European Forum for Restorative Justice (EFRJ)’s Post

Using Texas as a Blueprint for Prisons in the UK: A Long-Term Solution to the Prison Crisis? Curia's latest article explores the potential of adopting Texas’s prison reform model in the UK to address overcrowding and reduce reoffending. This approach allows prisoners to earn reduced sentences through good behaviour and participation in workshops aimed at addressing the root causes of their offending. Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood plans to visit Texas to assess whether the successes seen there can be replicated in the UK. Find out more 👇 https://lnkd.in/g5xjtfCy Curia has also just published our Transforming Communities Report, which seeks to tackle regional inequalities across the UK by promoting inclusive growth and empowering local communities. The report advocates for moving beyond traditional top-down governance and highlights the importance of grassroots involvement and collaboration across all societal levels. It emphasises the need for innovative, community-driven solutions to address systemic inequalities, with a strong focus on the The Labour Party’s vision under Keir Starmer’s leadership. This report is free for Curia’s Industrial Strategy Research Group Subscribers. If you are not a subscriber, to access the report, please visit our shop at www.chamberuk.com/shop. Alternatively, to become a Research Group Subscriber, please email info@chamberuk.com. #prison #prisonreform #justice #texasmodel #transformingcommunities #ukpolitics #politicsuk #westminster #ukgovernment #governmentuk #labour #labourparty

🔒📚 "Education, training, and rehabilitation must take center stage within our prison system," states Charlie Taylor, Chief Inspector of Prisons in England and Wales. His recent remarks highlight the urgent need for a profound shift in approach to reduce reoffending rates. 🔑 At SAHEE, we recognize the transformative power of education and rehabilitation. Our mission is to provide comprehensive support and resources to incarcerated individuals, empowering them to build a brighter future beyond bars. 🌟 Mr. Taylor's insights underscore the critical importance of initiatives like our own, as we work tirelessly to break the cycle of reoffending and promote successful reintegration into society. 💡 Together, let's champion meaningful change within our criminal justice system. Join us in our commitment to #EducationForAll and #SecondChances. Together, we can make a difference. #Rehabilitation #CriminalJusticeReform #CharlieTaylor

📢 *Transforming Communities: New Report Launch* Pleased to launch Curia's Transforming Communities report at Labour Party Conference this week. The report highlights ways in which the new government can deliver on their ambitions to tackle regional inequalities across the UK by promoting inclusive growth and empowering local communities. Chaired by former Shadow Labour Minister for Women & Equalities, Mental Health and Social Care, Paula Sherriff, the report advocates for moving beyond traditional top-down governance and highlights the importance of grassroots involvement and collaboration across all societal levels. It emphasises the need for innovative, community-driven solutions to address systemic inequalities, with a strong focus on the The Labour Party’s vision under Keir Starmer’s leadership. Huge thank you to all those who contributed to the report, in particular our advisory board including Hilary Spencer, Neil Carmichael, Lara Newman, Jeffrey Matsu, Janet Budd, George Coxon, Lord Stevenson and Anita Dockley. Huge thanks to our Sprint partners, Q5 and Claire Hamlin and her whole team. We really could not have done this without them! This report is free for Curia’s Industrial Strategy Research Group Subscribers. If you are not a subscriber, to access the report, please visit our shop at www.chamberuk.com/shop. Alternatively, to become a Research Group Subscriber, please email team@curiauk.com. #Lab24 #LabourPartyConference #industrialstrategy #health #healthcare #socialcare #primarycare #criminaljustice #justice #housing #planning #politics #ukpolitics #levellingup #transformingcommunities #communities

📣 PROGRAMME: EPLN-EIN Conference - Structural Problems in Prisons: Prospects for European Intervention 📅 Next week, the European Implementation Network (EIN), together with the European Prison Litigation Network (EPLN), are organising an international conference ‘Structural Problems in Prisons: Prospects for European Intervention’ to notably discuss the impact of ECtHR prison case-law on national policies and explore synergies between the European Union, the Council of Europe and the civil society. This conference will bring together representatives of European and national institutions involved in penal and prison policy, academics, and representatives of civil society to discuss the key challenges for tackling structural problems in prisons and for the effective implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in European prisons. ⬇️ Discover the full programme below. #ECtHR #implementation #CouncilofEurope #EuropeanUnion #prisons

