CONFERENCE REPORT

2nd National Conference of the Smart Decarceration Initiative

AND PromisingTOOLS Solutions to AdvanceTACTICS: the Era of Smart Decarceration November 2-4, 2017 University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration

Contents

Executive Summary ...... 3

Keynote speaker: Susan Burton ...... 5

Community-wide event speaker: Shaun King ...... 6

Special address: Senator Dick Durbin ...... 8

Keynote speaker: Karol V. Mason ...... 9

Keynote speaker: Marc Mauer ...... 10

Keynote speaker: Ronald S. Sullivan, Jr...... 11

Panels

Implementing Decarceration-Focused Policy Innovations ...... 12

Addressing Violence and Criminal Justice Reform in Chicago ...... 12

Driving Change: People Most Impacted by Incarceration ...... 13

Reducing Behavioral Health Inequities in the Criminal Justice System ...... 13

Organizing for Decarceration ...... 14

Photos ...... 15; 18

Interactive Breakout Sessions

Cover page: Reinvesting Resources to Achieve Decarceration ...... 16

Top row: Writer and activist Court-Based Innovations for Reform ...... 16 Shaun King; Rockefeller Memorial Chapel audience Advocating for Those Who Have Been Incarcerated ...... 16

Middle row: Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL); Smart Decarceration Initia- Conducting Research on Decarceration-Focused tive co-founders and co-directors Criminal Justice Interventions ...... 16 Matt Epperson and Carrie Pettus- Davis From the Classroom to the Real World: Student Engagement and Obtaining Marketable Decarceration Work Experience ...... 17 Bottom row: Panelists Paula Wolff, Director, Illinois Justice Comprehensive Treatment Strategies Pre- and Post-Incarceration ...... 17 Project; Curtis Toler, Community Change Leader Chicago CRED; Using Data to Inform Policy and Practice ...... 17 Daniel Cooper, Executive Direc- tor, Center for Equitable Cities, Intersection of Micro and Macro Strategies to Adler University; Cook County Support Smart Decarceration ...... 17 Board President Toni Preckwinkle Help Us Make Real-World Impact ...... 19

Photo credits: Lloyd DeGrane and Sean Blackwell Sponsors ...... 20

smartdecarceration.org Follow us on : @SmartDecar For information about future efforts: [email protected] 2

Executive Summary

Smart Decarceration Initiative Co-Founders and Co-Directors e are thrilled to present this report on our second national confer- W ence: Tools & Tactics: Promising Solutions to Advance the Era of Smart Decarceration. The title indicates how much the decarceration land- scape has changed in just a few years. At our inaugural conference in 2015, our primary focus was wrestling with guiding concepts and how we might begin to shape the thinking and planning around the emerging era of Matthew Epperson decarceration. That conference resulted in the 2017 publication of the Associate Professor University of Chicago book “Smart Decarceration: Achieving Criminal Justice Transformation in School of Social Service the 21st Century” by Oxford University Press. Administration

“If we are to move from a mo- How quickly we have moved from ideas to action. Speaking about the need to decarcer- ment where decarceration is a ate is no longer a radical or idealistic stance, but one that is reasoned, compelling, and possibility to a decarceration movement, this movement must strategic. Across the country, diverse groups of stakeholders at the federal, state, and local be led by individuals who have levels are planning and implementing strategies to reduce the exploding populations of been most impacted by mass prisons and jails. This is a time of innovation, learning from our successes and challenges, incarceration. When formerly and generating evidence to guide future efforts. incarcerated individuals have a seat at the table, not as an afterthought or token gesture, What you will find in this report represents some of the most progressive thinking and ac- but as leaders and partners, tion at this early stage in the era of decarceration. Over the three days of the conference, then exciting things can hap- a diverse group of national experts, practitioners, policy makers, elected officials, advo- pen.” cates, students, and people with lived experience convened with the unified purpose of identifying and implementing the most effective, sustainable, and socially just decarcera- tion efforts. As emphasized in the conference, the leadership presence of people with in- carceration histories is organized, growing, and effective, and it remains an essential com- ponent of moving from a decarceration moment to a decarceration movement. This confer- ence exemplifies the kinds of cross-sector and transdisciplinary collaborations that must drive the decarceration era.

Carrie Pettus-Davis Assistant Professor MART ECARCERATION NITIATIVE ONFERENCE Washington University of S D I C St. Louis AT A GLANCE Brown School of Social Work “We focus on collaborating 1,500+ 5 1 with practitioners, prosecutors, attendees keynote speakers community-wide event jails, probation offices, and public defenders—to really 23 8 18 think about: How can we be- presenters lunch breakout sessions session facilitators come very innovative in our policy, in our practice, at the 5 early stages of criminal justice, expert panels on: so we create as many exit  Implementing Decarceration-Focused Policy Innovations points from the criminal justice  Addressing Violence and Criminal Justice Reform in Chicago system as possible, and create exit points that are redressing  Driving Change: People Most Impacted by Incarceration racial, economic, and behav-  Reducing Behavioral Health Inequities in the Criminal Justice System ioral health disparities, and  Organizing for Decarceration increasing well-being.” Media coverage on CLTV, WGN, Fox, and WBEZ 3

Executive Summary (continued)

If you are new to the term “smart decarceration,” it is best described by its three interrelat- ed outcomes:

 Substantially reduce the population in jails and prisons  Redress existing racial, economic, and behavioral health disparities in the criminal justice system  Maximize public safety and well-being

Though simply stated, achieving these three outcomes will take a sincere commitment to reforming practices and policies and utilizing the best evidence available. More than that, we must intentionally address structural issues of racism and inequality; planning for, and assessing the impact of reforms that intentionally reduce racial disparities will be critical. Although there is much to be optimistic about, it would be naïve to think that decarceration is inevitable. It is becoming increasingly clear that decarceration is an idea that will take serious, long-term work to realize.

