Prison Policy Initiative — Social and Economic Issues — Galsworthy Criminal Justice Reform Program

Why haven’t presidential candidates proposed to end the criminalization of poverty?

“These candidates are missing an opportunity. The incomes of people in U.S. prisons and local jails are overwhelmingly low, and one in two American adults has had a close relative incarcerated, meaning that a candidate who understands the criminalization of poverty could propose transformative reforms and speak to a huge number of voting-age Americans. In particular, candidates are missing an opportunity to speak to Black voters, who are hit hardest by policies that punish poor people. “

Prison Policy Institute

June 12, 2019

Criminalizing PovertyPhillip ReevesJune 12, 2019Prison Policy InitiativeComment

We know how to prevent opioid overdose deaths for people leaving prison. So why are prisons doing nothing?

“In the two weeks after their release, recently incarcerated people are almost 42 times more likely to die from an overdose than the general population. With such an apparent risk and dire consequences, states need to prioritize the widespread adoption of proven strategies to lower the risk of opioid overdoses among formerly incarcerated people. “

Prison Policy Initiative

December 7, 2018

Opioid CrisisPhillip ReevesDecember 7, 2018Prison Policy InitiativeComment

Getting Back on Course: Educational exclusion and attainment among formerly incarcerated people

“Throughout their lives, people who serve time in prison are held back from educational opportunities, making it nearly impossible to earn the credentials they need to succeed after release. Using data from the National Former Prisoner Survey, this report reveals that formerly incarcerated people are often relegated to the lowest rungs of the educational ladder; more than half hold only a high school diploma or GED, and a quarter hold no credential at all.“

Prison Policy Initiative

October 30, 2018

EducationPhillip ReevesOctober 30, 2018Prison Policy InitiativeComment

Out of Prison & Out of Work: Unemployment among formerly incarcerated people

"Using a nationally representative dataset, we provide the first ever estimate of unemployment among the 5 million formerly incarcerated people living in the United States. Our analysis shows that formerly incarcerated people are unemployed at a rate of over 27% — higher than the total U.S. unemployment rate during any historical period, including the Great Depression."

Prison Policy Initiative

July 16, 2018

EmploymentAnthony BradleyJuly 31, 2018Prison Policy Initiative, Occupational Licensing

Separation by Bars and Miles: Visitation in state prisons

''Almost by definition, incarceration separates individuals from their families, but for decades this country has also placed unnecessary burdens on the family members left behind."

Prison Policy Initiative

October 20, 2015

Parental IncarcerationAnthony BradleyJuly 30, 2018Prison Policy Initiative

Social and Economic Issues

Galsworthy CJR Program

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