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Promoting public safety through cost-effective prison reform

We are thrilled to share with you that SB2201 passed the IL General Assembly on May 31st! JHA is grateful to Sen. Guzman and Rep. Johnson for their leadership and commitment to passing this legislation which mandates the collection and public reporting of prison contraband data.

Once signed into law and implemented, the public will have better access to information related to contraband found in prisons – such as what, where it is found, and who in the facility (person in custody, staff, vendor, etc.) is in possession of or attempting to procure the contraband.

This data will allow for determination of impactful and effective policies and practices that will improve the safety of everyone inside IDOC but not be unnecessarily punitive to people in custody.

Want to learn what we heard from people inside IDOC when they responded to our “Measuring the Quality of Prison Life” surveys?

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Scroll down to find our most recent reports and statements.

 

Mission & Vision

Our Mission: JHA monitors prisons and advances independent oversight of carceral systems to promote humane treatment and increased transparency.

Our Vision: As long as there are prisons, we aspire to have a system that is equitable, reduces harm, and respects people’s humanity.

Defying Injustice. Defending Humanity.

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Illinois has one of the most overcrowded, understaffed and underfunded prison systems in the U.S. We believe that people who are incarcerated should be treated humanely and with dignity and respect.

 

Impact

For more than 120 years, the John Howard Association has served as Illinois' only independent citizen correctional oversight organization. We uncover problems large and small in our correctional facilities and advocate for reforms that lead to meaningful change for prisoners and their families. System-wide reform leads to more successful correctional outcomes for our communities, and better use of limited resources and taxpayer funds.

JHA’s work leads to changes inside our prisons and throughout our system that impact thousands of lives for the better.

John Howard Association in the News

News
Lockdowns, Staffing Shortages at Illinois Prisons Leads to Visit Cancellations

“Cut visits are one impact of the “staffing crisis” IDOC is facing, as the prison watchdog group, John Howard Association, reported in the fall.” (WTTW)

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Guzmán measure increasing transparency on how contraband enters prisons passes Senate

State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s latest initiative, which would collect and publicize data on contraband found in each Department of Corrections  facility, passed the Senate, making it one step closer to becoming law and preventing overdose in facilities throughout the state. (IL State Democrats)

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Illinois Pitches Two New Prisons as a Way to Modernize and Address Aging Facilities. Some Advocates Aren’t Sold

As Illinois’ prison population sits at a near 30-year low, the Illinois Department of Corrections has put out a bid to build two new 1,500-single-celled facilities. That bid is part of a $900 million plan to close Stateville and Logan Correctional Centers, both of which are in dismal condition. (WTTW)

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