Justice Center Resource
New Federal Benefits Online Tools
The Justice Center has just released two new online tools – Federal Benefits Comparison Chart and Keys to Federal Benefit Access – designed to help policymakers, practitioners, and others ensure that more people who are eligible for benefit programs such as SSI/SSDI and Medicaid are enrolled in these programs upon release from jail or prison.
Spotlight Announcements
7/24/2008 – The Council of State Governments Justice Center announced today the availability of an online version of the Repaying Debts report, a first-of-its-kind comprehensive guide that offers recommendations on how policymakers can increase financial accountability among people leaving correctional facilities, improve rates of child support collection and victim restitution, and make individuals’ transition from prisons and jails to the community safe and successful.
Second Chance Act Slated to Receive $45 million in House bill, $20 million in Senate Bill
6/25/2008 – On June 25, the House Appropriations Committee completed the mark-up of the 2009 appropriations bill, which reserves $45 million for programs under the Second Chance Act. Last week the Senate Appropriations subcommittee reserved $20 million for Second Chance programs. Full Committee consideration in the Senate is scheduled for this week.
Reentry News Clips
Newark Star-Ledger (NJ): Court bars towns from moving sex offenders
7/16/2008 – New Jersey towns cannot prohibit convicted sex offenders from living near places such as schools, playgrounds and day care centers, a state appeals court ruled Tuesday.
Rutland Herald (VT): Douglas urges maximum terms
7/15/2008 – Official Statement of the Governor on a Special Session and Senate Hearings on Safe Communities Legislation
Other Justice Center Projects
Criminal Justice / Mental Health InfoNet
The Justice Center's online database that provides a comprehensive inventory of collaborative criminal justice/mental health activity across the country.
An unprecedented, national effort to help policymakers improve the response to people with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system.
A data-driven strategy for policymakers to reduce spending on corrections and increase public safety.