If you share our vision for a justice system that restores all those impacted by crime and incarceration, please join our growing network of advocates. Together we can inspire the Church, change the culture, and advance justice reform.
With 40 years of experience helping restore men and women behind bars, Prison Fellowship advocates for federal and state criminal justice reforms that transform those responsible for crime, validate victims, and encourage communities to play a role in creating a safe, redemptive, and just society.
In 2014, Georgia created the Council on Criminal Justice Reform to review its criminal laws and many correctional issues relating to both adults and juveniles. The council released its report in February of 2016, showing that the state has seen reductions in the following since 2013: annual commitments to prisons, the number of people housed in county jails, and the number of youth incarcerated. In response to the recommendation of the council, the legislature enacted SB 367 in an effort to address referrals of youth from schools to law enforcement and to ensure that the state has a constructive juvenile justice system.
Prison Fellowship's victories in the state include contributing to the passage of House Bill 242 in 2013, ensuring that youth can remain better connected with their families, mentors, churches, and other positive influences while being held accountable for their actions through community-based alternatives to incarceration. In 2012, Prison Fellowship encouraged passage of House Bill 1176, which provides more effective and less costly punishment for individuals with low-level drug offenses and probation violations.
SIGN THE JUSTICE DECLARATION!
Grounded in biblical values and signed by over 100 Christian leaders, the Justice Declaration is a call to the Church to deploy its unique and unparalleled capacity to respond to crime and over-incarceration.
Preparing for a meeting with your legislator can be intimidating, but with these helpful tips it doesn’t have to be!
FEDERAL JUSTICE REFORM OPPORTUNITIES
Prison Fellowship has been active on Capitol Hill for decades, lobbying the Administration and Congress to support groundbreaking reforms to make communities safer, respect victims, and transform lives. No matter what state you call home, you can be part of our federal justice reform campaigns!
ENSURING PROPORTIONAL PUNISHMENT
The FIRST STEP Act was passed to reduce disproportional drug offenses and allow earn time credits to be awarded for program participation. Contact lawmakers to request they fully implement the law and maximize its potential!
Studies have revealed that participation in education programs during incarceration has resulted in a 43% lower recidivism rate. Encourage lawmakers to restore Pell Grant access behind bars to offer hope and higher education to incarcerated men and women.
The Fair Chance Act allows formerly incarcerated individuals to show their talents, skills, & commitment to personal growth as they compete in labor markets. Ask lawmakers to support second chances through this thoughtful approach to criminal justice.
