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Chicago, IL SPRING Forward initiative provides re-entry paths into community life after prison
Chicago partners with Cara Collective and Lawndale Christian Legal Center in support of residents recently released from prison. Eligible residents register for employment services through Cara Collective including career coaching, digital training, and job placements. Lawndale Christian Legal Center navigates SPRING Forward participants toward long-term, affordable housing. The program lowers common barriers to community reintegration for recently incarcerated residents.
Chicago, IL
United States
Milwaukee County, WI Courthouse Navigator Program assists residents with court filings and services
The program deploys AmeriCorps staff members as navigators for those with business before the circuit court. Free assistance includes estate planning document filing and guidance on eviction appeals. The Courthouse Navigator Program includes access to the Milwaukee Justice Center's legal helpline and dispute resolution resources. County officials created the program to improve court service access despite limited staff and volunteer hours.
Milwaukee County, WI
United States
Thurston County, WA implements Public Safety Assessment tool for transparent pretrial decisions
Thurston County's Pretrial Services team uses the PSA in deciding pretrial release or detainment conditions. PSA is a risk assessment method built on demographic and criminal justice data validated by RTI International. PSA results, case evidence, and constitutional requirements inform pretrial conditions in every case. County officials pursued a multi-year development process for the PSA as part of its involvement in the national Advancing Pretrial Policy & Research program.
Thurston County, WA
United States
Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, GB AFEO program matches ex-offenders to rental properties
The Accommodation for Ex-Offender (AFEO) initiative recruits private-sector landlords for reliable housing options. Participating landlords receive cash incentives, rental bonds, and legal protection worth up to £50,000 per property. Applicants exiting incarceration work with the council when applying for benefits, budgeting for monthly costs, and furnishing their apartments. The initial goal for AFEO was 15 rental units for ex-offenders in its first year.
Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, GB
United Kingdom
Maricopa County, AZ improves juvenile probation outcomes with the Journey.do platform
Maricopa County and Arizona State University researchers collaborated on the platform's use by youth offenders. Journey.do combines self-assessments, skill building, and sharing exercises designed for youth enrichment. The platform also increases empathy and communication skills through professional development courses for probation officers. This partnership supports both sides of juvenile probation on the path to reduced recidivism.
Maricopa County, AZ
United States
St. Louis County, MO Tap In Center guides residents through the criminal justice system
Residents with warrants and court orders speak with an attorney during weekly sessions at a county library branch. Free consultations provide information on legal processes, case progress, and applying for public defenders. The Tap In Center connects participants to court date alerts, transportation, and social services through the Bail Project. This service reduces pre-trial detention and obstacles to fair trials for residents with minimal financial resources.
St. Louis County, MO
United States
Washington, DC collaborates with Amazon on cloud skills training for incarcerated individuals
The 10-week training course prepared participants for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam. Resources like American Prison Data Systems tablets and expanded computer lab availability supported training on in-demand skills. DC Corrections selected participants with felony records who had not earned university degrees for its pilot cohort. The program trained graduates for careers with sufficient salaries for financial stability and restitution.
Washington, DC
United States
Austin, TX Warrant Amnesty initiative builds community trust in criminal justice system
The month-long program seeks resolution for city-issued citations and warrants for local traffic violations. Participants visiting the Municipal Court or Community Court can waive their warrant fees by starting payment plans, applying for hardship waivers, or participating in community service. Municipal judges and prosecutors are available to answer questions as they review each case. Austin's pre-pandemic warrant amnesties resolved 37,500 warrants and tickets over three years.
Austin, TX
United States
Shelby County, TN addresses common obstacle to court date attendance with free bus pass pilot
Shelby County Pretrial Services found that defendants often struggled with reliable transportation to court, thus contributing to warrants and jail time. The county approved the distribution of 200 free day passes to defendants with upcoming hearings. A $400 cost for transit passes is expected to be far exceeded by positive impacts on defendants and the court system. This pilot follows a successful trial of text reminders about upcoming court dates extended in late 2022.
Shelby County, TN
United States
Multnomah County, OR expands substance use and mental health services with Treatment Readiness pilot
Treatment Readiness bridges the service gap faced by formerly incarcerated residents who aren't prepared to confront health issues. The Mental Health Unit deploys community health experts, parole officers, and case managers to assist 40-person cohorts. The first step in Treatment Readiness is fulfilling short-term needs like safe shelter, food, and hygiene. County staff work with participants on securing identification cards, housing, and life skills once immediate needs are fulfilled.
Multnomah County, OR
United States
Durham, NC focuses its guaranteed income pilot on formerly incarcerated residents
City officials selected local nonprofit StepUp Durham as the pilot's administrator. The one-year program issues monthly cash payments of $500 to 109 participants. Eligible residents are 18 years and older, earn less than 60% of the area median income, and were incarcerated within the past five years. The project is funded by $200,000 in private donations and $500,000 from Mayors for a Guaranteed Income. Project leaders are evaluating the impacts of payments on recidivism and re-entry.
Durham, NC
United States
Kent, WA seeks improved outcomes for repeat offenders and reduced costs with its DUI Court
The DUI Court offers a five-phase alternative path for DUI offenders with multiple violations. This path includes random testing, regular court appearances, and substance abuse treatment in lieu of jail time. Municipal officials can advance or hold back participants based on their completion of these requirements. Participants who complete two years of required activities graduate from the program, thus reducing drunk driving without the costs of imprisonment.
Kent, WA
United States