CHESS Health’s Post

In 2014, California voters passed #Prop47, a groundbreaking measure that has helped decrease the state’s incarcerated population over the last decade and redirected funds to services that promote long-term public safety. Now, Proposition 36 is on the ballot, and it seeks to undo much of that progress. If passed, Prop 36 would increase penalties for crimes that Prop 47 downgraded, leading to longer sentences for nonviolent offenses and potentially reversing the gains made in reducing mass incarceration. Californians: before you cast your vote, take a moment to read our in-depth explainer on Prop 36 and how it would hold Californians back from a safer, more equitable future:

Valuable episode, speaks to many important issues, system inequities, the irrationality of LWOP sentences, challenges of reentry, and diverse & healing approaches (for communities and individuals) to trauma and accountability.

Individuals reentering the community after prison can face a host of complex challenges. Social support appears to be an important factor in helping recently released men and women by promoting adjustment and success in multiple areas of life. However, social support during the reentry is not well understood in terms of what types of support help individuals, who can best provide this support, how certain aspects of social support might be harmful, and pathways through which support helps individuals. This qualitative study explores four common types of social support that have been identified in the research literature: emotional, instrumental, informational, and companionship. Source: Kjellstrand, J., Clark, M., Caffery, C. et al. Reentering the Community after Prison: Perspectives on the Role and Importance of Social Support.

In 2014, California voters passed #Prop47, a groundbreaking measure that has helped decrease the state’s incarcerated population over the last decade and redirected funds to services that promote long-term public safety. Now, Proposition 36 is on the ballot, and it seeks to undo much of that progress. If passed, Prop 36 would increase penalties for crimes that Prop 47 downgraded, leading to longer sentences for nonviolent offenses and potentially reversing the gains made in reducing mass incarceration. Californians: before you cast your vote, take a moment to read our in-depth explainer on Prop 36 and how it would hold Californians back from a safer, more equitable future.

Parental visitation can be crucial for both the child and the incarcerated parent. Through one of our transformation programs, One Family seeks ways to maintain the bond between parent and child. The program offers one-on-one therapy, in-depth parenting classes, and contact visits. Though AB 2709 will not reinstate the right to receive personal visits, it will reduce unnecessary barriers, and we are disheartened to hear it did not make it to the governor’s desk. Support AB 2709 to Help Strengthen Family Bonds. Find the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gZxTwcd3 Our ‘One Family’ program provides parenting classes, counseling, and in-person visits for incarcerated parents to practice openness, accountability, and empowerment in a safe environment. Join the One Family program as a recurring donor. Click on the link and #JoinTheCircle: https://lnkd.in/gtAxqfiV #CommunityWorks #JusticeDemandsHumanity  #AB2709 #Vote #OneFamily #RestorativePractice #ReclaimingAgency #KeepFamiliesConnected

Ending girls' incarceration is within reach in California, which has seen steady declines in arrests and detentions for girls and gender-expansive youth over the last decade. Young people need solutions that provide them with safety and healing in their communities, not incarceration. Learn more about how California can build on this momentum to zero out girls’ incarceration: https://lnkd.in/eXw_wzfS

Clemency is a powerful tool to mitigate injustice and prioritize people over punishment. A categorical approach helps to streamline the process by offering chances at freedom for broader groups of people and can be a tool to address mass incarceration Thanks to Governor Murphy’s executive order creating an advisory board to review petitions for clemency and expediting consideration for those with lived experience in certain categories, such as victims of domestic violence and those serving excessive sentences, New Jersey is more fully leveraging every tool it can to address the harms of mass incarceration. Utilizing categorical clemency as a decarceration tool can allow governors across the country to make data-informed decisions about who should no longer be incarcerated and grant people a second chance. Read the latest piece by ACLU-NJ Executive Director Amol Sinha in The Hill to learn more about how categorical clemency can help address injustices in our criminal legal system: https://lnkd.in/emzRsBy3

In times of uncertainty, Sam Mangel stands as your beacon of support and guidance through the complex journey of incarceration. With compassion and expertise, we're here to ease the burden for both individuals and families. You're not alone—let's navigate this together. 🤝 Get A Free Consultation! 📞561-490-4544 www.sam-mangel.com #FederalPrisonConsultant #WhiteCollarAdvisor #PrisonCoach

#TrueCrimeTuesday Bonus Recommendation: 🎥 For this week’s #TrueCrimeTuesday, we’re diving into something a little different—but no less impactful. We highly recommend *Daughters* (2024), a powerful documentary now streaming on Netflix. Directed by Natalie Rae and Angela Patton, this film follows four young girls as they prepare for a Daddy-Daughter Dance inside a Washington, D.C., jail with their incarcerated fathers. Why should *Daughters* be on your watchlist? This film offers a heartfelt glimpse into the ripple effects of incarceration, specifically how it impacts children and families. As Criminal Justice students, it’s essential to explore not only the offenders’ stories but also the broader societal consequences of crime and punishment. The film's unique perspective on fatherhood and rehabilitation challenges us to think about restorative justice and the importance of family bonds even behind bars. It’s a touching and thought-provoking watch that might just shift your view on the human side of incarceration. Watch *Daughters* on Netflix and let us know your thoughts. What are the real impacts of incarceration on families? How can we, as future Criminal Justice professionals, contribute to solutions? #MoraineValleyCRJ #RestorativeJustice #FamilyResilience #FatherhoodBehindBars #TrueCrimeTuesday

The White House has officially declared the month of April as Second Chance Month! This initiative is a vital step towards raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals seeking to reintegrate into society after incarceration. At Repowered, we wholeheartedly believe in second chances. Every day presents an opportunity for renewal and growth. That's why we've developed our Work Readiness Program, tailored to support individuals with a history of incarceration or barriers to employment. Many of those we work with have encountered challenges within the criminal legal system or are in recovery from addiction, making it difficult to secure stable employment that pays a living wage. Throughout this month, we'll be sharing articles, blogs, and updates on our direct impact on society in honor of Second Chance Month. We invite you to join us in promoting a culture of compassion and understanding, and in championing opportunities for individuals seeking a fresh start. Together, let's embrace the power of second chances and create a more inclusive and supportive community for all. Read the full proclamation from President Biden For Second Chance Month: #SecondChanceMonth #Repowered #OpportunityForAll #CriminalJusticeReform #InclusiveCommunity #Support #SecondChances