So, as we move forward with efforts that hold promise for advancing decarceration, we must ensure that our tools and tactics are targeted, grounded, and responsive. Our ap- proaches must move beyond short-sighted outcomes to target meaningful systems change. They must be grounded in guiding concepts that change the narrative about incarceration and incarcerated people, as well as grounded in a commitment to long-term sustained ac- tion. Lastly, decarceration tools and tactics will need to be responsive to evidence as it emerges. We cannot blindly plow through new programs and policies without being nim- ble and adaptable to what we learn as we do. We must also be responsive to often com- plex political climates to advocate for policies that will help realize the goals of decarcera- tion.

Podcast available While we all are continuing to change the narrative on incarceration and imagine differ- ent forms of justice, we are also rolling up our sleeves and getting into the messy work of making smart decarceration a reality. There are many different ways to approach decar- ceration – from advocacy and activism angles, working for reform within the system, from policy changes, from research perspectives, and practice innovations. Regardless of the angle, there is room for everyone – and everyone is needed.

Knowledge Applied is a new pod- cast series from the University of We hope that you will be inspired and challenged by some of the tools and tactics high- Chicago that takes you inside the lighted in this report. More than that, we hope that you will build on these ideas as you do research reshaping everyday life. your part to advance the era of smart decarceration. In episode 1, Matt Epperson dis- cusses the history of mass incarcer- ation, and the social and political changes that have occurred over the last decade that may make this the ideal time to begin shrinking the U.S. prison population. Matthew Epperson and Carrie Pettus-Davis Subscribe: iTunes / Stitcher / RSS Co-Directors, Smart Decarceration Initiative

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017 Keynote speaker Susan Burton: Becoming Mrs. Burton

Keynote speaker Susan Burton describes her work in the decarceration movement with moderator Reuben Jonathan Miller, Assistant Professor, University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration. An audience member poses a question at the opening session of the Conference.

y son was killed. His name was ate violence and trauma that people mass incarceration, and that continue M K.K. He was five years old. experience in this country, instead of to punish people long after they serve Killed by an LAPD detective who acci- leading them to therapy and violence their time.” dentally ran him over. But I just could prevention services and opportunity not hold any more pain, trauma, and to rebuild their lives and have a life.” A vicious cycle involving poverty, disappointment. I began to drink heav- trauma, criminalized self-medication, ily. That led to drug use, and the drug “So, I came back to South L.A. and marginalization, and often, tragedy, use led me into prisons and jails. I just said if women in South L.A. had a characterizes the lives of many wom- started tumbling from there. I was con- place to go, then perhaps they en and men who are involved with victed six times to California state pris- wouldn’t return to prison. Perhaps the criminal justice system. But with ons. I never left prison with a safe their lives would get better and they proper screening diagnosis and prag- place to go. So, I went back to prison. could recover, not only from sub- matic allocation of resources, many And it was just a cycle of pain, hurt, stance abuse, but from trauma.” people coping with behavioral health trauma, and disappointment, until one issues can be redirected out of the day someone helped me. “I found my voice” criminal justice system toward a As Burton began speaking out, healthier and sustainable path. Susan Burton, in conversation with “something bigger than I ever imag- Reuben Jonathan Miller, Assistant Pro- ined happened. As we began telling Guided by her own involvement in fessor, University of Chicago School our stories and talking about what the criminal justice system, Burton of Social Service Administration, was going on, I found my voice. I opened a home offering mental opened the Conference describing the could no longer shake my head help- health services, substance abuse circumstances and pain that led her lessly and ask the same question, treatment, and job training for former- through multiple cycles of incarcera- over and over. It was time to change ly incarcerated women. Her success- tion, and ultimately to a career advo- the answers. Doing that meant tack- ful efforts highlight the importance of cating for and helping formerly incar- ling many institutional barriers, laws, having the formerly incarcerated cerated women. “It’s as if we incarcer- policies, and attitudes that created leading the decarceration movement.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER Susan Burton, Founder and Executive Director, A New Way of Life Re-entry Project, is a leader in the criminal justice reform movement. Drawing on her personal experiences, she dedicates her life to helping others break the cycle of incarceration. She is a past Soros Justice Fellow, CNN Top Ten Hero, and was named by the as one of 18 New Civil Rights Leaders in the nation. In 2017, her book Becoming Mrs. Burton won the first Goddard Riverside Stephan Russo Book Prize for Social Justice.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2017 Community-Wide Event Shaun King: How to Fight for Justice and Win

“We’re organized. We’re energized. We’re working a plan that everyone understands. It’s well-funded.

That’s when we start to win.

You do not accidentally find yourself on this winning path. It’s a choice – a series of choices.”

