SmartJustice

09/18/2024

💔 Behind every story of a child taken into state custody, there's often a parent who feels like they are facing immense stigma and judgment. For some of those parents, regaining custody can feel like an insurmountable challenge.

This latest article sheds light on the complexities at play—not just from the parents’ perspective, but also from the viewpoint of the agency tasked with removing children from environments that pose substantial risk to them.

👉 Understanding both perspectives can foster empathy and open the door for constructive dialogue.

Behind every story of a child taken into state custody, there's often a parent who feels like they are facing immense stigma and judgment. That was a key takeaw

09/12/2024

Smart Justice, a podcast and magazine from Restore Hope, covers the pursuit of better outcomes on justice system-related issues. We’ve launched a new website and just posted a special bonus episode of our podcast, which covers the lasting impact of childhood trauma. The episode also includes the premiere of our Season 4 trailer!

Please subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on Smart Justice content. Your support and participation in these very important conversations matters.

09/12/2024

Ever wondered how early experiences shape a lifetime? Join Dr. Sufna John on as she unpacks the hidden impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and PTSD. Listen now! 🎙️

Ever wondered how early childhood experiences shape a lifetime? In this special bonus episode of the Smart Justice podcast, Dr. Sufna John from the University o

08/08/2024

The barriers low-income citizens face when trying to access legal services are numerous and complex. Check out our article highlighting a recent panel discussion on the issue.



Center for Arkansas Legal Services Mock Legal Solutions PLC

At a recent meeting of the 100 Families Initiative, a panel of legal experts discussed legal help for low-income families. The panel included Tyler Armstrong of

07/12/2024

There are a lot of people in jail who don't need to be. That seemed to be the consensus among an expert panel as they discussed alternatives to incarceration for people with mental health conditions.

There are a lot of people in jail who don't need to be. That seemed to be the consensus among an expert panel as they discussed alternatives to incarceration fo

07/09/2024

“This initiative, with the people who are in it, could spark a cultural revolution,” says Judge Clayton McCall.

Read more about this ✨ new justice initiative ✨ and what makes it unique.

Judges, law enforcement, treatment providers, and others gathered in Pope County to talk about a new initiative underway called the Smart Justice District Court

06/04/2024

Production of Season 4 of the Smart Justice podcast is underway! The season will cover juvenile justice.

06/04/2024

“There are a lot of people who I encounter [in my courtroom] who have a vague mental health diagnosis. Just having a really healthy assessment is sometimes a good first start. And sometimes the first time they ever have the opportunity is in the court. That’s way too late,” said Judge Switzer.

Healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and a judge gathered to talk about the role that mental health plays in many of the challenges we face today as a soc

06/04/2024

The website for Restore Hope's Smart Justice, a magazine and podcast, has undergone a transformation! www.smartjustice.org

Browse magazine issues, listen to educational podcast episodes, and stay abreast on topics like child welfare, family stability, and incarceration. We're constantly adding content!

We are in pursuit of stories that cover how people are trying to better justice system outcomes and defining their best practices. We want to offer ideas that people can learn from and duplicate in their area. If you have a story you think should be highlighted, please contact our editor, Karen Steward, at: [email protected]

07/18/2023