Douglas Dorando

Building a Team of Juvenile Justice Reformers: Key Steps and Conditions Assembling an effective team for Juvenile Justice reform requires a comprehensive strategy. Here are the essential conditions necessary for fostering meaningful change: Political Will: Commitment from political leaders translates into actionable support and prioritization of reforms within broader policy agendas. Resources: Adequate funding, staffing, and infrastructure ensure programs can be developed, implemented, and sustained effectively. Contemporary Juvenile Justice Mindset: Embracing modern perspectives prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment, aligning with current research focused on the well-being and future success of young individuals. Healthy Culture: Building a positive organizational culture that values respect, empathy, and support is fundamental for interactions with juveniles, staff, and the community. Community Stakeholders: Engaging families, advocacy groups, and local organizations fosters a collaborative environment, shaping effective and relevant reform initiatives. Developmental Needs: Recognizing that juveniles have different developmental needs compared to adults informs tailored approaches that support positive youth development and reduce recidivism. Staff Development and Training: Continuous professional development equips staff with the latest knowledge and skills to effectively meet the complex needs of the youth they serve. Patience – It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint: Juvenile justice reform is a long-term endeavor. Patience and persistence are key to navigating challenges and setbacks. Proven Experience: Leveraging the expertise of individuals with a track record of successful reform initiatives provides a solid foundation for new efforts. Post-COVID Landscape: Understanding how the pandemic has reshaped juvenile justice and adapting strategies accordingly is essential for addressing current challenges and leveraging new opportunities. Documenting the Journey: Documenting the journey from vision to fruition highlights successes, learns from challenges, and provides transparency. It also allows for celebrating milestones and sharing best practices. Building a team of juvenile justice reformers is a complex but rewarding journey. By fostering the right conditions, we can create a system that not only rehabilitates but also empowers young individuals to thrive. Let's commit to this marathon with dedication and an unwavering belief in the potential of our youth. #JuvenileJustice #Reform #Leadership #CommunityEngagement #ProfessionalDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #PostCOVIDTransformation #DocumentingSuccess

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Last week Impact for Equity and Free2Move Coalition Members attended a federal court hearing on including traffic stops into the consent decree's oversight of CPD.  "We heard a lot from community members and their concern with the structure of the consent decree and also their fear that including traffic stops into the consent decree will create stagnant progression," said Joi Imohbio with the group Impact for Equity, an organization that has researched CPD's use of traffic stops for years. We believe traffic stops must be urgently addressed and that CPD should adopt the Free2Move Coalition's proposed three-part policy:  Eliminate pretextual stops Limit stops for low-level offenses End suspensionless consent searches https://lnkd.in/gk8xDQSA

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Challenging the "Crab in the Barrel" Mentality in Juvenile Justice Reform In the realm of juvenile justice reform, progress is often hindered not just by external challenges, but also by internal dynamics. One particularly destructive mindset is the "crab in the barrel" mentality, where individuals may unconsciously sabotage collective efforts in favor of short-term, personal gains. This regressive attitude can significantly impede the advancement of meaningful and lasting reforms. As advocates for change, we must recognize that sustainable transformation requires more than just good intentions; it demands bold leadership with a clear and forward-thinking vision. Leaders in this field need to be brave enough to challenge the status quo and advocate for innovative strategies that ensure long-term benefits over immediate rewards. To truly move forward, we must foster a culture that supports progressive change and breaks away from entrenched behaviors that hold us back. We need leaders who are not only visionaries but are also courageous enough to push back against counterproductive mindsets. #JuvenileJusticeReform #Leadership #SocialChange

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Missed your ARD?📝 Under Section 343, you can apply to the District Court for an extension to file your annual return. This court application can prevent automatic penalties and loss of audit exemptions. Don’t delay—take action now to maintain your company’s compliance and avoid unnecessary costs! 🌐Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eVn2_J9Z #BusinessCompliance #CorporateLaw #MissedARD #StayCompliant

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The National Sentencing Resource Counsel (SRC) is a highly collaborative, mission-based project of the Federal Public and Community Defenders. SRC is one of several national projects that support the work of defenders and CJA-appointed attorneys. SRC staff are federal defender employees of the Office of the Federal Defender for the District of Arizona (FDO AZ), and are supervised by the SRC Director. Although SRC team members have broad knowledge of federal sentencing law and policy and work collaboratively, we are divided into four areas—Commission, Legislative, Litigation, and Data. These roles have different primary functions and responsibilities (as indicated below), but there can be significant overlap, with our work in one area often informing the work in other areas. Additionally, each SRC team member regularly trains defenders and CJA-appointed attorneys on sentencing-related topics. During busy sentencing guidelines amendment cycles, each team member may be expected to draft and edit comments and witness statements, cite check, and recruit and prepare Commission hearing witnesses. #communication #vacancy #uscourts #federaljobs #judiciaryjobs #federalpublicdefender #sentencingresourcecounselattorney #fulltimejobs #teleworkjobs Link to Vacancy: https://lnkd.in/eN9MeNrZ

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What can courts do to reduce barriers that may lead to missed court dates? This is an important #AccessToJustice consideration that the National Center for State Courts attempts to address with 3 new resources. https://hubs.li/Q02x4zJ30

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🔑 Need tools for effective juvenile prosecution? NDAA’s Juvenile Prosecutors Handbook has key strategies, tips, & resources to support your work. https://bit.ly/4ghWyvJ

