Diversion Programs — State and Local Issues — Galsworthy Criminal Justice Reform Program

When Prison Reform Goes Bad

“The idea was to relieve pressure on the overcrowded prison system while also breaking the cycle of incarceration for low-level felons. Instead, more than two decades later, people leaving state jail have a greater chance of reoffending than any other group in the Texas criminal justice system. Nearly 63 percent of people released from state jails are rearrested, compared to 46 percent of inmates released from Texas prisons, according to Legislative Budget Board data.“

Texas Observer

December 11, 2018

Diversion Programs, State ReformsPhillip ReevesDecember 11, 2018Texas, Texas ObserverComment

I went to prison for 19 years. Here is why I didn't become a statistic

“I do what I do because I witnessed a period of time when confinement in Maine didn’t necessarily result in this social destruction – and I am convinced that one way to bring about reform is to return to the progressive prison policies of old.“

The Guardian

December 6, 2018

Diversion Programs, Prison Violence, State ReformsPhillip ReevesDecember 6, 2018The Guardian, MaineComment

Guest column/Many reasons to support Ohio’s Issue 1

“Issue 1 would reduce Ohio’s bloated prison population, which has hovered around 130 percent capacity for years, and redirect the cost savings into drug treatment programs and community safety. People struggling with addiction should be sent to treatment, not prison. People who make one misstep while on probation deserve a second chance. Issue 1 will provide these opportunities, and in turn, these people can contribute to their families and local communities.“

Ohio Herald-Star

September 30, 2018

Diversion Programs, Opioid CrisisPhillip ReevesSeptember 30, 2018Ohio Herald Star, Issue 1, OhioComment

'Wake-up call' — Idaho lawmaker proposes $500M for programs, not prisons

"If this doesn’t spark a serious discussion about criminal justice reform and the underlying problems that lead people to prison — poor investments in schools, healthcare and job training — I don’t know what will. If Idaho stays on this path, we’re going to be talking about building yet another prison ten years from now. The only difference is, it will cost a lot more than $500 million."

Idaho State Journal

July 2, 2018

State Reforms, Diversion ProgramsAnthony BradleyJuly 31, 2018Idaho State Journal, Idaho

State and Local Issues

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