| Welcome to the IACJ eNewsletter...your source for timely information on criminal justice policy and practice in Illinois. | News The United States Sentencing Commission has released a report that some say suggests federal mandatory minimum sentences are often excessively severe, unwarranted, and inconsistently applied, especially for individuals convicted of drug trafficking (over 75 percent) and individuals with prior convictions. Meanwhile, the Sentencing Project has issued a paper reporting on passage of the federal Fair Sentencing Act in August 2010 and pointing to an unfinished sentencing reform agenda. The Act reduced the 100-to-1 sentencing disparity for crack and powder cocaine offenses and eliminated the five-year mandatory minimum for simple possession of crack cocaine, reforming policies that resulted in racial disparities in incarceration. Also, Green For All reported on potential employment in the green industry for formerly incarcerated individuals. Finally, the Congressional House and Senate conference committee provided $63 million in Second Chance Act funding, restoring what had been total elimination in the Senate.
In state news, the National Alliance on Mental Illness released a report detailing more than $1.6 billion in cuts to state spending for mental health services since FY2009, as demand for these services significantly increased. In Illinois, the John Howard Association (JHA) recently released a report on Stateville Northern Reception & Classification Center, the state's largest intake, classification, and processing unit for male inmates entering state custody. After conducting almost 20 facility visits, JHA also assessed and reported on the state of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, in terms of reforms achieved, problem areas in need of change, and obstacles to those changes.
To read more about any of these items, visit www.illinoiscriminaljustice.org.
Events Discussion Series: Youth, the Criminal Justice System, and Disproportionality
December 6, 2011
5:30PM
Roosevelt University, Congress Lounge
430 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL
For more info, click here
Discussion Series: Youth, the Criminal Justice System, and Disproportionality
December 13, 2011
5:30PM
Roosevelt University, Congress Lounge
430 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL
For more info, click here
Jackson County Summit of Hope
January 10, 2012
Time TBD
American Legion Hall
Murphysboro, IL
http://www.summitofhope.org/
Discussion Series: Youth, the Criminal Justice System, and Disproportionality
January 13, 2012
5:30PM
Roosevelt University, Congress and Spertus Lounges
430 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL
For more info, click here
Olney Summit of Hope
March 6, 2012
Time TBD
Olney Central College
305 N West St.
Olney, IL
http://www.summitofhope.org/
Marion Summit of Hope
April 3, 2012
Time TBD
Third Baptist Church
1102 E Boulevard St.
Marion, IL
http://www.summitofhope.org/
Kankakee Summit of Hope
June 14, 2012
Time TBD
Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene
1000 N Entrance
Kankakee, IL
http://www.summitofhope.org/
Membership If you are not yet a member of IACJ, we'd like to invite you to consider membership in the association. IACJ is structured to support the work of advocates, providers and policy professionals focused on criminal justice work in Illinois. We hope to bring education, understanding and attention to the best practices in reentry and community reintegration. Benefits of membership include being part of a strong network of your criminal justice peers and experts; the ability to share resources, act collectively, and speak with a common voice to command attention of elected official on policy issues; and a prestigious affiliation with a state-wide association.
Membership is free for a limited time only! For more information and to join, please visit our Membership page.  | |
Posts
