Justice Center Resource
New Federal Benefits Online Tools
The Justice Center has just released two new online tools – Federal Benefits Comparison Chart and Keys to Federal Benefit Access – designed to help policymakers, practitioners, and others ensure that more people who are eligible for benefit programs such as SSI/SSDI and Medicaid are enrolled in these programs upon release from jail or prison.
Spotlight Announcements
8/21/2008 – In June the Arizona legislature passed with overwhelming bipartisan support SB 1476, "The Safe Communities Act," which creates a performance funding mechanism for probation departments to employ best practices to reduce crime and violations committed by people under probation supervision.
Michigan Governor Creates Statewide Prisoner Reentry Advisory Council
8/21/2008 – Last month, Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm issued Executive Order No. 2008-18, establishing the Michigan Prisoner Reentry Advisory Council. Members of the advisory council represent several state agencies, including the departments of corrections, community health, labor and economic growth, and human services.
Reentry News Clips
Charleston Post and Courier (SC): Judicial dilemma
8/26/2008 – Some judges, faced with swollen dockets and overcrowded prisons, are reluctant to drop the hammer on probation violators and further burden the state's already struggling correctional system.
Philadelphia Inquirer (PA): Attempt to help sex offenders offends town
8/26/2008 – It was bad enough when Tom Armstrong brought goats and chickens onto his property in this impeccably restored mill town on the Susquehanna River, his neighbors say. But this summer, they say, he went too far when he moved in three sex offenders.
Other Justice Center Projects
Criminal Justice / Mental Health InfoNet
The Justice Center's online database that provides a comprehensive inventory of collaborative criminal justice/mental health activity across the country.
An unprecedented, national effort to help policymakers improve the response to people with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system.
A data-driven strategy for policymakers to reduce spending on corrections and increase public safety.