The purpose of earning a reputation in prison is for one reason—survival. However, the cost of survival may take extreme forms. “When I first came to prison in the 80s, being a transgender meant being someone’s property. We would be used to carry weapons, for sex, to wash and clean dirty workout clothes, but, in that we were also well protected, and it gave you a sense of security,” says Jarvis “Lady J” Clark, who has been incarcerated 30 years, serving a 27-year-to-life sentence for first-degree murder. “However, the … [Read more...] about The cost of reputation in prison: being transgender in prison
Prominent attorney notes First Step Act is insufficient
Opponents of President Trump’s new criminal justice reform say that the new law doesn’t do enough and will set a bad precedent. “Donald Trump claims he’s taking a step toward desperately needed criminal justice reform but he’s not,” wrote Keith Wattley in an Op-ed in The New York Times. Wattley is a prominent criminal justice advocate and attorney in California. At issue is the bi-partisan supported legislation known as the First Step Act, which was signed into law by President Trump on Dec. 21. “The First Step Act has … [Read more...] about Prominent attorney notes First Step Act is insufficient
Youths held in juvenile detention on the decline in US
The number of youths held in juvenile detention is declining in the United States. The total number of youths in confinement declined 58 percent over the period of 2000 to 2016, while the number of facilities holding youths in custody dropped 42 percent in the same time period, according to “Juvenile Residential Facility Census Databook,” a 2018 report from the U.S. Department of Justice. “The decline comes in large part because of significant reduction in the number of youth in custody,” reports Dana Shoenberg and Erinn Broadus of … [Read more...] about Youths held in juvenile detention on the decline in US
Homeless center helps to reduce overdoses of addicted teens
A homeless center for youths in San Francisco has found success reducing overdoses and helping addicted teens find sobriety through harm reduction. “(We) now have a suboxone clinic at our syringe access site! This is a huge lifesaver, removing bureaucratic roadblocks from the paths of people who want to get off opiates,” said Mary Howe, executive director of Homeless Youth Alliance (HYA) in San Francisco. “Now young people, who are in withdrawal, can come to HYA’s site—a place where they already feel safe—and have a consultation with our … [Read more...] about Homeless center helps to reduce overdoses of addicted teens
Kid CAT banquet honors the forgotten voices of youth
Kid CAT celebrated the “forgotten voices” of youth at its 2018 annual banquet. “Tonight’s Banquet was about bringing awareness to the youths, who think that their voices are not being heard and are afraid to express how they feel to their parents or caretakers,” said Si Dang, Kid CAT chairman. Kid CAT is a group of men who committed their crimes as juveniles and are serving adult sentences. Capturing the night’s theme of “forgotten voices” was a series of speakers, actors and musicians who dug into the topics of foster care, … [Read more...] about Kid CAT banquet honors the forgotten voices of youth
HR 6011 a bill to end children’s life without parole
A Republican congressman introduced a bill to end life-without-parole and defacto life sentences for children in the federal criminal justice system. The bill, known as HR 6011, was introduced by congressman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), according to an opinion piece published on September 16 in The Hill by Marc Levin (vice president of criminal justice policy at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and its Right on Crime initiative) and Jody Kent Lavy (executive director of the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth). “Should it pass, HR … [Read more...] about HR 6011 a bill to end children’s life without parole
Importance of good character and integrity in prison
Cost of reputation, Part 1 Editor’s note: Survival in prison often depends on reputation. A good reputation confers respect and longevity. A bad reputation may result in being ostracized, extorted, assaulted or, worse, murdered. This three-part series will feature stories of survival and redemption. “When I first came to prison I wanted to be left alone, not to be harassed or victimized by other inmates,” said Marty Walters, 50, who has been incarcerated 30 years for first-degree murder. “So, I acted like a tough guy and made weapons because … [Read more...] about Importance of good character and integrity in prison
Wisconsin ends harsh treatment of youth
Wisconsin prison officials have reached a legal settlement aimed at bringing sweeping criminal justice reform to its youth prisons. The settlement provides for “broad changes at the state’s troubled youth prison, (which) include banning guards from using pepper spray, ending solitary confinement for rule-breakers and limiting mechanical restraints and strip searches,” The Associated Press reported in June. Pending approval from a federal judge, the settlement would include $1 million for ACLU’s attorney fees. ACLU represented the … [Read more...] about Wisconsin ends harsh treatment of youth
Young female offenders donate $1,500 to charity
Female inmates at the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility raised more than $1,500 to fund a program to end domestic violence. “These young people are involved in fundraising year round. (The) donation was prompted by National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which is recognized at the facility with presentations from crime victims as well as essay and art contests,” VC Star reported. The organization that received the fund is a Sacramento-based organization called California Partnership to End Domestic Violence. “Nobody understands how it … [Read more...] about Young female offenders donate $1,500 to charity
After 22 years Antoine Brown is a free man
After receiving a commutation of his sentence from Gov. Jerry Brown, Antoine Brown became the latest Kid CAT member to be found suitable for parole. “During his 22 years of incarceration, Mr. Brown has demonstrated a clear commitment to his rehabilitation,” Governor Brown stated in his Dec. 23, 2017, commutation of Antoine Brown. “Mr. Brown committed a senseless crime, but he has shown a clear rejection of violence and gang activity for many years. In light of his age at the time of his crime, his positive conduct in prison, and … [Read more...] about After 22 years Antoine Brown is a free man