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CJ Reform Summit highlights early accomplishments in young adult justice

Thursday, May 30, 2019
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MBA Past President Robert W. Harnais speaks at the Sixth Annual Criminal Justice Reform Coalition Policy Summit, which was held on May 23 at the UMass Club in Boston.

The Massachusetts Bar Association co-sponsored MassINC’s Sixth Annual Criminal Justice Reform Coalition Policy Summit on May 23 at the UMass Club in Boston. Themed “Learning from Early Accomplishments in Young Adult Justice,” the summit brought together public safety officials and advocacy organizations involved in implementing restorative practices for inmates and probationers aged 18 to 25. 

Presentations and panel discussions focused on the distinct needs of young adult offenders and the role of nontraditional, rehabilitative measures in reducing rates of recidivism and incarceration. One such initiative is the first-in-the-nation young adult correctional unit established by this year’s keynote speaker, Middlesex County Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, who explained how the program experience is designed to mirror life in the outside world.

In introducing the event, MBA Past President Robert W. Harnais highlighted the strong partnership between member organizations in the Criminal Justice Reform Coalition and encouraged leaders in the field to continue working toward positive systemic change. “I believe we all share a common goal: we are committed to ensuring the most fair, effective and efficient criminal justice system possible,” Harnais said.

In addition to Koutoujian’s keynote address, the summit featured panel discussions titled “Early Victories and First Impressions” and “Rethinking and Reinvesting in Young Adults.” Participants included Anthony Gulluni, Hampden County District Attorney; Gregg Croteau, CEO, UTEC; Ed Dolan, Commissioner of Probation; Carole Cafferty, Director, The Educational Justice Institute at MIT; Leon Smith, Executive Director, Citizens for Juvenile Justice; Yotam Zeira, Director of Strategy & External Affairs, ROCA; Ben Forman, MassINC; and Steve Koczela, MassINC Polling Group.

The program was co-sponsored by the MBA, MassINC and Community Resources for Justice.