Explore resources from Library programs on criminal justice
The Library has compiled resources to help you learn about the issue through reading lists and audio recordings.
Criminal Justice Program Resources
Some recordings are part of a yearlong project that a team at the Library has undertaken, focused on court involved and formerly incarcerated patrons. The major project the team embarked on was listening to different people and organizations sharing about their experience and work in this field, as well as some of the challenges facing people when they are involved in the court system or released from prison - and along the way the team also heard a lot about the struggles families and communities face while their loved ones are incarcerated.
We talked to over 20 organizations, and wanted to deepen the conversations between some of our participants in podcasts to share these very important stories and issues with a larger audience.
Additional Resources
- Who Pays? The True Cost of Incarceration on Families - A report that proves the costs of locking up millions of people in jail cells is much deeper than we think – when we lock up individuals we also break apart their families and communities.
- Columbia Legal Services - Columbia Legal Services advocates for people who face injustice and poverty, using policy reform, litigation, and innovative partnerships.
- Families for Justice as Healing - Families for Justice as Healing organizes formerly incarcerated women to join the movement toward ending incarceration of women.
- If Project - The If Project is a partnership between law enforcement, currently and previously incarcerated adults, and community leaders to build commonality, reduce misperceptions and serve as a deterrent to recidivism and future incarceration.
- Incarcerated Parents Project - The Incarcerated Parents Project (IPP) reduces the overall chances of family separation due to parental incarceration in Washington State.
- National Council - The mission of the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls (National Council) is to end the incarceration of women and girls by building a movement grounded in support, coalition building, solidarity and human rights.
- Projects for a Civil Society - Works to bring Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) to veterans, the incarcerated, schools, and youth.
- Reentry Mythbuster - Fact sheets designed to clarify existing federal policies that affect formerly incarcerated individuals and their families in areas such as public housing, access to benefits, parental rights, employer incentives, Medicaid, suspension/termination, and more.
- Seattle Fair Chance Employment Ordinance - This ordinance restricts how employers can use conviction and arrest records during the hiring process and course of employment within city limits.
- Washington Appleseed - Washington Appleseed mobilizes volunteer attorneys and collaborates with community partners to level the playing field for Washington State's vulnerable and marginalized populations.
- Washington State Court Directory - Find contact information for the Washington State Courts and organizations related to Official Court Business.