff accomplishments along with upcoming initiatives and opportunities to engage. Subscribe to stay in the know! https://lnkd.in/ep--2pxj #newsletter #partnerships #collaboration

We wrap up our #staffspotlight series this week with a welcome and thank you to our hardworking legislative and policy intern Kate Mazzotta! In addition to serving on the Children with Incarcerated Parents team, Kate supports a variety of justice initiatives at the IMRP, working with the State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management and the Division for Criminal Justice Policy and Planning. Kate recently provided testimony on behalf of CTCIP at the Connecticut General Assembly Committee on Children public hearing in support of two bills for review including H.B. No. 6182, an Act Extending Financial Assistance for the Postsecondary Education Expenses of Foster Youth. Here's how you can support CTCIP: Find out more about the CTCIP scholarship at https://lnkd.in/eu5uSFdb #staffprofiles #justice #education #scholarship #CTCIP

We continue our #staffspotlight series this week for the IMRP's CT Children with Incarcerated Parents initiative. Elizabeth Canavan is the CTCIP's Educational Resource Coordinator. She is committed to creating comprehensive resources and professional development programs that equip educators with the knowledge, strategies, and tools to support children with incarcerated parents. By empowering educators with these materials, she aims to create more supportive learning environments for all students. In addition to her work at CTCIP, Elizabeth is a mathematics teacher for 7th and 8th grade students at a Connecticut middle school. She recently created and facilitated CTCIP's December virtual webinar for educators: "What About the Kids? How to Support Children with Incarcerated Parents in Education Settings." You can support children with incarcerated parents by learning more about the CTCIP scholarship here: https://lnkd.in/eu5uSFdb #education #CTCIP #justice #scholarships

In addition to serving as the IMRP's operations coordinator, keeping the Institute future-focused and smoothly running, Irvine Peck's-Agaya Miller, MA is a key member of multiple projects, including the CTCIP team! Irvine has helped grow awareness of CT Children with Incarcerated Parents throughout the state and on social media. Her commitment to advance equitable, inclusive public policies and restorative justice practices have largely been influenced by her experience with an incarcerated loved one at a young age. "Growing up, it was taboo to discuss family members who were incarcerated for fear of further stigmatization. While it wasn’t talked about much, the impact of separation and financial loss was undeniable, and the experience often felt isolating," she says. Irvine is currently earning her second masters degree at UConn while working full-time at the IMRP and supporting a future generation of students. Want to support the CTCIP scholarship fund? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eu5uSFdb #justice #students #CTCIP #scholarships #staffprofiles

This week we're highlighting our CT Children with Incarcerated Parents Initiative and its annual #scholarship to support students here at University of Connecticut At Hartford who have been impacted by the incarceration of a close family member. Please meet Santana Miller, program assistant, who is leading CTCIP efforts along with assisting with International Justice Exchange and other IMRP key initiatives. Santana brings a wealth of experience in higher education, program administration, and youth services and is passionate about fostering equitable access to resources and services. Her previous roles have helped her develop strong skills in program management, student advising, and community engagement. Know a UConn Hartford student who might be a candidate for this $1500 per semester scholarship? Info on how to apply here: https://lnkd.in/eu5uSFdb Want to make contribute towards this scholarship? Info on how to donate here: https://lnkd.in/dVwmsy7 ID #0023776 #childrenwithincarceratedparents #CTCIP #studentsupport #staffprofiles

IMRP's current work with Amend at UCSF and Connecticut Department of Correction is featured in this Connecticut Mirror article, masterfully captured by reporter Mark Pazniokas. These best practices, learned abroad through the IMRP's International Justice Exchange, are designed to develop safer, more humane, and ultimately more effective prisons. IMRP Director Andrew Clark and Director of Research Vaughn Crichlow, PhD, along with Amend's Kevin Reeder and Ian Russell-Camara are among the many dedicated individuals involved in the current initiative. We are thankful for this in-depth reporting and for the many partnerships the IJE has cultivated since its inception. We look forward to many more to come. #justice #prisonreform #sentencing #CTDOC

"The work we are doing today is for our kids and our grandkids." Taking lessons from best practices learned abroad, the IMRP is working with Amend at UCSF and Connecticut Department of Correction to provide the training and resources for the development of safer, more humane, and ultimately more effective correctional institutions here in Connecticut. Learn more about this initiative on our website/featured news or about the International Justice Exchange, a key initiative of the IMRP at https://lnkd.in/eKzBRtmA.

Please join members of the IMRP, UConn School of Public Policy and Capitol Region Council of Governments for this important presentation at Hartford Public Library next week! UConn School of Public Policy professor Mohamad Alkadry will moderate the first in a series of "CT Policy Talks" - a discussion on Local Interventions to Address Substance Use Disorders. Panelists include: - West Hartford Chief of Police Vernon L. Riddick, Jr. - Mallory Deprey, New Britain's Director of Recreation and Community Services - State Representative Tracy Marra - Mark Jenkins, Founder and CEO of CT Harm Reduction Alliance - David Mitre Becerril, Assistant Professor, UConn SPP Assistant This insightful conversation will take place 12:00 noon - 1:30 pm. Lunch will be provided. There is no fee to attend but advance RSVPs are required. Please share the word with those in our #community - #students, #policymakers, #advocates, and impacted individuals - concerned about #publicsafety, #substanceabuse, #policing, #mentalhealth, #wellbeing

The IMRP is proud to once again support the CT Children with Incarcerated Parents initiative and its #scholarship for University of Connecticut students enrolled at the #Hartford campus through #uconngives. Students impacted by the incarceration of a close family member are welcome to apply for the CTCIP scholarship which awards $1,500 a semester for undergraduate studies. Applications are due by April 4th. More information is available at ctcip.org