You're going to do amazing!

"Every one of us is better than the worst thing we've ever done. " - Bryan Stevenson, EJI.

Love that, Sue!

TJ, what is your position on bail reform?

When can we abolish bail in VT?

I was a federal prosecutor for 25 years. This is powerfully resonating with me. thank you, TJ.

Community Justice Centers, funded by the DOC, also process PRE-CHARGE restorative justice referrals and not just cases post-adjudication.

I know!!

Can't prosecutors stop asking for bail?

Yes, Sarah George is no longer using bail in Chittenden County.

Have you considered systems of incarceration from other countries, like Denmark? A community and work are created, more like a safe way to recreate new habits and life paths, with outdoor activities etc.

Can we set a goal for VT to reduce our incarcerated percentage to be similar to Europe - ie way less than now?

Are mental health services and drug rehab offered in VT jails?

Do you think state's attorneys offices should be staffed by more experienced attorneys, rather than "25 year old law school graduates" who perhaps haven't had as much life experience? Or, have you considered a system of mentoring of young attorneys by older attorneys?

Wonderful goal, Nate Hine.

Are prosecutors generally aware of the harm done to children by incarceration of their parents?

Incarceration causes trauma, often to people who have trauma histories. When they are released they need long-term supports for basic needs in addition to MH and substance use disorder supports.

I think that's where the Victim Advocates have input during the process of intake at the SAs office.

I'm from Ground Zero for the opioid epidemic (WV). Thank you for mentioning holding the corporations accountable for the harm that was done.

thank you, T./J. I was also part of that table wih jeff.

This talk is very persuasive! Zara/Sarah

A positive preventive measure is to invest in mentoring organizations….several here in Vermont. One is Windsor County Mentors who are always looking for more caring adult mentors.

What is your position on decriminalization of all drugs, recently suggested by Sarah George?

Can we avoid building a new women's prison?

Maybe the new women's prison could follow the model in Denmark.

https://apnews.com/article/b51f28cc1334422593056f0439a4cc6e

I am so happy to have your vision and compassion at work in Vermont. I’ve volunteered at St. J corrections for years and totally agree with all you’ve said. Thank you so much.

Can you talk about Vermont's incarceration of women? Women have been moved from one inadequate facility to another....and we have more and more incarcerated women now than ever before....your thoughts?

If not building a new one, updating the present one is necessary. BUT, before that training and ongoing evaluation of corrections personnel is primary.

Carol, great suggestion!

Not sure we could get that through DOC . . . we're talking about a huge culture shift.

Read "Waiting For An Echo" by Christine Montrose for getting an understanding of and appreciation for humane models of incarceration based on a very different culture and tradition of treating people like people.

Are you looking to put trained social workers in police departments to help deesculate situations/

Some police departments have social workers-- Rutland, Barre and Montpelier, are the ones I know of.

Hartford has an SW too.

Some times being courageous is taking responsibility and accepting the fall out. We're tougher then we think we are and can take the heat of the fall out.

When we first sent prisoners out of Vermont, DOC refused to consider the impact on children of having their parent completely inaccessible to them. Do you see any improvement in that terribly wrongheaded attitude?

Risk reduction programs for substance use disorder saves lives.

Can you say something about your experience with processes of social reconciliation that can help individuals mend relationships in their communities

Why shouldn't we make the same public investments that Portugal does, as you mention? The economics would be favorable on balance.

What's your position on private prisons, particularly out of state?

Thank you, TJ for taking this time with us. I am heartened whenever I hear your philosophy on criminal matters. Be well!

That's a great idea. Restructuring a college.

This is a great conversation on creative destruction

Can we take more DOC money and divert it to transitional housing?

What do you think about the Justice Reinvestment Act and efforts to reduce the prison population with reentry programs?

https://dismasofvt.org/donate/

Thank you for holding/promoting and working for another vision for our community in this critically important area.

Thanks for your wonderful presentation, your service to the state, and your compelling expression of compassionate and rehabilitative alternatives.

Thank you, TJ for your program today. Your humanity and empathy needs to grow within the LEO population in Vermont for things to start changing. Also, we have Victim's Advocates for the victims of a crime. Does that piece fall to our Public Defenders to know the impact and give voice to those facing incarceration?

Thank you for this very inspiring and hopeful presentation. It is clear what we are doing now is not working. The money put into incarceration could do so much more spent on communities, basic needs and rehabilitation.

I saw a presentation about Vermont CoSA program some time ago and was struck by, in spite of the incredible support given, what an uphill battle it is for those trying to re-enter our communities. I learned then that they have to pay for their public defender services on top of everything else. Seems punitive to me… can that be changed?

Thank you TJ for your compassionate vision to restore humane treatment for incarcerated people that WILL return to our communities. It will take restorative practices for them to come back as contributors & engaged members.

What do you have to say about the disparities around race in the criminal justice system?

Talent is EVERYWHERE, Opportunity is NOT

I love that, Heather!

Is this amazing talk being recorded to share with others who couldn’t make it?

Hi, Celia, Yes! Thank you for asking. The link will be posted here: https://dismasofvt.org/hartford-dismas/free-virtual-speaker-series/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY9DcIMGxMs

Bess O'Brien, March 26, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. https://tinyurl.com/yhdrh3jf

Can you let us know when the link to this recording is available?

Thank you, TJ, for this amazing discussion!

We won’t forget about youy al all!

Thank you TJ

Thank you so much! That was incredibly moving and inspiring!

Thank you! Very informative Sherry and DAve Whitney