Remarks by Dr. Crystal Francis, Vice President, Maryland Alliance for Justice Reform
The Beyond Confinement conference, sponsored by the Maryland Alliance for Justice Reform (MAJR) in partnership with the University of Baltimore Center for Criminal Justice Reform, gathered stakeholders to rethink Maryland’s approach to corrections. The conference theme, “Rethinking Corrections and Rehabilitation,” signifies a collaborative approach to addressing systemic challenges. The intent is to focus on solutions to frame the direction of the correctional system’s future and help it advance positive social change.
We believe that social change is possible through the adoption of a human-centered approach to corrections that encompasses the following:
- The front door: Eliminating pretrial confinement where alternatives exist and ensuring equitable charging policies.
- Behind the walls: Treating prisoners humanely and preparing them for reentry.
- The back door: Reintegration of returning citizens, with support in rebuilding their lives.
The conference is a chance to articulate the collective changes we want to see and to visualize a reformed system that serves our citizens well.
