Reentry Is Hard For Exonerees Too
As more and more wrongfully convicted citizens are exonerated the issue of compensation has come to the fore. In Missouri only those exonerated by DNA are eligible for compensation and it isn’t automatic. Kansas recently passed a compensation law for exonerees that is still being figured out. The problem of lack of skills, work history and education plague many exonerees just as it does all formerly incarcerated citizens. There are no programs or consideration to help these citizens wronged by the Justice System.
Host Latahra Smith will talk with a couple of exonerees who are trying to build a work life for themselves to support themselves, their family and reclaim their place in society.
Kansas ACLU’s Smart Justice Campaign
The ACLU is working across the state of Kansas to educate and institute a Smart approach to justice by focusing on expanding diversion programs, reducing sentences for non-violent drug cases, improve reentry services and reform civil asset forfeiture laws.
Host Craig Lubow will talk with Kiana Knolland, Smart Justice Field Organizer for the ACLU of Kansas. She will talk about her effort to galvanize Kansas communities to take action to significantly reduce mass incarceration.
Website for Smart Justice Kansas – https://www.smartjusticekansas.org/
Kansas ACLU
Website – https://www.aclukansas.org/
Email – [email protected]
Legal Inquiries Email – [email protected]
Overland Park office –
6701 W. 64th Street, Suite 210
Overland Park, KS 66202
913-490-4100
JoJR Calendar for May 20
Survivors Unite is uniting families who have lost a loved one to violent crime. They understand that grief is experienced in different stages and help families heal and learn to properly release their emotions. Survivors United meets every third Monday of the month and will meet Monday May 20th, 7pm at Margaret’s Place, 7217 Troost, KCMO.
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The Kansas City Chapter of Missouri Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants will have their monthly meeting Monday, May 20th 6:30pm at the Chestnut Avenue Family Resource Center, 3811 Chestnut Ave, KCMO. MO CURE advocates for the human rights of prisoners in Missouri prisons and jails as well as those who have returned to society, by lobbying state and local government, direct contact with corrections officials and a quarterly newsletter sent to supporters and prisoners.
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The Mission of Corey’s Network is to provide immediate support, advocacy and services to surviving victims of homicide in the Kansas City metropolitan area for those without advocates. They are partnering with other support and advocacy groups in the Kansas City area to provide help with the media, police investigations, court hearings and how to move forward after a loved one is murdered. If you would like to find out more about CNI or get involved join them this Monday May 20th from 6 to 8 PM at the Church of the Four Corners, 14300 E. US HWY 40, KCMO. The church is located East of the HyVee at 40 Hwy and Noland Rd. For more information and listing of their workshops call 816-834-9161 or email [email protected] or find them on Face Book at Corey’s Network Inc.
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The National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls is sponsoring a postcard campaign to all 50 Governors urging them to use their clemency power to release women incarcerated in their state who are elderly, criminalized survivors of violence, enduring sentences of more than 10 years, and/or living with long-term or life-threatening illnesses, and all girls incarcerated in juvenile detention centers. If you would like to find out more about this campaign and how you can send postcards to the Governor of your state check out their website at nationalcouncil.us