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Byrne JAG funding is informed by a strategic plan that engages stakeholders from across the justice system, including law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, public defenders, corrections officials, treatment providers and others. State Administering Agencies use the planning process to articulate priorities, identify gaps and determine how to leverage and coordinate Byrne JAG funding with other resources. https://lnkd.in/dwSxDjBQ #ByrneBytes #ByrneJAG #SAA #CriminalJustice

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On April 18, the U.S. Department of Justice launched important updates to their voting rights & elections website, https://lnkd.in/gpPXNCAB. As part of the update, the Civil Rights Division published two new informational guides on voting rights and updated five other guides, including "The ADA and Other Federal Laws Protecting the Rights of Voters with Disabilities". Learn more about the updates in this DOJ press release - https://lnkd.in/ecf_QydW #AccessibleVoting #AccessibleElections #VotersWithDisabilities #AccessiblePollingPlaces

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Orissa High Court Invalidates Screening Committee Decision: “No Recovery of Excess Payment Without Reasoned Justification,” Emphasizes Compliance with Natural Justice and Protection of Group-C Employees from Arbitrary Recoveries Court’s Decision: The Orissa High Court quashed the Screening Committee’s decision and the associated Office Order dated May 30, 2023, which downgraded the petitioner’s pay scale and directed recovery of an alleged excess amount of ₹3,75,255. The Court held that: The Screening Committee failed to comply with principles of natural justice as required under the High Court’s earlier directions issued on January 13, 2023. The Committee did not adequately address the petitioner’s objections or provide a reasoned decision. The recovery order contravened the precedent set in State of Punjab v. Rafiq Masih (2015), which protects certain employees from recovery of overpayments caused by administrative errors. Court’s Reasoning: Non-Compliance with Directions: The Screening Committee did not address the petitioner’s objections, including his reliance on Rafiq Masih and Bihari Lal. The Committee merely reiterated its earlier stance without providing a fresh or reasoned decision. Violation of Precedents: The recovery order was inconsistent with Rafiq Masih, as the petitioner was a Group-C employee, and recovery would impose financial hardship. Lack of Reasoned Order: The Court criticized the Committee’s failure to give a speaking order, stating that reasons are the lifeblood of judicial and administrative decisions. Conclusion: The Court quashed the Screening Committee’s recommendations and the corresponding recovery order. It directed the respondents to reconsider the petitioner’s case in light of judicial precedents and provide a detailed, reasoned decision. #SupremeCourt #LegalUpdate #MotorVehiclesAct #RightToLife #GoldenHour #CashlessTreatment #RoadSafety #PublicHealth #GovernmentPolicy #LegalFramework #HealthcareJustice #InsuranceClaims

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Lori Curry from Missouri Prison Reform spoke to KSDK - 5 On Your Side about how the state corrections department is understaffed, with an 18% vacancy rate, and how corrections officers are being pushed to their limits, leading to increased turnover and staff burnout.    Correctional facilities in Missouri are failing to address ongoing issues of understaffing, abuse, accountability . The data shows that many of these issues are linked to the department's lack of adequate oversight, which needs to be addressed. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e3y7PvwT 

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While the chaos they bring may make them seem longer, legislative sessions only last a few months out of the year. 😅🤯 What should #publicpolicy and #advocacy professionals do for the remaining months? Successful legislative monitoring and advocacy work extends year-round. Learn more today 👇 https://hubs.li/Q02DKppt0

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 2024 Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Releases Comprehensive Review of State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s Eight-Year Tenure Chicago– Today, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office released two pivotal documents: the Final Report of State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s administration and an Eight Year Data Summary. These publications provide a comprehensive overview of the substantial reforms and impacts achieved during State’s Attorney Foxx’s transformative tenure from beginning in December 2016 through November 2024, which have profoundly influenced the criminal justice landscape in Cook County and set new standards nationwide.   Key Highlights from the Final Report and Eight-Year Data Summary include: • Pretrial Fairness Act (PFA): The implementation of this landmark legislation has significantly altered the pretrial detention framework, emphasizing justice and equity. • Wrongful Convictions: The office has corrected 250 wrongful convictions thanks to the work of the Conviction Review Unit (CRU), formerly the Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU), over the past eight years, rectifying serious miscarriages of justice and highlighting the commitment to integrity and due process. • Community Engagement: Maintained direct connections with the community through thousands of touchpoints, including meetings, forums, and award events. • Data Transparency Evolution: Before State’s Attorney Foxx, detailed open data on felony cases was not available; her initiatives now ensure transparency for over 30,000 felony cases reviewed annually, setting a new standard in prosecutorial accountability across the country.  • Cannabis Convictions Overturned: More than 15,000 cannabis-related convictions have been expunged, aligning with statewide efforts to address the consequences of prior drug policies. • Investment in Staff: The office implemented a $10,000 retention bonus program for front-line ASAs and conducted a comprehensive salary review, resulting in an average salary increase of five percent, reflecting a commitment to competitive compensation.   “Reflecting on the past eight years, I am immensely proud of the hard work and dedication of our team who have tirelessly worked to enhance the scales of justice and equity in Cook County,” said State’s Attorney Foxx. “This final report and data summary not only highlight our achievements but also set the stage for continued advancement of fair and just prosecutorial practices. It has been an honor to serve the people of Cook County, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have led such meaningful changes in our community.”   The Final Report and Eight-Year Data Summary are available for public review. They serve as a testament to the enduring efforts of the State’s Attorney’s office to foster a transparent, just, and inclusive Cook County.

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