The John Howard Association applauds Governor Bruce Rauner for signing Senate Bill 1413 into law. This new law allows men and women to receive their birth certificate for no fee upon their release from the Department of Corrections, which removes one of the largest obstacles for returning citizens to obtain state identification cards once they leave prison.
Read MoreIn the past few years Illinois has made great strides in reforming the state’s juvenile justice system. Agency leaders, legislators, stakeholders and advocates have worked together to integrate new research, evidenced-based best practices, and a renewed commitment to improve rehabilitative outcomes in our juvenile justice system.
Read MoreIllinois, the fifth largest state in the United States, is on the verge of entering a third year without a state budget; this is the longest any state has gone without a budget in modern history. As May 2017 draws to a close, the State is running a deficit of close to $6 billion, owes approximately $14.5 billion in overdue bills and will owe an estimated $800 million in late fees and interest payments on these overdue bills.
Read MoreRaising the threshold amount for felony theft will allow Illinois to direct resources into communities and away from our costly and impaired prison system. Incarceration is an expensive and frequently ineffective response to crime that Illinois can no longer afford.
Read MoreThe John Howard Association commends the Governor’s Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform for their work on the final report which was issued today. The recommendations include important ways we can reduce the inmate population in Illinois, as well as increase the likelihood of reentry success as prisoners return home.
Read MoreHearing before the House Judiciary Criminal Committee.
Read MoreAs we await the results of the 2016 elections, it is time for Illinois to turn our focus from politics to policy. Regardless of who will be taking office at the federal, state and county levels come January 2017, criminal justice system reform must be a priority.
Read MoreThe John Howard Association of Illinois (JHA) applauds the announcement by Governor Rauner that the State will close the “roundhouse,” Unit F, at Stateville Correctional Center.
Read MoreJHA supports the rule changes to 20 Ill. Adm. Code 504 filed by IDOC on July 1, 2016. If adopted by this committee, the proposed rule changes will be an important and constructive effort to reform IDOC's policies related to solitary confinement. These efforts must be furthered.
Read MoreThe petty, irresponsible infighting between Illinois’ executive and legislative leaders must end. Real lives are being destroyed, and state systems and agencies that citizens rely on as lifelines to basic necessities and care are being decimated.
Read MoreAs the need for criminal justice and prison reform in Illinois has again become the subject of statewide conversation and political action, the John Howard Association of Illinois (JHA) urges citizens, policymakers and administrators to be specific and pragmatic regarding the goals and practices of incarceration.
Read MoreHearing before the Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.
Read MoreThe John Howard Association is thrilled with yesterday’s announcement by Governor Rauner and members of the General Assembly about the bipartisan legislation that has been introduced that will advance reform of Illinois’ criminal justice system.
Read MoreThe John Howard Association of Illinois (JHA) applauds today’s announcement to close Illinois Youth Center Kewanee (Kewanee), and supports Director Jones’ vision for a more rehabilitative juvenile justice system in Illinois by investing in community based services for youth rather than relying on large custodial institutions for those adjudicated delinquent.
Read MoreCurrently Illinois’ state hiring process involves multiple rules, procedural steps, and levels of review.
Read MoreThe John Howard Association of Illinois (JHA) congratulates John Baldwin on his appointment as the new Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC).
Read MoreJHA commends the Commission for its initial report, and agrees with the findings, processes, and goals articulated therein. The challenge now facing the Commission and Illinois is to take bold action to put this conceptual framework into practice.
Read MoreAs the only independent group that systemically monitors Illinois' correctional facilities, the John Howard Association believes that we should not close the Hardin County Work Camp. While Illinois needs to cut costs to become fiscally solvent, the relatively small savings resulting from closing this work camp weighed against the benefits it provides and the potential harms of eliminating the program do not justify closure.
Read MoreThe John Howard Association is pleased to announce that Jennifer Vollen-Katz has been appointed its new Executive Director, effective May 6, 2015.
Read MoreJHA supports Cook County policy shift on diverting low level drug offenses from criminal prosecution.
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