Writer and activist Shaun King

At the campus-wide community event, Shaun King energized a capacity audience at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, describing how citizens can mobi- lize and create change. (bottom row) Shaun King with Smart Decarceration Initiative co-founder and co-director Matt Epperson. Audience at Rockefel- ler Memorial Chapel.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2017 Community-Wide Event Shaun King: How to Fight for Justice and Win

During introductory remarks, Sheldon Smith, Founder, The Dovetail Project, describes how his organization changes young men’s lives.

o a standing-room-only crowd at the workforce and shifted his focus from liability when they use deadly T Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, to supporting his family. Then, in force. For any change to happen, Sheldon Smith opened the program, 2014, the death of Eric Garner’s King said, these legal precedents must describing his struggles growing up death pulled him back into activism be challenged. in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighbor- against . hood. His organization, The Dovetail Fighting for change: “We’re Project, promotes alternatives to in- “We cannot only scratching the surface” carceration, including programming our way into justice” To be successful, King said, social and support, especially to young King believed could change depends on four essential ele- men. People in poor communities, bring attention to Garner’s death ments: Smith said, do not grow up wanting and achieve justice for his family, to rob people, sell drugs, and go to and the other high-profile police 1. An organized group of people jail. He implored the audience to pro- killings of Michael Brown and Tamir 2. People who are energized mote alternatives because, “jail is not Rice. But despite the protests 3. A plan that is easily understood changing these young men.” against these killings – on the streets and communicated and through social media – police 4. Money and resources to support Shaun King then took the stage, de- violence continues with little per- the work scribing his history of involvement in ceived accountability. Why? activist causes, the policies that ena- Similar to the movement addressing ble police to avoid consequences for Because police brutality has effec- police brutality, the decarceration violent acts, and the essential strate- tively been legalized in the United movement will achieve meaningful gies needed to effect change. As a States, King explained. He high- change only when all four of these student at , Shaun lighted two Supreme Court cases, elements are present. If people want first became an activist against police Tennessee v. Garner and Graham justice, it takes more than protest. brutality. After graduation, he entered v. Connor, which shield officers

Writer and activist Shaun King is a prolific writer about the movement, police brutality, the prison industrial complex, and social justice. He is the Writer-in-Residence at Harvard Law School’s Fair Punishment Project and a columnist at . As Senior Justice Writer at the , King wrote more than 600 columns. Known for using Twitter and Facebook to tell micro-stories of injustice, King uses social media to highlight and amplify discussions about race, injustice, and social change.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2017 Special address Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)

“Most people believe in a world of second chances.

Now it’s up to us.”

Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)

Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke about the War on Drugs, its impact on communities of color, and the financial and human costs of incarceration.

s a longtime policy maker, Sena- While acknowledging his role as a violent drug crimes….What we have A tor Dick Durbin (D-IL) provided a legislator in voting for tough crime to do is find a way to go into this unique perspective about decarcera- bills, Durbin spoke about the failure world of trauma – particularly when it tion, noting, “The over-incarceration of the War on Drugs. “In the 1980s relates to children – with interventions of poor people is devastating to poor and ‘90s, Congress and state legisla- and opportunities for counseling.” communities of color—fathers, sons, tures passed a wave of laws de- brothers, uncles—all being separated manding harsher, longer sentences Durbin also noted the high price of from their families, locked away for for crimes involving drugs. Today, a mass incarceration in terms of lost hu- years, sometimes decades, for nonvio- growing number of Americans are man potential, and how those affected lent offenses.” looking at the results of these ’get by incarceration need to be at the tough’ drug laws and saying: the forefront of a smart decarceration Durbin provided data about the finan- laws aren’t working. We made mis- movement. cial costs for incarceration. “We’re takes and we need to correct them.’” talking about the primary breadwin- Finding solutions must involve those ners in many families spending their The failed War on Drugs who have been directly affected by incarceration. “They have important peak earning years behind bars, in- “The War on Drugs did not end drug insights to share,” said Durbin, “and stead of contributing to their families trafficking or addiction or drug death their voices must be part of the discus- and society. They end up costing soci- in America,” said Durbin. “All you sion about how we create a justice ety as prisoners. The price tag is con- have to do is look at the current opi- system that protects our communities siderable: an average of $30,000 a oid crisis, killing 91 Americans every and reflects our most cherished nation- year to incarcerate a nonviolent of- single day to know that. What it did al values — values like ’equal justice fender. More than tuition, room, and was fill America’s jails and prisons under the law.’” board at many great universities.” with people convicted of mostly non-

ABOUT THE SPEAKER Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Springfield, is the 47th U.S. Senator from Illinois, the state’s senior senator, the convener of Illinois’ bipartisan congressional delegation, and the Democratic Whip, the second highest ranking position among Senate Democrats. Senator Durbin has been elected to this leadership post every two years since 2005. He is the Ranking Member of the Judici- ary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration and the Appropriations Committee’s Defense Subcommittee.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2017 Keynote speaker Karol V. Mason

“We need to stop calling youth ‘at-risk’ and call them ‘at-hope.’”

Karol V. Mason President John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Karol V. Mason, President, John Jay College of Criminal Justice and former U.S. Assistant Attorney General, urged attendees to create alliances.

