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The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · 1d

This #YJAM2025, let’s stay #UnitedForCommunityInvestments and push for reauthorization of the JJDPA to ensure youth, families, and communities continue to receive the support they need. Stronger communities mean safer communities. #JJDPAMatters

The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · 4d

It’s time our laws reflected what we know: young people serving long sentences grow up and deserve a second chance — not a lifetime behind bars.

Learn how you can support second chances and the movement for fairer sentencing: bit.ly/4nwZzvv

The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · 5d

“Even if this bill doesn't progress in the Senate, it’s part of a broader trend of normalizing mandatory minimums – particularly in the context of immigration. Even a more modest bill could have dramatic impacts that BOP doesn't have the capacity to handle & which will not benefit public safety.”

Republican bill targets migrants who re-enter US illegally with mandatory 10-year sentences

Critics of new GOP act say it is a ‘mass incarceration bill’ that forces harsh penalties on migrants for a non-violent offense

www.theguardian.com

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Reposted by The Sentencing Project

Maryland Youth Justice Coalition @mdyouthjustice.bsky.social · 6d

Calling all Maryland libraries and bookstores 📣 It's Youth Justice Action Month! Help us spread the word this October. Find the YJAM reading list at bit.ly/YJAMReading.

Share this post with your favorite local library or bookstore!
#YJAM2025 #UnitedForAction #UnitedForUnderstanding

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The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · 7d

In our new report, we discuss how overbroad federal laws allow federal authorities to prosecute offenses normally left to local prosecutors, including street crimes and even minor offenses. This over-federalization threatens democracy and increases incarceration.

Over-Federalization: Federal Intrusion Into State Criminal Law – The Sentencing Project

The expanding encroachment of federal criminal law on traditionally local offenses threatens justice, equity, and local democracy.

www.sentencingproject.org

The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · 8d

This October, we come together for #YJAM2025 under the theme United for Action – A Call for Unity!

We’re excited to highlight ways you can get involved thanks to our friends at National Youth Justice Network and Coalition for Juvenile Justice.

Here’s how you can take action: bit.ly/3IOZQLi

Image of teens playing basketball at an outdoor court with text that reads "October is Youth Justice Action Month" and a red button that calls for people to get involved

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The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · 9d

#ICYMI: Our virtual discussion highlighting the importance of improving justice system responses to youth gun possession is now available to watch online.

From Punishment to Prevention: A Better Approach to Addressing Youth Gun Possession

YouTube video by thesentencingproject

www.youtube.com

The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · 14d

Our 2024 Annual Report highlights the impact our supporters helped create and the foundation it provides for the work ahead.

Read more in our annual report: sentencingproject.org/about/annualreportsfinances/

Cover image of The Sentencing Project's Annual Report for 2024, featuring a photo of The Sentencing Project's Antonio Gutierrez at the Civic Power Convening.

The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · 17d

Attending CBCF's #ALC54 this year? Hear from our Senior Director of Advocacy Nicole D. Porter on the "Creating Wealth and Work in Local Communities" panel on Sept. 26 @ 10AM ET.

The Sentencing Project's Senior Director of Advocacy will join the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference as a panelist for a session titled "Creating Wealth and Work in Local Communities" on Friday, September 26th at 10:00 am ET. She will join Dedrick Asante-Muhammad of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies; Marshawn Wiley of Black Onyx Management; Nikitra Bailey of the National Fair Housing Alliance; Victoria Kirby York of the National Black Justice Collective; and Cynthia Roseberry of the ACLU.

The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · 21d

The Sentencing Project Condemns House Passage of Bills Threatening D.C.’s Autonomy and Youth.

Yesterday, U.S. House of Representatives passed a set of bills that rolls back progress and poses a serious threat to the District of Columbia, endangering our communities and targeting youth.

The Sentencing Project Condemns House Passage of Bills Threatening D.C.’s Autonomy and Youth – The Sentencing Project

www.sentencingproject.org

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The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · 26d

TAKE ACTION: Congress is about to vote on dangerous legislation that would roll back hard-won reforms, harm youth, deepen racial disparities, and undermine democracy in the District.

Urge your lawmakers to protect kids: secure.sentencingproject.org/a/take-action-protect-dc-kids

Image of kids and teens at an outdoor basketball court/park with a call to action that urges Congress to Protect Kids!

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The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · 29d

We'll be joining local advocates at today's mark up session. You can watch the mark up session here: oversight.house.gov/markup/full-committee-business-meeting-81/

The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · 29d

Lawmakers must reject these bills to stand up for our democracy and safety!

