Susan Spears

Justice That Heals: A Forum on Restorative Justice

The U.S. criminal legal system relies on “Retributive Justice” — punishment for wrong-doing — but there is an alternative! Restorative Justice works to heal people who’ve been harmed by criminal acts as well as those who’ve caused that harm. Join us for a virtual forum to learn from national experts about Restorative Justice, including how it is used as an effective alternative to incarceration, and from a panel of local practitioners who will share initiatives in our community in a variety of settings, including reentry. (more…)

By Susan Spears, ago

Eastern Iowa Groups Offer Support for Children of Imprisoned Parents

It’s a traumatic event when a parent goes to prison. Trauma for the parent, spouse, and children. Especially the children. Inside Out Reentry Community of Iowa City has launched a new project to help those kids. It’s a special “youth support kit” for children impacted by incarceration, funded through a grant from the Iowa City Human Rights Commission.

The kits are designed for Johnson County children 9 and younger. Each kit will include one of four picture books about having an incarcerated caregiver, based on the age of the child. (more…)

By Susan Spears, ago

April 22, 2021 Unheard Voices Webinar

Hosted by Inside Out Reentry Community, the Unheard Voices: Impacts of Incarceration on Children and Families webinar discusses the hidden impacts of incarceration and reentry on children, partners, and family members. These groups often face challenges finding support for their situation, as well as the effects of the societal stigma surrounding incarceration. This webinar includes a panel of service providers who will discuss programming and support groups for these families and children, as well as a panel of individuals who have been impacted by the incarceration of a loved one. This event discusses available opportunities and identifies gaps in support for these unheard voices. (more…)

By Susan Spears, ago

Unheard Voices: Impacts of Incarceration on Children and Families

Inside Out Reentry Community presents Unheard Voices, a virtual forum to discuss the hidden impacts of incarceration and reentry on children, partners, and family members. These groups often face challenges finding support for their situation, as well as the effects of the societal stigma surrounding incarceration. The event includes a panel of service providers who will discuss programming and support groups for these families and children, as well as a panel of individuals who have been impacted by the incarceration of a loved one. This event discusses available opportunities and identifies gaps in support for these unheard voices.

Register for the event at: bit.ly/IOVoices (more…)

By Susan Spears, ago

Formerly incarcerated women in Iowa share the challenges they faced during re-entry

Lisa Smith felt like “nothing was done” to prepare her for re-entry following the six years she served at the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women. She also wasn’t prepared for the loneliness she would feel.

“I was surrounded by women all the time, and when I got out, not only did I not have this huge community of women around me that I had lived in a small space with for six years, I was not allowed to speak to any of them — not even on the phone — or it would have sent me back to prison,” Smith said. (more…)

By Susan Spears, ago