arol Mason spoke of the need to creating alliances, collaborating, and youth.gov” K “change the narrative of decar- working across disciplines. ceration efforts. We’re not benevo- In taking on the challenge of smart lent saints just trying to reach down Building community capacity decarceration, Mason said, “We and help people. We are partnering “I think one of the biggest successes don’t need federal leadership. We are with people who are talented, won- of the eight years of the Obama Ad- the leaders. We can show the federal derful, and creative.” ministration,” said Mason, “was government how it should be done. breaking down silos, and making The benefit of the last eight years was Staying competitive in the world is people see the relationships and con- they got us talking and believing and just one reason to work together with nections, and how we had to work feeling empowered. So, use that pow- the formerly incarcerated. “It’s not together.” er now. Nobody can take that power anecdotal to say that there is so much from you. Use the resources you have. brilliance and talent that’s limited by She described the work of Arne Dun- Use the relationships you’ve devel- our criminal justice system,” said Ma- can and Attorney General Holder oped to keep this work moving for- son. “And we all suffer if we don’t when they “came to Chicago, and ward.” take advantage of that talent, and if met with folks to figure out, ‘How do we don’t make sure that we provide we address this violence issue?’ We In closing, Mason quoted Nelson opportunities and a level playing created networks where we had Mandela: “It always seems impossible field for everybody. This is a competi- schools, law enforcement, social ser- until it’s done.” She urged Conference tive world, and if we want to succeed vice agencies, mental health provid- attendees: “Keep working. Keep push- as a world, we’ve got to make sure ers all working together to address ing. Keep experimenting. This is not we’re accessing all of our talent.” the issue. If you’re looking for ways impossible. We know what it takes to to build that community capacity, you change the system. The question is: Do Her experience working in the De- can find examples of resources, we have the will to push our leaders to partment of Justice during the Obama tools, and frameworks online at make the right investment in this Administration reinforced the idea of work?”

ABOUT THE SPEAKER Karol V. Mason, President, John Jay College was a leader in the Obama Administration on juvenile justice issues, bail reform, and re-entry for individuals leaving prison. As U.S. Assistant Attorney General and head of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, Mason oversaw a $4 billion annual budget to support state and local criminal justice agencies, juvenile justice pro- grams and services for crime victims, and oversaw the National Institute of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2017 Keynote speaker Marc Mauer

“We have to change the conversation and shift the public and media environment to create social change. ”

Marc Mauer Executive Director The Sentencing Project

Marc Mauer, Executive Director, The Sentencing Project, discussed the need for a new narrative to advance smart decarceration efforts.

o open his remarks, Mark Mauer incarceration are profound in affect- There is an abundance of information T began by asking reflective ques- ing families and communities for gen- and research demonstrating the ineffi- tions about criminal justice change: erations to come.” cacy and unsustainability of mass in- What does this changing environment carceration, which legislators can easi- for criminal justice reform look like? Mauer discussed how a consensus ly reference. What’s changed? What hasn’t has developed around decarcera- changed? Where do we go from tion. For example, California’s Propo- Needed: A new narrative here?” sition 47, passed in 2014, changed What is lacking, said Mauer, is a win- certain low-level crimes from poten- ning narrative about this overwhelm- He underscored such macro-level tial felonies to misdemeanors. The ing evidence. Smart decarceration changes as the 2010 Fair Sentencing savings from reduced incarceration advocates need to significantly change Act, the Smart on Crime Initiatives, costs will be invested into drug and the narrative, finding ways to human- and the sentences that were commuted mental health treatment, programs ize people who have been convicted. during President Obama’s administra- for students in K-12 schools, and vic- The new narrative needs to make a tion. Mauer also highlighted state-level tim services. direct connection, causing lawmakers changes, noting that policy makers are to identify with, empathize with, and becoming more aware, and suggested Evidence suggests that youth are relate to the individuals impacted by that this is an important moment to committing the bulk of crimes, partic- the criminal justice system. continue smart decarceration, with the ularly violent crimes, Mauer said. understanding and patience that Further, sentences longer than 20 “Unless we create a new narrative change will not happen overnight. years produce diminishing returns, as and unless we have a political environ- individuals incarcerated during youth ment—a public environment—that “Mass incarceration came about be- mature and criminality subsides. gives a comfort level to policy makers, cause of changes in policy—not crime Many of those individuals could it’s going to be very difficult to rates,” Mauer said. “We know that the serve as role models for youth seem- change.” race and social-class effects of mass ingly headed towards incarceration.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER Marc Mauer is Executive Director of The Sentencing Project, a national nonprofit organization engaged in research and advocacy on criminal justice policy. Mauer, a recognized expert on sentencing policy, race, and the criminal justice system, has writ- ten extensive and testified before Congress and other legislative bodies. His book, Race to Incarcerate was a semi-finalist for the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award, and he is the co-editor of Invisible Punishment, a collection of essays that examine the social costs of incarceration.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2017 Keynote speaker Ronald S. Sullivan, Jr.

“Justice does not just happen. Individuals have to roll up their sleeves and insist that justice happens.”

Ronald S. Sullivan, Jr. Clinical Professor of Law and Director, Criminal Justice Institute, Harvard Law School

“People make justice happen,” said Ronald S. Sullivan, Jr., Clinical Professor of Law and Director, Criminal Justice Institute, Harvard Law School.

eeping innocent people out of jail How to change the ethos that the quality of justice should not be K is an essential component of Changing the ethos of the office re- based on the size of your checkbook, smart decarceration, said Ronald S. quired regularly reinforcing the com- then we’re always going to have a Sullivan, Jr. In his research on wrong- mitment to justice when communi- system that trades on class and race,” ful conviction, he noticed that certain cating with staff. It also meant ex- said Sullivan. “We’ll always have it— cases, like those based on single wit- panding the criteria for overturning unless people insist otherwise. People ness identification, were prone to er- convictions to include cases where have the power to do that.” ror. With a long work history as a the conviction process was corrupt in public defender in the District of Co- some way. “My strong view is that The dirty little secret lumbia and as an academic teaching structure alone is an insufficient scaf- Thompson’s work on the conviction criminal law and criminal procedure, folding to support dramatic change review program was popular among Sullivan seemed an unlikely candidate in an institution,” said Sullivan. his constituents. People recoil when to partner with a district attorney on a “There has to be an ethos that guides they hear innocent people are spend- project to review and overturn convic- the behavior of the actors in the insti- ing 20 or 30 years in jail because it is tions. tution.” inconsistent with their notion of fair- ness and the type of country they want But when Brooklyn District Attorney Insisting on justice to live in. “The dirty little secret in the Ken Thompson invited Sullivan to help In less than three years, the Brooklyn criminal justice realm is that we know form their conviction review unit, Sulli- District Attorney’s office has over- what works,” said Sullivan. “We don’t van agreed. The project was based turned 23 wrongful convictions. have the political will to do it. The po- on three principles—a non-adversarial Keeping innocent people out of pris- litical will, just like justice, is not going norm, establishing a degree of inde- on may seem self-evident, but it is to drop from the sky. People have the pendence, and changing the ethos of not. Achieving justice requires inten- power to force and insist that their the office to focus on a commitment to tional commitment and work from leaders be responsive to the sorts of justice. individuals. “Without people insisting values that we as a citizenry hold.”

