Both Sides of the Bars

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025 brought major shifts in criminal-legal system policy across New York State. This year-end review episode takes a look at the legislative wins and policy changes from the past two years. For example, The Fortune Society (which produces “Both Sides of the Bars”) participated in securing passage of the New York State Clean Slate Act, the NYC Fair Chance for Housing Act (FCHA), and local law Intro 1100 (“Jail Is Not a Home”) as well as partnered in securing increased investments in housing and Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) and reentry programs. Looking ahead, there are opportunities to further reduce the reliance on mass incarceration while strengthening public safety and supporting the communities that have long carried the weight of systemic harm. With New York City’s new administration, there is a renewed opportunity to transform the criminal-legal system through creative investments that address entrenched issues, including illness, poverty, and mass incarceration, enhancing well-being, safety, and opportunity for thousands of New Yorkers. Our guest is Stanley Richards, president and CEO of Fortune, a NYC-based non-profit whose mission it is to support successful reentry from incarceration and promote ATI.