SLLS 2019 April Newsletter

Posted on: April 30, 2019

For the last several decades, Louisiana's held the title of "mass incarceration capital of the world." Sadly, one out of every two people released from prison in Louisiana will return back shortly after within a five year time span. Even worse, one in four African-American children in New Orleans had a father in prison before they turned fourteen—a significant factor that increases the likelihood of the child getting sent to jail or prison at some point in their future. While this cycle of incarceration adversely impacts individuals, families, and the greater community at hand, SLLS is grateful to deploy civil legal aid to those in need. As our team continues to address the civil legal needs of the incarcerated, we hope that you'll take the time to stand up for social justice and learn more about these critical issues within the community. Throughout "Second Chances" month, SLLS has continued to focus its efforts on re-entry projects to help vulnerable populations access vital social services.

-Laura Tuggle, SLLS Executive Director

SLLS Provides Second Chances

Through our Reentry Projects, SLLS actively works to reduce recidivism to improve public safety and support people as they strive to improve their lives. These projects include:

The Reentry Legal Clinic: Working with the Justice and Accountability Center (JAC) and The First 72+, SLLS launched this new legal clinic earlier in this year. SLLS attorneys provide Know Your Rights training and legal assistance to help break down civil legal barriers for people who recently left incarceration, trying to rebuild their lives. For more information, see the flyer on the right.
Veterans Reentry Courts: The SLLS New Orleans Bar Foundation Veterans Fellow and the SLLS Northshore Pro Bono Project volunteers provide civil legal needs assessments and legal aid to identify and address legal problems that could prevent veterans involved in the criminal justice system from re-entering the workforce.
This month, we launched our Justice Reinvestment Initiative programs in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. SLLS is part of a large network of legal aid and social service providers—including the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Catholic Charities, Goodwill Industries, the Orleans Public Defenders, and the Justice and Accountability Center of New Orleans—working together to help people successfully rebuild their lives while reducing both recidivism and our state's spending on the criminal justice system. Through these programs, an SLLS attorney identifies and addresses our clients' civil legal needs before and shortly after they exit prisons, increasing their chances of finding housing, getting jobs, and successfully reentering their communities.

This month, we're kicking off a new "Did You Know?" series to share information about work and services available for vulnerable people in the communities we serve.

Did You Know?

Expungement 101

Did you know that, in Louisiana, an arrest—even if you're not convicted and charges against you are dismissed—creates a permanent criminal record?

These criminal records can interfere with your ability to get jobs, housing, or education. Expungements seal criminal records so they are no longer available for public view. To learn more about expungements and to access some forms you might need to apply for one, see Expungements LibGuide developed by SLLS at: https://lasc.libguides.com/basicexpungementforms

Helping People Prosper After They Return Home

*Gene hoped to build a better life for himself. When he was a teenager he was charged with a misdemeanor and was sent to jail. After his release, Gene struggled to make a living for himself. While he was qualified for a job at a large Downtown New Orleans Hotel chain the employer refused to accept his job application since he had a criminal background. How did an SLLS attorney help him overcome his past to become a leader in his family and his community? Click here to read more.

*Names and other details of this story were changed to protect the identity of our clients.

GiveNOLA Day is in ONE week - May 7, 2019

Mark your calendar and show your support for civil justice by donating to SLLS on GiveNOLA Day.

From May 1, 2019 - May 7, 2019, your donation to SLLS at https://www.givenola.org/SLLS goes further because it will help SLLS qualify for extra donations and prizes from the Greater New Orleans Foundation. Thank you for joining the fight to increase access to civil justice for all!

Ready to take the fight for fairness to the next level?

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