ABOUT THE SPEAKER Ronald S. Sullivan, Jr. is Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Criminal Justice Institute and the Trial Ad- vocacy Workshop at Harvard Law School. In 2014, Sullivan was tasked to design and implement a Conviction Review Unit for the Brooklyn District Attorney, which became a national model for a conviction integrity program. Sullivan was Chair of the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee for then-Senator Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, a member of the National Legal Advisory Group for the Obama Presidential Campaign, and an Advisor to the Department of Justice Presidential Transition Team.

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Panel discussions 1 and 2

Panel 2—Friday, November 3, 2017 Addressing Violence and Criminal Justice Reform in Chicago Curtis Toler, Community Change Leader, Chicago CRED Daniel Cooper, Executive Director, Center for Equitable Cities, Adler University Toni Preckwinkle, Board President, Cook County, Illinois Paula Wolff (moderator), Director, Illinois Justice Project

Curtis Toler described the work of the Chicago CRED program, which serves six Chicago violence-prone commu- nities, providing job opportunities and wraparound ser- vices for young men. Using a holistic approach, the pro- gram hopes to reduce violence and recidivism in Chicago. Panel 1—Friday, November 3, 2017 “We need help from people like you—to believe in these Implementing Decarceration-Focused young men, to not demonize them, and to know they can make a positive change and impact,” he said. Daniel Policy Innovations Cooper dispelled common notions about the value of in- Katie Hill, Director of Policy, Research, and Develop- carceration by reviewing research demonstrating how in- ment, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office carceration has harmed disadvantaged communities with- Marc Levin, Director, Center for Effective Justice & Right on Crime, Texas Public Policy Foundation out improving public safety. He urged a change in the nar- Kristy Pierce Danford, Project Director, Charleston Coun- rative about crime and punishment—”smarter messaging ty (South Carolina) Criminal Justice Coordinating Coun- for deeper decarceration...The research is clear: mass in- cil carceration is responsible for making neighborhoods Charles E. Lewis, Jr. (moderator), President, Congres- sional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy

Katie Hill described how Cook County has begun work- ing to reform pre-trial detention and bond court. In the past two years, Cook County has reduced the daily jail popula- tion by one-third (from 10,000 to 6,500), and seeks further reductions. To do this, state’s attorneys are encouraged to participate by advocating for an I-bond (recognizance bond) if the defendant does not pose a public safety threat, and a cash bond is used only as a last resort. Marc Levin detailed several alternatives used around the country to reduce jail and prison populations without causing in- creased crime rates, including the use of risk assessments to reduce pre-trial detention, bail reform, jail diversion, civil worse.” After assuming office in 2011, Toni Preckwin- citation, improved options for indigent defense, and alter- kle wanted to focus resources on violent crimes. This re- natives to court fines and fees. According to Kristy quired a hard look at another issue: jails overcrowded by Pierce Danford, data is a key tool for understanding the people accused of nonviolent crimes. She helped revise criminal justice system. “When you have the data, you sud- bond court practices so nonviolent offenders would not denly find common ground among adversarial partners,” spend time in jail between their arrest and court appear- she said. In Charleston County, ance. Other state-level initiatives: raising the age of juve- her organization implemented a “There is no one way to nile court jurisdiction to 17 years, three-year plan to identify and accomplish our goal of eliminating mandatory 5-year “With passion, our pan- address gaps in the criminal jus- reducing the use of in- el members described probation for juveniles, and tice system. Their strategies, cre- carceration….There are how they worked in achieving automatic expungement ated through input from communi- many policy options. Chicago — in quite dif- legislation for all juvenile misde- ty stakeholders, included the cre- Some appeal to con- ferent ways — to stop servatives and others meanor convictions and most felo- ation of a crisis stabilization cen- the cycle of racism, vio- appeal to progressives. ny convictions. Preckwinkle also ter as an alternative to jail, auto- lence, arrests, and con- But the goal is the described work with Thresholds, a victions feeding incarcer- mated court date reminders, and same.” mental health provider, to connect ation.” a centralized database that made jail detainees to medical insur- aggregated data available to the Charles E. Lewis, Jr., ance, improving access to health Paula Wolff, community. moderator moderator services upon release. 12

Panel discussions 3 and 4

Panel 4—Saturday, November 4, 2017 Reducing Behavioral Health Inequities in the Criminal Justice System Nancy Wolff, Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University Amy Blank Wilson, Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina School of Social Work Jason Jones, Police Officer & Coordinator, Crisis Intervention Team, Portland (Oregon) Police Bureau Pam Rodriguez (moderator), President & CEO, Treatment Alter- natives for Safe Communities (TASC)

