Vera has been working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems for more than 60 years—and we won't stop until they’re fair for all. Because mass incarceration is wrong. Because immigration is under attack. Because poverty is not a crime. Because justice is for all. Because dignity is worth fighting for. Because we are Vera. Together, we can end mass incarceration. Join our movement: https://lnkd.in/eMtNC9pe #WeAreVera
Vera Institute of Justice
Government Administration
Brooklyn, New York 74,603 followers
Securing equal justice, ending mass incarceration, and strengthening families and communities. Founded 1961.
About us
We envision a society that respects the dignity of every single person. And we're working to realize it. We work with others who share our vision to tackle the most pressing injustices of our day - from the causes and consequences of mass incarceration, racial disparities, and the loss of public trust in law enforcement, to the unmet needs of the vulnerable, the marginalized, and those harmed by crime and violence.
- Website
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http://www.vera.org
External link for Vera Institute of Justice
- Industry
- Government Administration
- Company size
- 201-500 employees
- Headquarters
- Brooklyn, New York
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 1961
- Specialties
- Research, Technical Assistance, Demonstration Projects, and Criminal Justice
Locations
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Primary
34 35th St
Suite 4-2A
Brooklyn, New York 11232, US
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1111 14th Street NE, Suite 920
Washington, DC 20005, US
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546 Carondelet, 3rd Floor
New Orleans, LA 70130, US
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634 S Spring Street,
#300A
Los Angeles, CA 90014, US
Employees at Vera Institute of Justice
Updates
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With its decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson in June, the Supreme Court has effectively criminalized people who are unhoused. This ruling reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of homelessness and how to solve it. Test your knowledge on the intersections of the housing crisis and incarceration and learn more about the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision:
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Next Wednesday at 2PM ET, we—along with the Access to Reproductive Healthcare Project—are hosting a webinar that will explore innovative diversion models, advocacy strategies, and alternatives to incarceration for pregnant people and caregivers. #JoinUs and experts in the field as we discuss efforts to support families that have interaction with the criminal legal system. Register today: https://lnkd.in/ehRuppAw
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Exploring Alternatives to Incarceration for Pregnant People and Caregivers, and Models for Family Support. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
verainstitute.zoom.us
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People going through the justice system need to be treated fairly and equitably. Unfortunately, that is almost always not the case in New York. Later this year, former President Donald Trump will face what tens of thousands of people in New York face every year: being sentenced after having been convicted of a crime. His sentencing is an opportunity examine the deep flaws within our criminal legal system: https://lnkd.in/eiVw5xXN
The Double Standard of Donald Trump’s Court Sentencing
vera.org
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On May 30, former President Donald Trump joined an estimated 24 million people in the United States who have been convicted of felony offenses. In the weeks following his conviction, politicians and media used labels like “felon,” “convict,” and “criminal” to describe the former president and current presidential candidate. Language shapes the way people think and when we use dehumanizing labels to describe Trump because of his conviction, we also stigmatize people who are system-involved and lack Trump’s wealth and connections. We must work to show everyone who is system-involved—not just former President Trump—respect by using people-centered language that asserts their dignity. Here’s why: https://lnkd.in/ehwwBJdx
Why We Shouldn’t Call Trump a “Criminal”
vera.org
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More than 95% of people in prison will return to their communities, but too often they face barriers to employment, housing, and more. Vera’s Sean Kyler joined ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice to share how lawyers can make a difference and help people navigate reentry: https://lnkd.in/e7MEtyd4
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“Men’s Central Jail is decrepit. Building another jail won’t address many of the problems and concerns that we see at Men’s Central Jail — like overdose deaths, inhumane treatment and inadequate mental healthcare.” —Claire, Simonich associate director of Vera California Five years ago, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors committed to closing #MensCentralJail without a replacement, but now they are questioning that decision. Vera California’s Claire Simonich told the Los Angeles Times why this decision won’t address the problems that currently plague #MCJ:
'Pendulum has swung': Supervisors signal shift on Men's Central Jail closure plan
latimes.com
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“Everyone should have a fair shot at asylum or other forms of relief with a legal advocate by their side to help them make their case and secure their freedom.” — Uchechukwu Onwa, a queer, Black migrant who fled persecution in Nigeria The over 13,200 people currently jailed in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention do not have a right to a public defender—no one navigating the U.S. immigration system does. To change this devastating reality and build a more just immigration system, federal lawmakers must establish the right to legal representation for people facing deportation. The Fairness to Freedom Act and its companion bill, the SHIELD Act, would give immigrants the opportunity to thrive by ensuring every person facing deportation has access to legal representation. Read on to learn more about Uchechukwu’s story and the need for #UniversalRepresentation: https://lnkd.in/eAeqWUA8
With legal defense, the 13.2K people in ICE detention would have a shot at freedom
https://www.losangelesblade.com
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Jails and prisons are often located on or near toxic waste. This, coupled with climate change, leads to dire health consequences for incarcerated people. The risks from hazardous conditions extend to corrections staff and people visiting incarcerated loved ones. However, they have ways to reduce risks that incarcerated people do not, like drinking bottled water in facilities with contaminated drinking water. Learn more about the devastating impact of hazardous environments on incarcerated people: https://lnkd.in/es_6fb4w
Building Prisons on Toxic Land has Devastating Consequences
vera.org
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#JoinUs: Tomorrow at 12PM ET, we’re hosting an informational webinar on our Motion for Justice Program. District attorneys looking to partner with a community-based organization and expand diversion programs that promote community safety and center racial equity should apply! Offices will receive technical assistance, support, and quantitative and qualitative data analyses, while the partnered community-based organizations can obtain a grant of up to $75,000 to support the diversion program. What are you waiting for? Register now and get ready to learn more about the application process: https://lnkd.in/e-b_qhBX
Reshaping Prosecution, Motion for Justice: Expanding Equitable Access…
vera.org