Read our full statement:

Letter to House Oversight Committee Opposing DC Crime Bills – The Sentencing Project

www.sentencingproject.org

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The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · 29d

The proposed bills would imprison more people, including children, for longer periods of time and repeal laws proven to reduce recidivism. Federal overreach in DC is part of a broader trend that threatens cities across the country.

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The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · 29d

Today, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is reviewing and voting on bills that would undo decades of evidence-based criminal justice reforms in Washington, D.C. and trample on Home Rule. DC deserves real safety solutions, not mass incarceration!

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The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · 29d

The Sentencing Project urges members of the House Oversight Committee to oppose bills that disregard evidence-based criminal legal reforms and other attacks on District home rule.

Letter to House Oversight Committee Opposing DC Crime Bills – The Sentencing Project

www.sentencingproject.org

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The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · Sep 8

April Wilkens is an outspoken advocate for survivors of domestic violence and her personal experiences were integral to the passage of the Oklahoma Survivors' Justice Act.

Yet, her request to be resentenced under the Oklahoma Survivors' Act was denied.

#SurvivorsDeserveRealJustice!

Judge denies April Wilkens’ request for resentencing under Oklahoma Survivors' Act

April Wilkens will remain in prison after Tulsa County District Judge David Guten on Thursday denied her request to be resentenced under the Oklahoma Survivors' Act.

www.publicradiotulsa.org

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The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · Sep 7

Justice system responses to youth referred to court on weapons charges have grown increasingly punitive, with fewer youth diverted from prosecution and more youth placed in locked detention. Proven solutions exist that better support youth and improve community safety.

From Punishment to Prevention: A Better Approach to Addressing Youth Gun Possession – The Sentencing Project

Justice system responses to youth gun possession have grown more punitive and ignore proven solutions that improve community safety.

www.sentencingproject.org

The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · Sep 5

WEBINAR: Join us on Sept. 9 at 2PM (ET) for a virtual discussion highlighting the importance of improving justice system responses to youth gun possession

Register: bit.ly/4oODr0Z

On September 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET, The Sentencing Project will host a virtual discussion titled "From Punishment to Prevention: A Better Approach to Addressing Youth Gun Possession."

Reposted by The Sentencing Project

Fair and Just Prosecution @fjporg.bsky.social · Sep 2

1/ Check out the @sentencingproject.bsky.social new report, which explores how states & courts are rethinking extreme prison sentences: www.sentencingproject.org/reports/the-...

The Second Look Movement: An Assessment of the Nation’s Sentence Review Laws – The Sentencing Project

More legislatures are enacting “second look” policies to allow judges to review sentences after a person has served a lengthy period of time.

www.sentencingproject.org

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The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · Aug 29

Interested in joining our team? We're #hiring a Campaign Strategist!

Here are more details: bit.ly/3HWuphG

Apply or share with your network! Applications are due soon (August 31)!

Campaign Strategist – The Sentencing Project

Learn about our key areas of focus to end mass incarceration and promote racial justice.

www.sentencingproject.org

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The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · Aug 27

Our updated report outlines how sentence review reforms—which allow courts to reconsider lengthy sentences—have gained traction in half of U.S. states. These reforms reflect research showing that extreme sentences are not an effective public safety solution.

The Second Look Movement: An Assessment of the Nation’s Sentence Review Laws – The Sentencing Project

More legislatures are enacting “second look” policies to allow judges to review sentences after a person has served a lengthy period of time.

www.sentencingproject.org

The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · Aug 25

WEBINAR: Join us on Sept. 9 at 2PM (ET) for a virtual discussion highlighting the importance of improving justice system responses to youth gun possession

Register: bit.ly/4oODr0Z

The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · Aug 24

Our One in Five series offers a blueprint for ending racial inequity in incarceration and shifting towards more effective investments in public safety.

Check out the four-part series: sentencingproject.org/one-in-five/

Eliminating racial disparities in incarceration will require:

1. Addressing sources of inequality by limiting the socioeconomic disadvantage and marginalization resulting from a criminal conviction

2. Dramatically increasing investments in effective public safety programs.

From The Sentencing Project's fourth installment of the One in Five series, "One in Five: How Mass Incarceration Deepens Inequality and Harms Public Safety."

The Sentencing Project @sentencingproject.bsky.social · Aug 23

Private for-profit prisons incarcerated 90,873 people in 2022, representing 8% of the total state and federal prison population.

Since 2000, the number of people housed in private prisons has increased 5%.

Read our fact sheet:

Private Prisons in the United States – The Sentencing Project

Twenty-seven states and the federal government incarcerated 90,873 people in private prisons in 2022, representing 8% of the total state and federal prison population.

www.sentencingproject.org