Idaho Justice Project

Public Education: Idaho Justice Project produced written materials, reports, blog posts, website content, social media content, and videos about the impact the criminal justice system has on Idahoans across the state, its costs, and changes that could be implemented to make the system more effective and to ultimately help create safer communities. In 2022, Idaho Justice Project focused on three projects to further its public education goals. First, Idaho Justice Project researched why Idaho has the highest rate of female incarceration in the country in order to produce a report about women's incarceration in Idaho.(Continued on Schedule O)Second, Idaho Justice Project produced educational materials regarding court fees imposed against children prosecuted in the juvenile justice system in order to support policy changes that would eliminate fees for kids. Third, Idaho Justice Project researched and produced educational materials related to Idaho's drug laws to support policies that would increase mental health and treatment options in the community and reduce the number of people in prison for substance use disorder and drug offenses in Idaho.

Collaboration: Idaho Justice Project met with and established relationships with stakeholders from all aspects of the criminal legal system. Idaho Justice Project engaged with and partnered with concerned citizens, other nonprofit organizations, reentry providers, members of law enforcement, prosecutors, public defenders, elected leaders, agency leaders, and others in order to create positive change in Idaho that will provide relief to the underprivileged, lessen the burdens of government, reduce inequality, and ensure safe and healthy communities across the state. Idaho Justice Project lead or participated in statewide coalitions and/or meetings with other nonprofit partners in order to advance organizational and project goals.

Community Engagement: Idaho Justice Project assembled people impacted by the criminal justice system and those interested in improving the system in order to share their stories. Many people who have been involved in the criminal legal system often don't believe they have the ability to change it. As people who have been in prison or on probation or parole, these individuals often understand through first-hand experiences the factors and support systems that would have better enabled them to succeed or avoid incarceration in the first place.(Continued on Schedule O)Through recurring meetings and creating a sense of community, Idaho Justice Project mobilized individuals who have been in the system to tell their story and use their experience for positive change for the women's incarceration, juvenile fees, and drug law projects. Idaho Justice Project hosted approximately 6 public meetings at libraries or recovery centers.

Advocacy: Idaho Justice Project advocated for changes in criminal justice policy, accountability for agency actors and leaders, and changes to Idaho law as necessary to accomplish its mission.