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Criminal Justice Caucus Hosts Conference to Improve Those Impacted
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Written by Gayle M. Messinger   
Thursday, 22 December 2011
On Saturday, Columbia University School of Social Work's Criminal Justice Caucus hosted "Removing the Bars: A Skills-Based Conference on Criminal Justice" on Amsterdam Avenue between 121st and 122nd streets. Students, educators and representatives from service providers in social work attended the one-day conference.

The Criminal Justice Caucus at Columbia University School of Social Work seeks to increase awareness about the prison system in America as it relates to social work, law, education, family structure and health. "We work to push the university and the School of Social Work to see the tremendous .impact that the criminal justice system has on the community," said Tanisha Douglas, co-chair of the caucus. "There is a need to train a new generation of social workers so that they can better deal with criminal justice issues."

Over 25 speakers presented workshops at the conference on a variety of topics, including "Benefits and Voting Rights of Formerly Incarcerated People," "Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Adults and Juveniles," "Restorative Justice and Victims' Services," "Unique Issues of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth in the Juvenile Justice System" and "Adults in Prison Systems Involved in the Criminal Justice System."

Conference speakers came from several organizations, including the Children's Defense Fund of New York, Harlem Community Justice Center, Center for Comprehensive Care at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, the Correctional Association of N.Y.-Juvenile Justice Project, Bronx Defenders and the Osborne Association. In addition to these workshops, the conference featured a panel of formerly incarcerated men and women.

Jean Stevens, a CUNY law student, is an aspiring public defender. She was on her way to the "School to Prison Pipeline" workshop. "Right now, a lot of my work surrounds young students of color," said Stevens. "How schools are replicating the system -- I'm interested in knowing if they will discuss anything relating to ending the cycle."

Avery Irons, director of Youth Programs for the Children's Defense Fund of New York, facilitated a workshop focused on juvenile justice reform. "We went over the layout of the New York Juvenile Justice System," said the juvenile justice advocate. "We went over the present reform effort. Those that attended this workshop walked away with information that will help them move policy change forward in their locality."

The conference was geared 'towards social work students throughout New York City who are and will be involved in the lives of the men, women and children impacted by the criminal justice system.

After the conference, Hunter College graduate student An-isah Ansari felt she received the assurance she needed and feels that she can make a difference as a social worker. "I know that I am on my way to fulfilling the need for the next generation of conscience, progressive social workers," she said confidently.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 22 December 2011 )