"The number of Alaskans released on discretionary parole fell sharply in 2020" (Article) - The number of incarcerated Alaskans released on discretionary parole last year dropped to its lowest rate in at least the past decade, according to data recently released by the Alaska Parole Board. Read the article on Alaska Public Media HERE.
"We Must Give All Prisoners Access to Resources to Pursue College Education" (Article) - By Reginald Dwayne Betts, a poet and lawyer. Betts created the Million Book Project, an initiative to curate libraries and install them in prisons across the country. His collection of poetry, “Felon,” explores the post-incarceration experience. In 2019, he won a National Magazine Award in Essays and Criticism for his article in the magazine about his journey from teenage carjacker to aspiring lawyer. Read the article in TIME HERE.
"Indian Affairs promised to reform tribal jails. NPR found death, neglect and disrepair" (Article) - NPR/Alaska Public Media article can be read HERE.
Art For Redemption (Website) - Art for Redemption has for mission to help inmates become rehabilitated and contributing members of society through art made in prison. Within the confines of the prison walls, some artists use traditional tools like ballpoint pens and colored pencils, while others choose improvised prison staples including toilet paper, ramen noodle packaging, Q-tips, and even floor wax. And the movement is spreading, with curated exhibits of art created inside of prisons growing in popularity. Website link is HERE.
The Alaska Prisoner Reentry Initiative (AK PRI): A first step in creating a process, both inside and outside, to help returning Alaska prisoners reengage in their home communities. We know that most Alaska inmates will return to their home communities at some time—DOC is working to develop clear reentry plans for each inmate while they are still incarcerated, develop partnerships with community reentry coalitions for a “warm handoff” to the community, and critical partnerships within communities to make sure we have housing, jobs, treatment, educational and family services to assist returning citizens have the support needed to remain home and not recidivate. This presentation will discuss the initiative, the role of community coalitions, and the need for strong partnerships to assist in all aspects of creating healthy and welcoming communities. By working together and creating community support for all returning citizens we will have safer neighborhoods, better citizens, and stronger families. Video link is HERE.
Juneau Reentry Fly-in 2023
“2023 DOC Commissioner-designee has nomination advanced.” View Link here Juneau Empire