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
Youth Offender
Dear Kid CAT, Vicki and Steve – Project Avary
Thank you for including us on the Project Avary walk in September. It was an truly an amazing day, far more powerful and thought-provoking than me and my husband Steve ever could have imagined. We had many conversations about it since that day, and we really just can’t stop thinking about the men – especially the Kid CAT members – locked up for huge swaths – if not all – of their lives. We had a talk with a man name David, a deeply thoughtful articulate young man who reminded us very much of the sons of some of our best friends. I was so … [Read more...] about Dear Kid CAT, Vicki and Steve – Project Avary
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
Project Avary sets benefit march
San Quentin’s Kid CAT group and the Project Avary organization are preparing for the Second Annual “Walk for the Next Generation” on the prison’s Lower Yard. The event brings support and solidarity to children of incarcerated parents. The men of San Quentin march alongside Project Avary alumni and staff to raise money that provides long-term aid for the children. “We intervene early in the lives of kids at the ages of 8 to 11, and we make a long-term 10-year commitment to each child and family,” said Zach Whelan, Project Avary’s executive … [Read more...] about Project Avary sets benefit march
Borey Ai is out of prison, but he’s still not a free man
Borey (PJ) Ai has served his sentence in the California prison system, but he is not yet a free man. Even as he walks the streets of San Francisco and rejoins his family in Stockton, he can’t loosen up, can’t let his guard down. “This could be temporary. Any day this could be taken away,” said Ai, who is under the supervision of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and could at any time be deported to Cambodia, a country he has never set foot in. A black GPS ankle monitor sits just above his right Nike, sending his whereabouts to ICE … [Read more...] about Borey Ai is out of prison, but he’s still not a free man
KID CAT graduates 43 in its fourth cycle
With a class of 43, the largest graduating class yet, a group of inmate facilitators and advisors were in a boisterous mood as they prepared the certificates for the fourth graduating cycle of Kid CAT’s (Creating Awareness Together) First Step curriculum on a Sunday evening this spring. The ARC building was set up for a celebration with nametags on chairs for all the graduates as they waited outside the building. As do all groups, the attendees signed in as they filtered into the ARC building. The graduates completed a 28-week three-phase … [Read more...] about KID CAT graduates 43 in its fourth cycle