Recent News

The Phase II report, released February 2021, provides implementation plans for the Task Force’s 80 recommendations that will help D.C. to invest in safe communities, to lower incarceration rates, to regain local control over its criminal justice system, and to create a single new non-traditional facility to hold all people still detained pre-trial or sentenced to incarceration. The Task Force’s work reflects input from over 2,500 D.C. residents, including people who are currently incarcerated, and the expertise of its members.

Join us as the District Task Force of Jails & Justice releases an ambitious plan to transform D.C.’s criminal justice system.

Despite a challenging year, CCE continued to serve the community by helping organize supply drives for residents in D.C. area halfway houses, publishing a report that makes recommendations on how the District can better serve justice-involved D.C. residents with substance use disorders, and more!

From releasing an audit on substance use disorder services for justice-involved D.C. residents to hosting a virtual panel on access to information and court proceedings during COVID-19, CCE has had a busy fall. Read our latest newsletter to learn more!

CCE and the D.C. Auditor released "Everything is Scattered: The Intersection of Substance Use Disorders and Justice-Involvement in the District." The report highlights both the District’s successes and challenges in addressing the substance use disorder (“SUD”) treatment needs of people who are involved in the criminal justice system, with the goal of improving health outcomes and reducing incarceration for D.C. residents.

In May CCE published two of four educational videos on different assisted decision-making tools discussed in our latest community education guide When Adults Need Help.

n May 2020 CCE joined local advocates to write to the DC Council and Mayor Bowswer with recommendations for further COVID-19 responsive actions in DC's criminal legal system to better meet the needs of people who are incarcerated or returning home to the District from prison and jail. CCE is actively leading work on several of the recommendations in coalition with our partners.

Read our May 2020 newsletter to see how CCE is continuing to adapt projects during COVID-19 and advocate for some of the District's most vulnerable residents.

CCE stands in solidarity with the Black community and denounces racism and police brutality.

CCE, in partnership with other local legal organizations, will be hosting “Meet the Next Chief Judge,” a forum for members of the public to hear from the judges who have applied to become the new Chief Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. This special event will be held virtually on an evening in early June as a Zoom webinar, generously provided by the D.C. Bar.

Read CCE's April 2020 newsletter to learn how we are continuing to be responsive to the needs of the District in light of COVID-19 and how our educational resources may be of assistance during this time.

Published in April 2020 in response to COVID-19, CCE and the George Washington University Law School’s Prisoner & Reentry Clinic's proposal outlines updates that can be made to the District’s law on good time credits, earned time credits, and compassionate release for incarcerated residents.