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Our Mission
The John Howard Association of Illinois provides critical public oversight of the state’s prisons, jails, and juvenile correctional facilities. As it has for more than a century, the Association promotes fair, humane, and effective sentencing and correctional policies, addresses inmate concerns, and provides Illinois citizens and decision-makers with information needed to improve criminal and juvenile justice.
What We do to Fulfill our Mission:
John Howard Association of Illinois staff and volunteers visit and inspect jails, prisons and juvenile facilities several times a month. Citizen volunteers are the eyes and the ears of the public inside Illinois’ correctional institutions. Volunteers also join with Director of Prisons and Jails Program Charles Fasano as he monitors conditions and crowding at the Cook County Jail for the Federal Court.
Under the direction of Shaena Fazal, the Long Term Prisoner Policy Project leads efforts on behalf of long term and “C-#” inmates who, due to quirks in the evolution of Illinois sentencing laws, are confined in prison longer than was anticipated when they were originally sentenced. The Long Term Prisoner Policy Project is working to establish training and rehabilitative programs for long-term prisoners in maximum security prisons that have been forgotten by most people.
The John Howard Association of Illinois promotes reforms in sentencing and corrections policy. Currently our efforts focus on successful reforms in juvenile corrections through Illinois’ new Department of Juvenile Justice, on the reestablishment of rehabilitating programs and education for prisoners, and on a thorough, fact-based review of the situation for Illinois’ long term prisoners. Past and current policy statements are found on our publications page along with reports bearing recommendations for reforms.
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