Blog Aug 4, 2011
Counties begin the daunting task of realignment
As the October 1st deadline edges closer, California’s counties have started formulating their plans for how they will manage the new population of at the local level. Assembly Bill 109 defines the realignment, which was prompted by the May 2011 Supreme Court decision to reduce prison overcrowding in California. For information on the practical application of AB 109, read Emily Luhrs’ blog, Myths vs. Facts — Clearing up the realignment debate . The most significant change the bill…
Blog Aug 2, 2011
Conditions in California’s SHU
On July 1, 2011, eleven inmates in the Pelican Bay State Prison Security Housing Unit (SHU) began a hunger strike to protest the egregious conditions of their confinement. In particular, they objected to the lack of adequate food or programming and the lack of justification for indefinite SHU confinement. They demanded that CDCR comply with the US Commission on Safety and Abuse in America’s Prisons 2006 recommendations, and provide conditions comparable to that of solitary confinement units…
New resources on California’s juvenile justice system just for you.
Blog Jul 29, 2011
Myths vs. Facts — Clearing up the realignment debate
As counties start preparing for the impact of criminal justice realignment (AB 109), it is important to clarify some common misconceptions about what will actually happen on October 1, 2011. Governor Brown’s realignment plan is directly tied to the May 23, 2011 Supreme Court decision to reduce prison-overcrowding, as it focuses on the same population of non-violent, non-serious, non-sexual offenders. Initial reactions to the decision were based in fear and uncertainty. For example, Justice…
Newsroom Jul 28, 2011
Youth Today Breakdown of State Spending on Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice and Youth
Youth Today Breakdown of State Spending on Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice and Youth Youth Today, July 27, 2011