Criminally Unjust: Why American Prison Policy Needs Repair

In the May 24, 2010, issue of America Magazine, Joseph A. Califano Jr., former U.S. Secretary for Health, Education and Welfare, and the founder and chair of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, begins his article by stating, “Consider these three facts. We in the United States make up 5 percent of the world’s population. We consume 66 percent of the world’s illegal drugs. We incarcerate 25 percent of the world’s prisoners.” He concludes the article by saying, “Breaking the cycle of re-arrests and re-incarceration requires breaking the cycle of addiction.”

For Mr. Califano’s cogent arguments on the need for addiction treatment and prison reform, please access the complete article by clicking here.

Resources for the Incarcerated and Families

The Diocesan Ministry to the Incarcerated for the Diocese of Cleveland is providing links to other institutions that offer support to the incarcerated and families.

embrace

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) wrote a document titled, Responsibility, Rehabilitation, and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice. Responding to the threats to everyday life that are caused by crime and fear of crime, the USCCB tackles the issues of crime and corrections; justice and mercy; and responsibility and treatment. Recognizing that the dignity of the human person applies to both victim and offender, the bishops use scriptural foundations, sacramental and historical heritage, Catholic social teaching, and policy foundations and directions to promote further dialogue and action. Click here to read this important document.

Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry

Since 1969, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry has answered Micah's call to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God by serving others in the cause of justice. LMM was established in response to the urban unrest of the 1960's, specifically the upheaval in Hough. Today, LMM serves and advocates with persons currently and previously involved in the criminal justice system, youth at-risk, people with disabilities, people dealing with long term care needs and people who are homeless.

LMM serves the community through its advocacy work, community re-entry work, long term care, shelter and housing, persons with disabilities, and support to Al-Risk teens. Click to visit the work of this great ministry.

Find the Jails, Prisons, and Correctional Facilities: