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
The 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 The 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
Germany progressive juvenile justice approach
Germany’s progressive treatment of its youth offenders in its criminal justice system leads to fewer youths in adult prisons, lower recidivism, and lesser sentences. “Germany is probably the ‘grandfather’ of special treatment for emerging adults in all of Europe. In 1953, German law was changed to allow youth up to age 21 when they committed their offense to be tried as juveniles,” The Crime Report reported. As a result of this approach, 66 percent of emerging adults who committed a crime were sentenced as juveniles. This includes more … [Read more...] about Germany progressive juvenile justice approach
29 years in prison is enough for Mike Webb
After six parole hearings and 29 years in prison, Mike Webb, a beloved Kid CAT member, was found suitable for parole. “Mike Webb is one of the most compassionate and committed persons that I know,” said Charlie Spence, Kid CAT Chairman. “We will all miss him very much, because he has been such a positive impact in our group and in this community.” The youngest of three children, Webb was born and raised in Los Angeles by his single mother. “Growing up without a father was tough,” he says. “I didn’t have anyone I could turn to, to learn … [Read more...] about 29 years in prison is enough for Mike Webb
San Quentin mourns Dr. Davida Coady long time friend and volunteer
San Quentin mourns the passing of one of its volunteers, Dr. Davida Coady, whose humanitarian work with Cesar Chavez, Mother Teresa and third-world countries has impacted disadvantaged children, refugees, addicts and lifers. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Coady,” said Tith Ton, an inmate at San Quentin and addiction counselor trained by Dr. Coady. “Forty years ago she provided medical aid to my mom in a refugee camp in Thailand. Forty years later, she taught me how to become an addiction counselor to provide treatment for others … [Read more...] about San Quentin mourns Dr. Davida Coady long time friend and volunteer
Resilience: A key factor in growth
Successful adults who overcame difficult childhoods have one thing in common – resilience, according to social scientists. “The dictionary defines resilience as elasticity, which is the ability to recover quickly, and easily…these images are fine for describing recovery from short-term problems, but they don’t capture how resiliency truly works and feels,” said Dr. Meg Jay, author of Supernormal: The Untold Story of Adversity and Resilience. “The most common childhood adversities aren’t one-time events but chronic sources of stress: … [Read more...] about Resilience: A key factor in growth
Inmate NAACP chapter in Delaware
Inmates at a Delaware state prison have created an NAACP chapter to litigate for rehabilitation, compassionate release, improved health care, and better living conditions. “My top priority is for inmates to understand that we have the power to change things via political and judicial processes,” said Robert Saunders, inmate at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Delaware, and chairman of the Legal Redress Committee and NAACP Prison Chapter 2032. In association with the NAACP, the group is officially called the Legal Redress Committee … [Read more...] about Inmate NAACP chapter in Delaware