Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and First Lady MK Pritzker Continue Justice Reform Collaboration with Facility Tours
Shared Commitment to Understanding Issues and Improving Conditions
Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and First Lady MK Pritzker completed a series of state-run facility visits, concluding with yesterday’s tour of the Cook County Jail Women’s Division. These visits, which included tours of the Justice in the Community and Fox Valley Adult Transition Center, demonstrate their shared commitment to understanding issues and improving conditions for women impacted by the criminal legal system.
Strengthening Support Services
“Strengthening support services for justice-involved women creates positive ripple effects for their children and our Illinois communities,” said First Lady MK Pritzker. “Through rehabilitation programs and support services, we can help ensure every woman has the resources and opportunities needed for a successful future.”
Tours and Roundtable Discussions
The tours included meetings with key staff, facility walkthroughs, and roundtable discussions with residents to learn about the programs and services offered. Through the First Lady’s office systems change work, the women’s prison population was cut by 50% during COVID and continues at a steady 46%. The true goal of the partnership is working together to continue identifying the drivers of incarceration and support women in avoiding incarceration altogether.
Restorative and Inclusive Practices
“We are shifting from punitive approaches toward more restorative and inclusive practices. That starts with recognizing the full humanity of every person who is impacted by the criminal legal system,” said Lieutenant Governor Stratton. “By working directly with women who have been impacted, and facility staff, we can better understand how to implement meaningful reforms that create sustainable pathways to reentry, and strengthen Illinois families.”
Ongoing Collaboration and Results
The tours represent ongoing collaboration between the Office of the Lieutenant Governor’s Justice, Equity, and Opportunity initiative (JEO) and the First Lady’s office to advance justice reform, specifically addressing women’s needs and promoting successful reentry. This partnership has already yielded meaningful results, including the State ID Program for Returning Residents, which ensures individuals can obtain state identification upon release – a critical tool for securing housing, employment, and other essential services.
From Left: Natashee Scott, Chief of Staff, Office of Lt. Governor; First Lady MK Pritzker; Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton; Willette Benford, Senior Advisor, Office of the First Lady at the Cook County Jail Women’s Division
Conclusion
The ongoing collaboration between Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and First Lady MK Pritzker demonstrates a commitment to improving conditions and promoting successful reentry for women impacted by the criminal legal system. By working together, they aim to create sustainable pathways to reentry and strengthen Illinois families.
FAQs
* What is the purpose of the facility tours?
+ The tours are part of the ongoing collaboration between the Office of the Lieutenant Governor’s Justice, Equity, and Opportunity initiative (JEO) and the First Lady’s office to advance justice reform and promote successful reentry for women.
* What is the goal of the partnership?
+ The true goal of the partnership is working together to continue identifying the drivers of incarceration and support women in avoiding incarceration altogether.
* What is the State ID Program for Returning Residents?
+ The State ID Program for Returning Residents ensures individuals can obtain state identification upon release – a critical tool for securing housing, employment, and other essential services.