Because traumatic histories are prevalent in most incarcer- ated people, Nancy Wolff recommends using a universal precautions approach. She considers the impact that traumat- Panel 3—Friday, November 3, 2017 ic events and toxic stress have on people over their lifespan. Driving Change: People Most Strategies that promote engagement include building trust Impacted by Incarceration through a relaxation approach, showing concern, offering Khalil Cumberbatch, Associate Vice President of Policy, The support, and being consistent. Using mindfulness and relaxa- Fortune Society tion response skills also can deescalate stress responses. “If Alec Karakatsanis, Founder & Executive Director, Civil Rights we want people to be good, we have to let them have op- Corps Aqeela Sherrills, National Training Director, Alliance for Safety and Justice Azadeh Zohrabi (moderator), Director of Development, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children/All of Us or None

Khalil Cumberbatch described his incarceration expe- rience, and his access to college-level education in prison. He emphasized that people are capable of great things when provided with exceptional opportunities. It’s critical to change the narrative about the potential of people who are incarcerated, and improve their access to resources and advocacy opportunities. “If you look at any social justice movement, you see a tipping point only when the folks who have the most to lose are pushed to the front.” Alec Karakatsanis emphasized the importance of peo- ple having an opportunity to share their stories and cau- portunities to do good.” Amy Blank Wilson described tioned against minimizing the role of people directly im- research to reduce recidivism among people with serious pacted. Instead, the work needs to be guided by and ac- mental illness. The solution requires a comprehensive continu- countable to them. “The kind of radical change we need is um of services that provides for basic needs, proactively never going to be led by lawyers or politicians. It will be helps people reconnect with family, and delivers integrated led by people demanding change in the fundamental bal- health care while addressing criminogenic needs. Amy and ance of power in our society.” Aqeela Sherrills helped her colleagues developed a targeted service delivery ap- organize a peace treaty between the Crips and Bloods in proach focusing on evidence-based interventions incorporat- Watts. The treaty reduced gang homicide, improved the ing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Officer Jason Jones community’s quality of life, and described the Crisis Response Model used by the Portland created a new narrative about “...this panel captured the (OR) police bureau. When receiving 911 calls, dispatchers crime and violence reduction. As decades of experience of have been trained to recognize signs co-founder of Crime Survivors for people directly impacted of a mental illness, use trauma- “We need to address Safety and Justice, Sherrill’s ad- by, and at the forefront of informed questioning and Motivation- some of the root causes the fight to end, mass of crime and victimiza- vocacy helped pass California’s al Interviewing, and then link to ap- incarceration. Their sto- tion, including trauma, Prop 47, which reduced prison ries and strategies are propriate response systems, including substance abuse, and populations and allocated the important lessons for the other agencies or crisis lines. In some mental health issues...if savings to victim services, K-12 bigger movement to end cases, they may not involve the police decarceration is going intervention programs, and mental mass incarceration….” at all. Police officers also receive 44 to work.” health services. hours of training on mental illness and Azadeh Zohrabi, de-escalation techniques. Pam Rodriguez, moderator moderator

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Panel discussion 5 Now available Smart Decarceration: Achieving Criminal Justice Transformation in the 21st Century edited by Matthew Epperson and Carrie Pettus-Davis

This volume is a compilation of presentation and concept papers from the Smart Decar- ceration Initiative inaugural conference in 2015.

“Epperson and Pettus-Davis assemble a unique mix of engaged scholars and experienced profes- sionals to provide the intellectual fuel for smart Panel 5—Saturday, November 4, 2017 decarceration. A very timely volume indeed!” Michael G. Organizing for Decarceration Vaughn, Ph.D., Professor and Director of the Health  Janos Marton, Director of Policy & Campaigns, JustLead- Criminology Research Consortium, Saint Louis University ershipUSA  Stephen Tripodi, Doctoral Program Director & Associate To order, visit: global.oup.com Professor, Florida State University College of Social Work  Gina Fedock, Assistant Professor, University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration  Jo-Ann Wallace, President & CEO, National Legal Aid & Defender Association  Michael Sherraden (moderator), George Warren Brown Distinguished University Professor and Founder & Director Leading one of the of the Center for Social Development, Washington Univer- “12 Grand Challenges for Social Work” sity in St. Louis Through a peer-selected competition, the American Janos Marton described JustLeadershipUSA’s Close Academy of Social Work & Social Welfare (AASWSW) Rikers Campaign, demonstrating how change can happen selected “Promote Smart Decarceration” as one of the through organization, strategic alliance building, and con- 12 Grand Challenges for Social Work. Smart Decarcer- sistent political pressure. In keeping with their motto, “Those ation Initiative Co-Founders and Co-Directors Mat- closest to the problem are closest to the solution,” people thew Epperson and Carrie Pettus-Davis are directing directly harmed at Rikers became campaign leaders. They this effort — one of the social work profession’s most are shaping the narrative through protests, op-eds, and me- significant initiatives. dia actions. Stephen Tripodi spoke about the Education Working Group of the “Promote Smart Decarceration” Grand Challenge, which is using social work education to This Grand Challenge involves more than 100 individuals change the narrative around incarceration. Goals include who are actively preparing the social work profession to creating a curriculum and model syllabi, developing field lead the field of decarceration. This effort involves generat- placement opportunities, and promoting dynamic continuing ing evidence on promising practices, implementing prac- education opportunities. Gina Fedock described the goals tice innovations, advancing policy recommendations, and of the Research Working Group of the “Promote Smart developing new curriculum and continuing education pro- Decarceration” Grand Challenge, including fostering strong grams. For more information, visit www.aaswsw.org research collaborations, building an evidence base of best policies and practices, and synthesizing and connecting Just published effective intervention and prevention strategies. The group Grand Challenges for Social Work and Society edited by Rowena Fong, James Lubben, and Richard P. Barth seeks to outline knowledge gaps “...it is clear that Smart and define new research ques- Decarceration is happen- This book, published with the American tions. According to Jo-Ann Wal- ing….(T)he best summary lace, “Data and research are is the observation of Har- Academy of Social Work and Social Wel- really playing a key role in the vard professor Ronald fare (AASWSW), provides an overview of decarceration movement.” Re- Sullivan, who said justice each of the 12 Grand Challenges, including search shows early and effective is not a platonic ideal, “Promote Smart Decarceration.” It de- public defense reduces incarcera- high in the sky. It is ham- scribes the social work profession’s unique mered out, with effort and tion, thereby reducing racial dis- role in addressing these challenges, includ- uncertainty, by people ing strategies and ways to become involved. parities, crime, and negative im- working together.” pact on families and tax payers. “Public defenders know that effec- Michael Sherraden, To order, visit: global.oup.com tive public defense reduces unnec- moderator essary incarceration.” 14

