Anthony Rivers’ Post

Important Insights: A recent study has shed light on an unintended consequence of the four-day school week. With the shift to this schedule, rural areas in Colorado saw an average increase in juvenile crime, particularly in property crime, when schools adopted the policy between 1997–2014. 🚨 This change led to more incidents in non-school settings, especially on Fridays when students were not in school, pointing to the need for careful consideration of how school schedules impact community safety. #YouthCrime #EducationPolicy #CommunitySafety

🎉 It's #InternationalFamiliesDay! 🌟 Today, we want to highlight the vital role of families in the lives of individuals affected by the criminal justice system. From arrest to release, families provide crucial emotional, practical, and financial support, significantly impacting the likelihood of reoffending. 💖 Family relationships are key to reducing reoffending rates, yet they face considerable challenges. Children of imprisoned parents are at greater risk of mental health issues and poverty, highlighting the urgent need for support. Children can also face stigma and isolation, especially in school settings. 🤝 At Clinks, we're proud to have our Family Network, connecting voluntary organisations supporting families affected by the criminal justice system. This network aims to share information, provide support, and influence policy and decision-making. 👨👩👧👦 Our members deliver crucial services like prison visiting, court support, counselling, and training, as well as support in the community ensuring families receive the support they need during challenging times. This is vital as 40% of families don't visit when a family member is in prison. 🌐 Let's continue advocating for consistent and properly funded services to support families affected by the criminal justice system. https://lnkd.in/gzMqRRbt #NationalFamiliesDay #CriminalJustice

Everyone deserves a place to call “home” – and the need for safe, stable housing is even more critical to individuals exiting the criminal justice system. Our latest blog highlights one of our recent policy papers, which explores the impacts of homelessness on individuals transitioning back into the community post-incarceration. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e9giDEsC

**🚨 The Fight Against Violence in Our Communities 🚨** Violence continues to plague impoverished communities across our nation, tearing apart families and limiting the potential of entire generations. It's time for us to take a stand—not just with words, but with comprehensive, actionable solutions. As we work together to address the root causes—poverty, lack of education, unemployment, and insufficient social services—we must recognize that prevention is key. It's about more than just law enforcement; it's about creating environments where our youth can thrive, where opportunities outweigh the temptations of crime, and where communities come together to uplift one another. We need programs that provide intervention, social services, and educational opportunities, supported by neighborhood alliances and economic development. It's on all of us to build a safer, brighter future for everyone. Join me in leading this crucial conversation. Together, we can be the change our communities desperately need. 💪🏽 #ViolencePrevention #CommunityEmpowerment #ThoughtLeader #SocialChange #SaferCommunities #LeadershipForChange

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can profoundly affect a child's development and increase the risk of juvenile delinquency. Our latest blog post explores how trauma-informed care, early interventions, and community support can help break this cycle. Join us in supporting our youth and creating a brighter future for all. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ggCKK9Au #YouthSupport #TraumaInformedCare #CommunityMatters

An exhausting day spent in court today (yep a Saturday!) has reaffirmed my view that in 9/10 occasions remanding a child into youth detention is not the answer. - removing a child from the family network will only serve to increase trauma - removing a child from a college / school placement will impacts in untold ways. - the stigma in entering youth detention will follow the child around like a mill stone for years to come. - the child's sense of self and identity will be influenced in ways which can serve to increase future offending behaviour. - introducing the child to increasingly pro-criminal attitudes and lifestyles. Please remember that the majority of children remanded will suddenly leave the system however the trauma and negative impact will last a lifetime. Thankfully today after complex negotiation and carful assessment, with the support of the Crime Prosecution Service, a well informed solicitor and future support from Children's Services a child may very well have a chance of redemption and brighter future. #yjs #youthoffending #yot #childfirst

Affordable housing choices empower individuals to leave abusive situations. YW’s Taylor Family Home (Affordable Housing) served over 30 women and more than 100 children since opening in 2023. Housing security and violence prevention go hand in hand. If you or someone you know needs support, know where to turn. Learn more about the signs of domestic violence and how you can help at the link below: https://lnkd.in/gU3rTp7G #FamilyViolencePrevention #SafetyIsARight #SupportAndStability #EndFamilyViolence

New Mexico's juvenile justice system needs a reboot! It's time to prioritize rehabilitation over punishment and invest in community-based alternatives that address underlying trauma and promote positive youth development. Let's break cycles of incarceration and build a brighter future for our youth! “New Mexicos Youth are not the problem, they are the solution!” #JuvenileJusticeReform #NewMexico #YouthEmpowerment READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE: https://lnkd.in/gCJzYPjX

1. Incarcerating children perpetuates cycles of harm and disrupts families, undermining the potential of our youth. 2. This decision disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, including First Nations and culturally diverse groups. 3. Why must the government disregard the compelling evidence that supports a more compassionate approach? Children deserve the opportunity to be mentored and guided, helping them grow into active, positive members of their communities.

We MUST move beyond traditional concepts of justice to keep our youth safe. With recent harm reported at the Tulsa County Family Center for Juvenile Justice (FCJJ), many are asking... "What does true justice look like?" We believe it's #liberation -- a complete break from cycles of harm, trauma, and blame that keep vulnerable communities trapped. Read the full blog and learn what you can do with us: https://lnkd.in/gXhEvBgG #RestorativeJustice #Liberation #JusticeReform #Accountability #BlogPost