Rethinking Jails + Justice: Podcast Series

The Future of Criminal Justice Reform

This final episode explores the future of criminal justice reform in Lucas County and beyond. A representative from the MacArthur Foundation evaluates the progress and challenges of the Safety and Justice Challenge. Local leaders share how they’re determined to keep the momentum going despite ongoing struggles and new challenges. Guests for this episode: Said Orra, Lucas Co. Juvenile Court Administrator Juvenile Court Judge Robert Jones Juvenile Court Judge Linda Knepp Nida Abassi, Program Officer, Criminal Justice Team, MacArthur Foundation Lucas County Commissioner Lisa Sobecki Adam Watkins, Professor of Criminal Justice, BGSU Avis Files, Pathway, INC.

After Release: Reducing Repeat Visitors

This exploration of the so-called “revolving door of prison” features a former inmate, who passionately warns younger men against falling into the same traps, along with a local director who says she’s dedicated to helping returning fathers reintegrate into their families and communities. Guests for this episode: Mark Vaughn, UMADAUOP Lucas County Jamie Klear, Buckeye Health Plan Avis Files, Pathway Incorporated Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice E. Stratton, “Stepping Up” statewide initiative Eloy Perez Visit and Learn More: The Sequential Intercept Model (SIM)

Community Organizations

Nearly 20 Lucas County non-profits received a portion of the MacArthur Grant to drive community engagement and help reduce racial disparities. This episode explores how these groups are using their funds and whether their creative approaches align with The MacArthur Foundation’s expectations. Guests for this episode: 13 ABC Action News/Alexis Means The Tune Podcast Alicia Smith, Junction Coalition CEO Fonda Royster, CEO Open Arms Transformational Living Tramain Rayford, The Program INC. Avis Files, Pathway Incorporated Nida Abbasi, Program Officer, Criminal Justice Team, MacArthur Foundation Tia Strozier, Associate Director of Policy and Practice for the Community Justice Technical Assistance Team at the Center for Justice Innovation Juvenile Court Judge Robert Jones Juvenile Court Judge Linda Knepp

Racial Realities

Community leaders explore the harsh racial realities that complicate efforts to reduce over-incarceration. A long-time advocate for young men and fathers speaks about the challenges of co-parenting, systemic racism, and the deep-rooted distrust between communities of color and the criminal justice system. Guests for this episode: Avis Files, Pathway, Inc. Willie Knighten, Jr. Brothers United Chris Scott, Community Activist Adam Watkins, Professor of Criminal Justice, BGSU Nida Abbasi, MacArthur Foundation Holly Matthews, Executive Director, Toledo-Lucas County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Shawn Mahone Sr., Founder and Executive Director of Young Men and Women for Change

The Intersection of Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice

Mental health experts discuss the reasons behind the common intersection of behavioral health and the criminal justice system, the tools available to local people struggling with mental health issues, and how to help a loved one without making matters worse. Guests for this episode: Nida Abbasi, Program Officer, Criminal Justice Team, MacArthur Foundation Erin Wiley, MA, LPCC, LMHC Clinical Psychotherapist & CEO, The Willow Center Scott A. Sylak, Executive Director, Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County Deb Flores, CEO Zepf Center Sarah from Zepf Center Visit Local Help Now HERE