Top row: An audience member makes a point; Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Smart Decarceration Initiative co-founder and co-director Matt Epperson; Smart Decarceration Initiative Project Manager Annie Grier asks a follow-up question

Middle row: The crowd at the opening Con- ference program featuring Susan Burton and moderator Reuben Jonathan Mil- ler, Assistant Professor, University of Chica- go School of Social Service Administration

Bottom row: University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration Interim Dean and Emily Klein Gidwitz Professor Debo- rah Gorman-Smith addresses the audi- ence at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel

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Interactive Breakout Sessions

On the first full day of the Confer- ence, participants had an opportunity to gather in small groups during lunch, choosing from among eight different sessions.

Session leaders, including nonprofit leaders, persons directly impacted by incarceration, policy makers, and students, led informal, lively, and interactive discussions about a wide range of decarceration-related topics.

Reinvesting Resources to Advocating for Those Who Achieve Decarceration Have Been Incarcerated  Lindsey LaPointe, Senior Project Manager for Justice Reform, W. Kendric Berry, Senior Paralegal, Winston & Strawn LLP Business and Professional People for the Public Interest Augie M. Torres, Business Development, Edovo: Unlock Potential Sharlyn Grace, Senior Criminal Justice Policy Analyst and Staff Attorney, Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice Summary: Advocacy work can be challenging because it Ryan K. Priester, Director, Community Programs, Office of Civ- requires engaging with stakeholders who may know nothing ic Engagement, University of Chicago or everything about an issue. Changing the narrative is cru- Summary: Reinvesting resources was presented as a way cial when advocating for those with lived experience in the to push justice resources further upstream and, ultimately, criminal justice system. This includes considering the perspec- away from the justice system altogether. Facilitators used tives of individuals who have been incarcerated and sensitivi- the sequential intercept model to identify intervention points ty to the language used to describe them. Stereotypes evoke and present reinvestment as a concept where resources strong emotions and voters’ fears could trigger the resurgence would have a sustained impact vs. a simple reallocation. of regressive policy; politicians respond to fear when the gen- Participants discussed the need to develop resources to eral public starts to mobilize. Personal stories demonstrating the humanity of justice-involved persons are essential to reduce recidivism, such as linkages to case management and other wraparound supports before returning to the changing the narrative, advancing policy, and sustaining community. If reinvestment is initiated, insufficient infrastruc- successful reform efforts. ture or community capacity could restrict the impact of that funding, resulting in a political chilling effect. Funding to Conducting Research on Decarceration- build social capital on the front-end is crucial to help return- Focused Criminal Justice Interventions ing citizens reconnect with social networks and establish Sophia P. Sarantakos, Ph.D. candidate, University of Chicago relationships in their communities. School of Social Service Administration Julian Thompson, Ph.D. candidate, University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration Court-Based Innovations for Reform MiAngel Cody, Founder & Director, The Decarceration Collec- Summary: Despite having large amounts of data, there are tive critical missing data points that researchers must access to Peter Coolsen, Court Administrator, Criminal Division, George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse, Circuit Court of develop a more complete picture of the criminal justice sys- Cook County tem. When researchers gain access to previously inaccessible data streams, they must work to ensure that they maintain Summary: Conversations about incarceration are influenced ongoing access to the data. Participants discussed the poten- by society’s perception of the people we incarcerate and the tial role of researchers in policy formation, weighing the im- purpose of incarceration. These conversations could be deep- plications of academics as reporters of information or advo- ened by considering the desires of victims and acknowledging cates for change. Participants identified the most powerful that many who commit crimes are victims themselves. Partici- tactics for disseminating research, including timeliness of ma- pants focused on the role of judges and their impact. A more terial, greater accessibility by highlighting key findings, and just approach would require the judge to consider a defend- connecting with journalists who write about the criminal jus- ant’s full set of circumstances (e.g., positionality, social and tice system. economic resources). Overemphasizing risk assessments, par- ticipants said, contributes to a punitive model of justice. A strengths-based assessment may provide people with the re- sources needed to thrive. 16

Interactive Breakout Sessions

From the Classroom to the Real World specialty courts, arrest diversion, bail bond reform, and Cri- Student Engagement and Obtaining sis Intervention Teams. Participants also explored examples Marketable Decarceration Work Experience of post-incarceration initiatives that increase community stabil- Sav (Savannah) Felix, Mental Health Specialist, Isaac Ray Cen- ity and reduce recidivism by removing barriers to housing, ter of the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center employment, and access to treatment. Christine Kregg, Clinical Social Worker, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Using Data to Inform Policy and Practice Khyrah G. Simpson, 2018 AM candidate, University of Chica- April Bernard, Senior Director, Research & Analysis, Safer Foun- go School of Social Service Administration dation

