Person Centered Language

 Language around us is changing all time. Language about those who have been arrested and incarcerated is also now changing.  To that end, I will be working on going through this blog to make those necessary changes in order to offer respect to others. Your patience is appreciated.

Here is an interesting article about this:  Words Matter

Expungement News!

I was excited to read today about how the State of Wisconsin is going to look at its expungement laws and how changing them will affect the lives of those with criminal records.  This may be a great step forward for our state! I hope that decision-makers can keep their eyes on what is truly important - the fact that when one has served his/her time, there should no longer be things standing in the way of him/her moving their lives forward in a productive way. My fear is that decision-makers are going to focus too much on how the courts might get bogged down with this rather than actually think outside the box and simplify the whole process. Crossing my fingers for good news...

More about what Wisconsin is doing can be found here:  https://publicpolicyforum.org/sites/default/files/FreshStart_FullReport.pdf
or the press release:
https://publicpolicyforum.org/sites/default/files/FreshStart_MediaRelease.pdf 

Mental Health and Violence

So frustrating watching the media and others blow mental health issues out of proportion and also mislead the general public. Most people with mental health disorders are not violent people. In fact, Mentalhealth.gov says that "The vast majority of people with mental health problems are no more likely to be violent than anyone else. Most people with mental illness are not violent and only 3%–5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness. In fact, people with severe mental illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population."

Let's work together to break the stigma of mental health. Let's make sure we are doing all we can to be healthy ourselves, and to educate others about the realities of living with a mental health disorder.

I recently finished Keith O'Neil's book, Under My Helmet. A great read and a great way to get started on this issue!


 

What Are You Doing?

Greetings! It's fall and fall symbolizes a time for change. So thinking about change, wanted to put out the question, what are you doing?

What are you thinking about and what changes do you need to make in your life to take it to the next level? Do you need to start doing something or stop doing something that is affecting your success or productivity? Today is a great day to take inventory. You could start by making a list of what is working in your life right now. Then take a moment to celebrate your successes! Yes, do it!! You deserve to feel good about what is working well in your life. Then, make a list of what is not working so well. Beside each one, write a possible change or solution to that concern. But don't stop there, now figure out how to implement that change. Seek help or an accountability partner if you need to and don't stop working on the concern until you are satisfied with the change you have made.

We all need to take inventory from time to time. Life is a work in progress and each one of us is either moving forward or staying stuck where we are. Don't stay stuck. Don't settle. Keep working every day to become a better you. You deserve it and so do the ones you love!!  

Great Read - a True Story That Offers Hope

I got a copy of Shaka Senghor's book, Writing my Wrongs, for Christmas. I just could not put it down! What an amazing and insightful story of his journey into the drug trade, incarceration, faith, hope, and redemption.  I highly recommend reading his book, listening to his Ted Talk, and going to his website to learn more. 

Helping Others

Sometimes the realities of dealing with a loved one who is incarcerated or watching what is happening to those around us can be overwhelming. There are many organizations out there who can offer help and hope. The internet is full of resources, as well as local non-profits and faith-based organizations.  Reach out today.

Bravo, Los Angeles!

It's great to see that the city of Los Angeles gets it. Perhaps more cities around the country could follow suit. 

Check out the story  Los Angeles to Give Formerly Incarcerated a Second Chance...

 

Re-entry Facts

Check out this re-entry fact sheet:  Re-Entry Facts

 

Re-entry, Criminal Justice Reform, and Voting

Re-entry and criminal justice reform must be a priority in this presidential race.  Here is just a smattering of things to get you thinking.

http://abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/video/2016-candidates-criminal-justice-reform-30771075

http://chicagodefender.com/2016/03/13/call-on-presidential-candidates-to-make-re-entry-a-priority/

http://www.prisonpath.com/dear-presidential-candidates-democrat-republican/

https://www.themarshallproject.org/2016/01/15/where-the-democratic-presidential-candidates-stand-on-criminal-justice#.EjsEmWWwj

http://www.businessinsider.com/how-2016-candidates-want-to-reform-criminal-justice-2015-4

Your vote in the upcoming elections matters!! Not voting is the same as voting. Make it count for what you believe.

Great news! I am so pleased that things are getting better for folks with criminal records. Check this out!!

Individuals with Criminal Records Could Receive ‘Fair Chance’ at Employment with New Legislation

https://csgjusticecenter.org/jc/announcements/individuals-with-criminal-records-could-receive-fair-chance-at-employment-with-new-legislation/?utm_source=CSG+Justice+Center+Primary+List&utm_campaign=2cda3651e1-9_23_15_NRRC_Newsletter9_21_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_db9d88bcfb-2cda3651e1-42280953&mc_cid=2cda3651e1&mc_eid=9499263aa8