ABOUT JUSTICE & MERCY

Justice & Mercy is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to decreasing the effects of crime in our communities, increasing public safety, and ministering to and restoring both crime victims and offenders.

We achieve these goals by educating and informing the public at large, advocating cost-effective and practical reforms within the criminal justice system and by supporting and encouraging wise public policy.

 We also network with and support other criminal justice organizations and encourage church and community outreach efforts by working to increase knowledge and understanding of public policy issues.

SHEDDING LIGHT ON THE ISSUES

Legislation To Watch:

• Children of Incarcerated Parents Resolution: JM is honored to serve on the Advisory Committee on the Effects of Children of Incarcerated Parents studying what services can address the needs of children impacted by crime. About 65% of women and 55% of men in state prisons have children under 18. Reports have stated that children of the incarcerated are six to seven times more likely to go to prison themselves. The study, expected to be completed by Fall 2010, will make recommendations to the state legislature


• Flat Sentences for Repeat Violent Offenders-House Bill 1567: JM opposes this bill sponsored by Representative Boyle (D-Philadelphia) that was written with good intentions as a reaction to repeat violence by imposing longer, flat sentences. However, the bill in effect creates another mandatory sentence, removes discretion from the parole board in individual situations of offenders (including incentives for good behavior and rehabilitation of offenders in prison), and uses juvenile records for history on offenders creating another problem of due process and unequal protection (since juveniles do not usually have jury trials). Pa. Board of Probation and Parole is, in fact, improving their assessments of potential parolees which has historically been very accurate. In addition, our state already has laws that allow prosecutors the ability to invoke mandatory sentences for second-strike and third-strike offenders so this bill is unnecessary.


• Expungement of Criminal Records - House Bill 264: – This bill sponsored by Representative Solobay (D-Washington County) provides for expungement of misdemeanors of the third degree after 7 years and misdemeanors of the second degree after 10 years free of arrest. We support as beneficial for former offenders seeking employment, housing, etc. in our communities.


• Juvenile Lifers: The Senate has held hearings on the high number of juveniles who have received life sentences in our state. Justice & Mercy is concerned on Pennsylvania having more juveniles with life sentences than any other state (indeed any other country) and will continue to monitor the issue.

Go to http://www.legis.state.pa.us for information on these and other bills and to find out who your legislators are. Contact Jean Bickmire at Justice & Mercy if you have any questions at jbickmire@justicemercy.org.

JUSTICE & MERCY EVENTS

Save the date for our Spring Auction on Thursday evening, May 6! More details will follow.

Bald Eagle Mountain Boys Camp Bus Trip (date to be announced)
This is an opportunity to visit this boys camp to see first hand how a Camp Wilderness program can help boys ages 9-16 to work through their problems, whether social, emotional or behavioral. The camp works together with parents, referring agencies and schools to address the unique needs of each child.
Download trip info & registration brochure

Trading Up: A New Job, A Better Life, A Safer Community [more]

Thank you for making our first Auction a success! See you next spring at our next auction.

Justice & Mercy is a proud member of the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce.
With an office in Lancaster County, we are happy to introduce you to working, living and playing in Lancaster County through Lancaster County Life 2009/2010 magazine. Click on the icon below.