Erica's Story
I’ve heard so much talk recently about this “Ban the Box” initiative.  I just learned a little bit more about it.  Apparently, a company or an agency can eliminate the box on a job application that asks if you’ve ever been arrested or convicted of a crime.  The question has different ways of appearing, but always means the same to someone like me.  Always puts knots deep in your gut.  Always makes you want to disappear into a dark hole because you did indeed get arrested.  Because you did indeed go to jail.  Because I did indeed go to prison on a felony charge. (read Erica's story here)

Since the collapse of Atlanta’s I-85 expanse at the Buford-Spring connector, emotions have been ignited and people want answers.  Why was he still on the street after so many arrests?  How long can he be locked away this time, once and for all?  What judges kept letting him out?  Did the District Attorney drop the ball?  How much is all this going to cost us as taxpayers? Read More

In this month's edition, the NIA recognizes Commissioner Michael Nail of the Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS).  Because of the leadership of Georgia's Governor Deal and the competence of Commissioner Nail and his team, the new DCS seems to be quite on track with major accomplishments in their 3-tier approach: Adult Reform, Juvenile Reform and Reentry, in concert with key state partners.

As Commissioner Nail points out “Our work changes the lives of the offenders, their families, and the communities we serve. The field of community supervision is one of the most dynamic in the criminal justice system.”

To learn more about the work of Georgia's Department of Community Supervision go to www.dcs.georgia.gov, and research how you can help advance their efforts.

                                                  

This month as usual, NIA leadership engaged our partners with several different initiatives. We advanced our work with,  Georgia Justice Project and The Urban League of Greater Atlanta, to focus on "Beyond Ban the Box" hiring practices through a collaborative working group. This initiative took shape as a result of an intense focus group sponsored by The Urban League of Greater Atlanta and attended by a diverse group of stakeholders.

NIA Leadership continued  service on the Citizens Advisory Panel with Commissioner Dozier and his staff from Georgia Department of Corrections. We debated many important topics from contraband to healthcare and gang activity. We reviewed the new program-focused models within several prisons. Overall, the NIA feels good about the direction the GDC is heading.

Friday, April 21st - Georgia Department of Corrections Family Day; an important event with which  our NIA team is always involved. If you are on an approved visitation list plan to show up and voice your concerns and ideas. Contact us for more information on what you can expect. 

Have you ever been arrested but never convicted? Thousands of people find themselves in this situation. An arrest record, even without a conviction, can hold you back from jobs, housing, and more. Join a host of community partners and Fulton County leadership at the Fulton County  Record Restriction  Summit on Saturday, April 29th.