Rehab Not Punishment
15 articles
Trauma-Informed Intake — A Practical Template
When dealing with individuals who have experienced significant trauma, standard intake processes can often re-traumatize them, creating barriers to care and trust. A trauma-informed app…
Restorative Justice Circles: When and How to Run Them
Restorative justice circles offer a powerful way to address harm, resolve conflicts, and build stronger communities without relying on punitive measures. Instead of asking \"What law was…
Reentry Housing Models That Actually Lower Recidivism
Reintegrating into society after incarceration presents immense challenges, with stable housing often being the biggest hurdle. Without a safe, affordable place to live, individuals are…
Building a Peer Recovery Network From Scratch
Starting a peer recovery network in your community, especially when resources are scarce, requires a clear understanding of current needs, available funding mechanisms, and practical st…
How to Partner With Public Defenders Without Becoming One
Public defenders are on the front lines of the justice system, representing individuals who can't afford legal counsel. While their primary role is legal defense, their work often uncov…
Designing a Nonprofit That Keeps People Out of the Punitive System
Starting a nonprofit to help folks avoid entanglement with the justice system is a powerful way to make a difference. It's a long game, not a quick fix, and it demands strategic plannin…
Naloxone Distribution Programs: A Legal and Logistical Guide
Opioid overdose deaths continue to devastate communities across the U.S. Amidst this crisis, naloxone (Narcan and other brands) stands as a life-saving medication that can reverse an op…
Mental Health Crisis Response Without Calling Police
While police are often the default responders in mental health crises, their presence can escalate situations, especially for those in crisis who may have negative past experiences with…
Measuring Outcomes Without Reducing People to Numbers
How do you prove your community programs work without turning the people you help into data points? It’s a challenge many nonprofits and community groups face, especially when applying …
Hiring People With Lived Experience the Right Way
Many nonprofits and government agencies are looking for ways to engage people who have experienced homelessness, addiction, or criminal justice involvement to help shape programs and de…
Harm Reduction Programs Funders Are Actively Backing in 2026
Harm reduction programs are at a fascinating crossroads for funding in 2026. With the opioid crisis continuing to impact communities nationwide, and a growing recognition of the need fo…
Family Reunification Programs for Returning Citizens
The journey of returning citizens often involves immense challenges, and one of the most critical is rebuilding family ties broken by incarceration. Family reunification programs are de…
Employer Partnerships That Hire People With Records
Hiring people with records can significantly strengthen your community and your business. It tap into a motivated, often overlooked talent pool, leading to lower turnover and higher loy…
Drug Court Diversion: How Nonprofits Plug In
Drug courts offer an alternative to traditional incarceration for individuals facing certain drug-related charges. For many, this offers a chance at recovery and a re-entry into society…
Bail Funds 101: Setup, Compliance, and Sustainability
Starting a bail fund in your community can be a powerful way to directly combat the inequities of the cash bail system, keeping individuals out of overcrowded jails simply because they …