A week or so ago I posted about some flowers I had received and mentioned Getting on YOUR case- so here’s the details. Getting on YOUR case is a research project that Ella Simpson and myself are co-leading at the University of Greenwich It came about because of the Innocence Project London when I started seeing more and more applicants struggling to obtain their legal case file. They struggled because they didn’t know how to obtain it and more importantly they didn’t know that they were able to obtain it. Ella and I wanted to changed that, so we held focus groups in four prisons to find out what people knew about obtaining their legal case file. The information from those focus groups will be used to create a leaflet that provides relevant information about how individuals in prison can obtain their legal case file. The leaflet will be distributed to those prisons where the focus groups ran to start of with. We are also looking to trial a peer mentor scheme in two of those prisons, where mentors can signpost others to the leaflet. Innocence Project London will provide the template letters that people can use to obtain their legal case file. We wanted to make a small change for individuals in prison, and the Innocence Project London is in the position to be able to support this project, regardless of whether people are maintaining their innocence. If you are a #lawfirm and want to support this project then feel free to get in touch 😊 #changemakers #prisons #innocenceproject #narrativecriminology #criminaljustice

💡 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: A new era for rehabilitative justice. Today, we begin delivery of the CFO Evolution service in Croydon, Lewisham, Lambeth and in High Down Prison (in collaboration with Shaw Trust). CFO Evolution is a key initiative to help offenders move towards mainstream provision or activity, promoting rehabilitative justice in prison and community settings. As the Justice Minister, Lord James Timpson, has said: ‘We have to make prisons rehabilitative and make sure that, when offenders are given a second chance, they can seize it. That is good for society because it reduces crime’. The new CFO Evolution service has the potential to play a key role in supporting this focus on a more rehabilitative prison system. In a piece to celebrate the launch of the service, our Programme Director, Will Hall, looks at the benefit of rehabilitative approaches to justice and sets out the aims of CFO Evolution: ✔ Providing a sense of purpose ✔ Creating safe spaces ✔ Increasing engagement ✔ Encouraging law-abiding lives We are excited about getting to work to enable more individuals to access the support they need and find their feet in society. Read more: https://lnkd.in/erqiBmNX #CFOEvolution #Justice #Rehabilitation

Reflections from the Frontline: Access to Justice in Action Today, I had the privilege of visiting the Zaria Medium Correctional Centre alongside fellow clinicians under the auspices of PPDC's Access to Justice program. This experience afforded me the opportunity to engage with inmates and hear their stories, shedding light on the pressing need for pro bono services in our criminal justice system. The PPDC project's mission to decongest our prisons by providing legal aid to pre-trial detainees resonates deeply. It serves as a poignant reminder that the fate of many hangs in the balance, their lives indefinitely paused as they await trial. The personal accounts I heard today were a sobering testament to the human impact of systemic inefficiencies. Inmates grappling with the anguish of disconnected relationships, their loved ones unaware of their circumstances. It's a stark reality check, one that underscores the importance of our collective efforts in driving positive change. I'm humbled to be part of a community that's actively working to bridge the access-to-justice gap. Together, we can create a more compassionate and equitable society, where the vulnerable are supported and the voiceless are heard. Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) #AccessToJustice #ProBono #CriminalJusticeReform #CompassionInAction #LinkedInCommunity

The issue of remanding children in adult prisons is a critical concern that requires prompt and decisive action. This practice not only infringes upon human rights, but also exposes children to lasting psychological and emotional damage. We urge you to join us in our efforts to advocate against the incarceration of children by signing our petition. Your support is crucial in promoting prison reform, advancing juvenile justice, and ensuring access to justice for all. To add your voice to the cause, please click on the link below: https://bit.ly/4br2X4C #ChildrenIncarceration #PrisonReform #JuvenileJustice #AccessToJustice #HeadfortFoundationForJustice

The "Routledge Handbook on American Prisons" offers a detailed overview of the U.S. prison system, exploring key issues such as overcrowding, health care, and reentry programs. Edited by Laurie A. Gould and John J. Brent, this book synthesizes the latest research and provides valuable insights for scholars and students alike. With contributions from leading experts, it's a must-read for anyone interested in criminal justice reform. Find it here: #ad #CriminalJustice #PrisonReform #AcademicResources

🧑🏫 **Will Empowering Parents and Teachers Bring Relief to Overcrowded UK Prisons?** 📉 Discover how strengthening support for parents and educators could reduce youth crime rates, leading to less strain on the UK prison system. With the power of early intervention, mentorship, and community involvement, there’s a potential for creating lasting social change and safer communities. #UKPrisonReform #YouthEmpowerment #EducationMatters #CommunitySupport #EarlyIntervention #ReduceCrime