Babysitter jailed for killing toddler is freed after retrial

from Helen Pidd's article in the Guardian:

A babysitter who served three years in prison for killing a toddler was cleared of murder yesterday after a retrial. Suzanne Holdsworth, 38, of Leeds, wept as she was acquitted of murder and manslaughter by a jury at Teesside crown court after a long campaign to clear her name.

She was jailed for life in March 2005 after being found guilty of murdering two-year-old Kyle Fisher, who died from severe brain damage while in her care in 2004. But the court of appeal overturned her conviction this year after an investigation by the BBC's Newsnight raised doubts about medical evidence at the first trial.

Feb 09, 2010   

Inside Chowchilla Women's Prison: Locked up, reaching out

from Norma Yuriar's story for KMPH TV:

Behind the locked doors of the Valley State Prison for Women in Chowchilla there's a waiting list to join a unique group.  It's called the Long Termers Organization (LTO).  Prisoners must be discipline free for year before they are accepted.

"We do have remorse for what we have done, we are taking responsibility and we are doing our best to give back what we have taken away," Inmate Charlann Geronimo said.

"It means a lot to the victim.  It's the beginning of the healing process when the offender takes accountability for their actions and offers some type of remorse," Tina Figueroa with Madera County Victim Services said.

Feb 09, 2010    Restitution , Region: North America and Caribbean , Country:USA , Prison

Another warning about US prison policy: Justice Kennedy laments the state of prisons in California, U.S.

from Carol J. Williams' story in the LA Times:

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy criticized California sentencing policies and crowded prisons Wednesday night, calling the influence that unionized prison guards had in passing the three-strikes law "sick."

In an otherwise courtly and humorous address to the Los Angeles legal community, Kennedy expressed obvious dismay over the state of corrections and rehabilitation in the country. He said U.S. sentences are eight times longer than those issued by European courts.

Feb 08, 2010    Policy , Politics , Support

Public speaking tips: Reaching everyone in your audience when speaking about restorative justice

from Kris Miner's blog:

From Seth Godin's blog:

The work you do when you spread the word or run an ad or invent a policy is likely aimed at one of these four groups.

• Strangers are customers to be, but not yet
• Critics are those that would speak ill of you, or need to be converted
• Friends are those that might have given permission, or even buy now and then
• Fans are members of your tribe, supporters and insiders

You already know the truth: can’t please all these groups at once.

As a restorative justice practitioner or advocate, you maybe asked to speak to a group, that includes all the groups mentioned above.  Godin’s categories, reminded me of a recent post, not everyone views restorative justice equally.  

Feb 08, 2010    Policy , Politics , Support

Surrender Conference

Surrender, a Christian conference discussing social justice issues in Victoria, Australia, will feature a restorative justice workshop stream. The workshops will explore a restorative response to crime and working with those who have committed crimes.

Feb 08, 2010    Event