Washington D.C. focuses on bipartisan criminal justice legislation, the aftermath of last week’s elections on youth justice, and emotional stories from veteran graduates of treatment court. All of these stories and more in this week’s news roundup.
Sending Support for Our Soldiers
“For the veteran, thank you for bravely doing what you’re called to do so we can safely do what we’re free to do.” – Unknown
This month as we celebrate our veterans, we take a moment as a nation to thank the soldiers for their service of ensuring our freedom and safety. We would also like to acknowledge and thank those who continue to support our veterans once they return home.
Our first shout out goes to the Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans emerging back into civilian life may face several challenges, such as PTSD and substance misuse. VA’s National Center for PTSD created a series of short videos for patients and providers to help recognize the symptoms of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). Continue reading “Sending Support for Our Soldiers”
Friday News Roundup: November 9, 2018
The midterm election and criminal justice reform: Florida’s felon enfranchisement, Ohio’s attempted criminal drug possession reform, and Hawaii joins the nation in positive promotion of Veterans Treatment Courts. All of these stories and more in this week’s news roundup.
Thankful for the Right to Vote: Ensuring Returning Citizens Have the Right Also
Every year when November comes, I immediately think of Thanksgiving and what I am thankful for. This year, November also means midterm elections and exercising our right to vote. I recognize, though, that not everyone is able to participate in this essential part of our democratic process whether it is due to misinformation, cumbersome voter registration laws, or felony disenfranchisement laws. Being able to vote allows us to share our voice and help shape the direction of this country. Breaking down the barriers to voting is critical to making sure all voices are heard. That is why this year, I am so thankful that Florida voters passed Amendment 4, restoring voting rights to more than one million citizens with a felony conviction.
Continue reading “Thankful for the Right to Vote: Ensuring Returning Citizens Have the Right Also”
Friday News Roundup: November 2, 2018
The opioid crisis devastates Native American communities, Tennessee awards $4 million in juvenile justice grants, and Michigan appoints a veteran as county public defender. All of these stories and more in this week’s news roundup.
Anti-Bullying Month – Letting Light in
Anti-Bullying Month is an initiative supported by the American people and our government. Our country needs to heal in multiple spaces. Our people need love. Our kids and teens need us to guide them. We see the implications bullying has in our current political and social climates. It harnesses divide, boasts the wrong priorities, distracts and destroys.
To let light into the darkest spaces is immeasurably difficult. It takes deep breathing, stepping back, and utter discomfort to get to this place. It takes forgiveness. Change can only come through awareness, acknowledgement, and action.
Community Approaches to Public Safety on Halloween
My first Halloween experience was when I was 12 years old. As a recently arrived immigrant to the United States, Halloween was a uniquely American experience for me and it was thrilling to discover haunted houses, carved 
pumpkins, and elaborate costumes. I still remember staying up late on Halloween and trading candy with my siblings after trick-or-treating. Today, I feel like I am a pro at Halloween, I have a collection of cute decorations, I create jack-o-lanterns, I plan my kids’ costumes, and I make sure my house has the best candy on the block. As an adult, I still appreciate the innocent Halloween fun, but I am also aware of the public safety challenges this celebration can pose. This includes keeping kids safe as they explore en masse, protecting pedestrians and drivers, and preventing intentional mischief that could result in serious harm.
Continue reading “Community Approaches to Public Safety on Halloween”
Friday News Roundup: October 26, 2018
Suspicious parcels targeting United States officials and CNN staff were, thankfully, kept out of harms way, a decision to end oversight of a juvenile court in Memphis causes uproar, and Wisconsin recognizes issues around paying public defenders. All of these stories and more in this week’s news roundup.
In Re Gault – Progress or Regression
“The Road to Hell is paved with good intentions.” – Unknown
As I walked into my first (and only!) law class in grad school, there was a quote written on the whiteboard. Our professor looked at us and asked, “How does this apply to our case today?” The case in question was “In re Gault,” the landmark US Supreme Court case which established the right to counsel for juveniles in delinquency cases in 1967. That may have been my only law class, but I continue to grapple with the issues raised by this case through my work training and providing technical assistance to juvenile drug treatment courts. In the 51 years since Gault, we’ve come a long way to ensure justice for youth, but there are still steps we need to take, especially when it comes to the right to counsel.
Friday News Roundup: October 19, 2018
Prosecutors and defenders push to expand veterans treatment courts in Minnesota, the Department of Justice steps in to review a juvenile justice court in Tennessee, and Michigan continues to be recognized for its positive work in drug treatment courts and in tackling the opioid crisis. All of these stories and more in this week’s news roundup.