Vera has been working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems for more than 60 years—and we won't stop until they’re fair for all. Because mass incarceration is wrong. Because immigration is under attack. Because poverty is not a crime. Because justice is for all. Because dignity is worth fighting for. Because we are Vera. Together, we can end mass incarceration. Join our movement: https://lnkd.in/eMtNC9pe #WeAreVera
Vera Institute of Justice
Government Administration
Brooklyn, New York 74,262 followers
Securing equal justice, ending mass incarceration, and strengthening families and communities. Founded 1961.
About us
We envision a society that respects the dignity of every single person. And we're working to realize it. We work with others who share our vision to tackle the most pressing injustices of our day - from the causes and consequences of mass incarceration, racial disparities, and the loss of public trust in law enforcement, to the unmet needs of the vulnerable, the marginalized, and those harmed by crime and violence.
- Website
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http://www.vera.org
External link for Vera Institute of Justice
- Industry
- Government Administration
- Company size
- 201-500 employees
- Headquarters
- Brooklyn, New York
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 1961
- Specialties
- Research, Technical Assistance, Demonstration Projects, and Criminal Justice
Locations
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Primary
34 35th St
Suite 4-2A
Brooklyn, New York 11232, US
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1111 14th Street NE, Suite 920
Washington, DC 20005, US
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546 Carondelet, 3rd Floor
New Orleans, LA 70130, US
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634 S Spring Street,
#300A
Los Angeles, CA 90014, US
Employees at Vera Institute of Justice
Updates
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Good news: Federal Communications Commission just voted to lower the cost of phone and video calls in jails and prisons—preventing companies from charging excessive rates and service fees. For decades, the high cost of phone calls has driven families into debt, forcing them to choose between keeping in contact with their loved ones or paying for food, rent, or other essential needs. These changes mean that a 15-minute call in a large jail will cost $0.90, compared to as much as $11.35 under the current rates. Helping incarcerated people stay connected to their loved ones makes our communities safer. https://lnkd.in/eAr_Q_Gh
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APPLY NOW: Vera’s Reshaping Prosecution initiative is accepting applications for our Motion for Justice Program. We are currently seeking partnerships with prosecutors’ offices interested in increasing public safety and launching or expanding a diversion program that promotes community safety by centering racial equity. Partners will receive technical assistance, training, support, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Historical disinvestment in communities of color and already under-resourced communities has created a cycle of unmet needs that often leads to crime. Diversion programs are proven solutions to lessen someone’s involvement in the justice system and tackle the root causes of crime. Applications are due on September 6. To learn more and apply, click here: https://lnkd.in/e-b_qhBX
Reshaping Prosecution, Motion for Justice: Expanding Equitable Access…
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"These measures [expanding support for legal services] to assist families facing the dire prospect of deportation are only the beginning, and must be expanded upon and sustainably backed with federal government resources and congressional support.” — Shayna Kessler, director of Vera’s Advancing Universal Representation initiative Yesterday, the White House announced several immigration actions to help keep families together and support access to legal representation in immigration court. This is a positive step in support of fairness and family unity. The Fairness to Freedom campaign is glad to see the inclusion of recommendations we have made directly to the Department of Justice and look forward to working with the Biden administration on advancing long-term legislative solutions —like the #FairnessToFreedomAct and the newly introduced companion bill, the SHIELD Act—that address the growing national representation crisis. https://lnkd.in/efQ5yVHU
Congress Must Build on Biden’s Actions to Expand Legal Representation…
vera.org
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On June 28th the Supreme Court ruled that the jailing of unhoused people visibly experiencing poverty does not violate their constitutional rights. Under this new ruling... ✅ The over half a million Americans experiencing homelessness can be targeted under this new ruling ✅ Due to the constant fines and harassment, unhoused individuals are at risk of entering an inescapable cycle of poverty and homelessness ✅ Despite alternative housing solutions being cheaper, governing bodies will cost taxpayers more to jail the unhoused Read more on what it means to be unhoused in the United States:
Will the Supreme Court Criminalize Homelessness?
vera.org
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Another person has died in LA jails, marking the 16th in-custody death this year. This mounting death toll is not making Los Angeles safer. County leaders must prioritize alternatives to incarceration that are proven to work, and that do not result in a new death every week.
With 14 Deaths in 2024, LA Jails Continue Deadly Trend
vera.org
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It is no secret that legal representation is a game changer in immigration court. Steps toward addressing the immigration backlog and bringing fairness and due process to our outdated immigration system are urgently needed. Thankfully, progress is being made: Last week, Rep. Robert Garcia introduced the SHIELD Act, legislation that would provide $100 million in grants aimed at expanding the legal workforce defending immigration cases. For more on the SHIELD Act and how it lays the groundwork for states and localities to meet their immigrant communities’ representation needs, click ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/ekfU9Zis
Rep. Garcia introduces bill to fund immigration court lawyers
https://thehill.com
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New York State is a microcosm of the landscape of incarceration across our country. Vera’s new data hub provides comprehensive insights into trends within the state’s criminal legal system. Explore now:
Arrests
vera.org
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One year after incarcerated students regained Pell Grant eligibility, colleges and corrections agencies have made progress to expand access to higher education behind bars. More than 750,000 people in prison are eligible for postsecondary programs, and surveys show that more than 70% of them are interested in enrolling. While great strides have been made in the last year, the work to increase availability and student support services must continue: https://lnkd.in/eijuZwWd
The state of prison higher ed a year after Pell restoration
insidehighered.com
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“To secure universal representation nationally, we must resource and build up legal infrastructure locally. The SHIELD Act will do just that.” — Shayna Kessler, director of Vera’s Advancing Universal Representation initiative #BreakingNews: This week, Rep. Robert Garcia introduced the “Securing Help for Immigrants through Education and Legal Development (SHIELD) Act of 2024.” The SHIELD Act— companion legislation to the #FairnessToFreedomAct—will establish a grant program that will allow states and localities to support immigration legal services and support infrastructure to address the urgent need to secure fairness and due process in the outdated U.S. immigration system. We are grateful for Rep. Garcia’s leadership on the road to universal representation and look forward to working with him, fellow co-sponsors, Rep. Norma Torres and Rep. Delia Ramirez, and other members of Congress to promote due process for our communities. Our full statement: https://lnkd.in/eET6HW4A
Fairness to Freedom Campaign Leaders Support Introduction of the…
vera.org