Idaho Justice Project

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Boise, ID
Idaho Justice Project

Nonpartisan organization focused on improving the criminal justice system -one project at a time.

Sign our petition to show support for legislation ending juvenile fees in Idaho! https://www.idahojusticeproject.org/petition-to-eliminate-juvenile-fees

08/27/2026

from 2022: Proof That Change Is Possible

For this , we’re looking back at an important chapter in the work of Idaho Justice Project — and a reminder that advocacy can lead to real change.

In spring 2021, we joined a coalition of organizations to launch a campaign aimed at eliminating fees charged to kids and families involved in Idaho’s juvenile justice system.

And change began to happen.

By fall 2021, the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections had implemented a new policy to stop collecting cost-of-care fees from parents who were participating in their children’s rehabilitation efforts. As of summer 2023, the state had not assessed any fees against parents.

In 2022, Representative Marco Erickson introduced HB 500, taking the effort further by proposing the elimination of juvenile fees assessed at the county level as well. We remain vigilant on this issue.

We share this history because it represents something important: this kind of work can make a difference.

Today, we’re building on that experience as Idaho Justice Project takes on new challenges — including our goal to reduce the number of women in prison by 50% and to support iInner Peace Training for women affected by incarceration.

Progress can begin with one policy, one partnership, one person—and grow from there.

Learn more about our current projects and how you can be part of the work on the Idaho Justice Project website.

08/26/2026

A surprising reality about women in jail:

Across the United States, 60% of women in jail are being held pre-trial. Meaning they have not been convicted of a crime.

On any given day, imagine how many women are behind bars still awaiting their day in court.

Pretrial detention can mean lost jobs, disrupted families, and long-term consequences — even before guilt or innocence is determined.

At Idaho Justice Project, we believe justice means fairness, due process, and smarter solutions that keep communities safe while protecting fundamental rights.

08/25/2026

Did you know Idaho’s treatment courts are over capacity?

📊 Even back in 2023, more than 2,700 eligible people weren’t admitted. And that number has continued to grow.

➡️ It’s time to expand access.

08/22/2026

Many Public Defenders are now considering to start cases with a treatment/diversion eligibility screen.

It’s a small shift with a big impact.

08/20/2026

What does it look like when endurance meets restoration?

In the new episode of his podcast, Victory Over Sin, Mark Renick sits down with Jenny Stinson to talk about the inspiration behind Running for Freedom — a fundraising campaign supporting Inner Peace Training, a partnership between Idaho Justice Project and The Peace Room.

Jenny shares how her journey through endurance running has become a powerful metaphor for healing and resilience, and why Inner Peace Training is designed to help incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women reconnect with themselves, build emotional strength, and create a new foundation for their future.

It's an inspiring conversation about second chances, community support, and the belief that lasting change begins from within.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/357-jenny-stinson-idaho-justice-project/id1203325018?i=1000781108732

And to learn more about Running for Freedom or support the campaign, visit:
ThePeaceRoom.Love/RunningforFreedom

08/18/2026

A supportive message for Idaho Sheriffs: Diversion isn’t leniency — it’s long-term public safety.

“Idaho’s rate of female incarceration is double the national average.”
– IJP Women’s Incarceration Report

We agree that prevention can be the most effective tool in your arsenal.

08/16/2026

What happens to families when a mother goes to jail?

Behind the statistics are real women — and real children — facing heartbreaking separation every day:

📊 Half of mothers in custody report having no contact with their minor children.
Only 15% see their children once a month.
Why? Because visiting a parent in prison is far from simple.
🚗 If a mother is sentenced in Ada County, she might be sent to Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center—over 200 miles away from home.
🏞️ For mothers in rural counties, the challenges are even worse, with most women’s prisons locat-ed in the Treasure Valley.
💻 Technology could help bridge the distance. But instead, connection comes at a price.

Private corporations like JPay charge incarcerated individuals to stay in touch:
➡️ Up to $20 for a single hour-long video call
➡️ Fees for each email sent or received
➡️ Costs that fall on people who are already among the most economically vulnerable

The result? Isolation. Broken bonds. Children growing up without the nurturing presence of their mothers—all while their loved ones wait pre-trial, not even convicted of a crime.

At Idaho Justice Project, we’re working to:
✅ Reduce unnecessary incarceration
✅ Support family-centered policies
✅ Reinvest in justice that heals, not separates

👉 Learn more or support the work: idahojusticeproject.org
Let’s build a system that keeps families connected, not torn apart.

08/14/2026

One marathon down. Countless lives to impact.

This weekend, our partner Jenny Stinson completed the ET Full Moon Marathon in Rachel, Nevada ...another important milestone in her Running for Freedom campaign.

Running overnight along the famous Area 51 highway with her long-time running partner Joan Filipowski, Jenny added another endurance race to her journey toward the Route 66 100-Mile Ultramarathon this fall.

But this campaign is about much more than crossing finish lines.

Every mile Jenny runs helps raise awareness and support for "Inner Peace Training," a program being developed through the partnership between Idaho Justice Project and The Peace Room. The program provides incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women with tools for emotional healing, resilience, and rebuilding their lives from the inside out.

Just as endurance is built one step at a time, healing happens one step at a time.

We're incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported Running for Freedom by donating, sharing the campaign, or encouraging Jenny along the way. Together, we've raised thousands of dollars toward our goal of expanding Inner Peace Training and making it available to more women who can benefit from it.

If you'd like to support this work, we'd love to have you join us.

Learn more and donate:
ThePeaceRoom.Love/RunningforFreedom

08/13/2026

What Needs to Change

Supporting incarcerated mothers in their parenting roles isn't just compassionate — it's smart policy. Stronger parenting support and family connection reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for both moms and kids.

Idaho has the tools to do better. What's missing is investment and attention.

📖 Read our recommendations on the website (link in bio)

🤝 Ready to be part of the solution? Contact us about volunteer opportunities — we need people like you.

08/11/2026

The Ripple Effect on Kids

A child with an incarcerated parent is 3 times more likely to end up incarcerated themselves later in life. This isn't just a statistic; it's a cycle Idaho can choose to interrupt.

When mothers are separated from their children for extended periods, the impact doesn't stay in the prison. It follows kids home, to school, and into adulthood.

📖 See the data behind this on our website (link in bio). Then, contact us if you're interested in supporting justice-impacted families.

Address

500 S 8th Street
Boise, ID
83702

Website

https://www.idahojusticeproject.org/

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