Bryant Jackson-Green, Strategic Policy Advisor, Illinois Criminal Summary: The complexity of the criminal justice system re- Justice Information Authority quires students to develop an interdisciplinary understand- ing of law, policy, social work, mental health, public Summary: Data has the potential to influence systems and health, economics, and education. Participants discussed improve supports for people with criminal justice involve- the need for schools of social work to develop diverse cur- ment. To maximize the power of data, it is important for re- riculums, programs of study, and internships that are rele- searchers to consider their methods and messaging. Partici- vant to working in the criminal justice system, giving stu- pants discussed best practices for data collection, analysis, dents valuable opportunities to enhance their understanding and dissemination methods. Obtaining data can be challeng- of theory, policy, and practice. Critical reflexivity should be ing, requiring partners who are willing to provide access and an integral part of the education process, making students resources to support data collection. One idea: developing aware of their personal biases and the societal-level as- partnerships between organizations and universities to build sumptions that shape public opinion and justice poli- the capacity for data analysis. Other strategies such as using cy. Participants discussed elements of self-care that are es- common language and communicating findings through sto- sential for people working within the criminal justice system, rytelling can increase the likelihood that data will influence such as developing a strong sense of personal values and policy. strategies to cope with vicarious trauma. Intersection of Micro and Macro Strategies Comprehensive Treatment Strategies to Support Smart Decarceration Pre- and Post-Incarceration Esther Franco-Payne, Executive Director, Cabrini Green Legal Aid Deanne Benos, Founder & Director, The Women’s Justice Initia- Kathryn Saltmarsh, Executive Director, Illinois Sentencing Policy tive, National Chair of the American Probation & Parole Associ- Advisory Council ation, Women & Girls Committee Jill Valbuena, Program Director, Thresholds Summary: Bridging the gap between micro- and macro-level solutions, group members agreed, is critical. Prison/jail ad- Summary: Every level of the criminal justice system presents missions present a unique opportunity to do that. Restricting opportunities to provide people who are impacted with ad- the criteria that must be met for an individual to be incarcer- ditional resources and support. Participants examined SAM- ated satisfies the macro component of admissions, while HSA’s Sequential Intercept Model, which identifies a num- working to keep individuals out of the system through mental ber of key points for intervention, which could divert some- health work, family support work, and disrupting the school one from further involvement in the criminal justice system. to prison pipeline will attack the problem from the micro lev- By looking at each stage, participants described what el. Members discussed several key initiatives that are dedicat- works and what gaps in services currently exist. Included ed to reducing youth incarceration and recidivism. was discussion about such pre-incarceration interventions as

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Top row: A group shot of some of the Con- ference participants, speakers, and organ- izers in front of the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration building

Middle row: University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration Assistant Professor Reuben Jonathan Miller; an audience member poses a question; Panel- ist Paula Wolff, Director, Illinois Justice Project responds to comments from a partic- ipant

Bottom row: Speaker Susan Burton in discussion with a Conference participant after the opening presentation

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Help Us Make Real-World Impact

mart Decareration researchers are examining a range of interventions S and issues to find new evidence, implement innovative practices, and create programs that will effectively reduce incarceration rates and lead to positive change across the criminal justice system. Help us make real-world impact by supporting these efforts:

DEVELOPING FRONT-END INTERVENTIONS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE  Examining deferred prosecution programs. Applying evidence and research, SDI is developing initiatives that are positioned to deliver impact. Deferred prosecution programs are one example. These programs can divert people from being charged with criminal offenses, reduce the number of individuals entering the criminal justice system, and promote public well-being. Thanks to funding from the Laura and John Arnold Foun- dation, SDI researchers are studying the effectiveness of existing programs in Milwaukee County (Wisconsin), Cook County (Illinois), and the City of St. Louis. This project has the potential to influence policy as well as shape the design of uniform deferred prose- cution programs across the country.

 Building social capacity. In another initiative, SDI is collaborating with community stakeholders in Chicago and St. Louis to develop a framework for building social ca- pacity – including programs, staffing, and resources – that will respond to behavioral health needs in communities while lessening the use of incarceration.

 Enhancing mental health outcomes. Persons with serious mental illness are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. Criminal justice agencies have strug- gled to find ways to best serve this population. In response, probation departments have established relationships with local mental health treatment providers and adopt- ed problem-solving approaches. Our team is working with the Cook County (Illinois) Adult Probation Department to develop an intervention to enhance the working rela- tionships between specialized mental health probation officers and clients with serious mental illness —to ultimately improve outcomes such as treatment engagement and reduced criminal justice involvement.

HOW YOU CAN HELP  Support expansion of current research. Your gift can help advance knowledge on new decarceration-focused interventions in Cook County (Illinois) and other metropolitan areas.

 Support our work leading one of the “12 Grand Challenges for So- cial Work.” “Promote Smart Decarceration” is one of the social work profession’s most significant initiatives. Your gift can help develop on-the-ground field placement opportunities, create continuing education programs, and support fellowships to social work students, professionals, and persons impacted by the criminal justice system. (See page 14 for more information about the 12 Grand Challenges.)

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact us at [email protected]

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CONFERENCE SPONSORS The Smart Decarceration Initiative thanks these generous sponsors for their support

Office of the Provost

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