Want to learn what we’re hearing from people inside IDOC when they respond to our “Measuring the Quality of Prison Life” surveys?
Scroll down to find our most recent reports and statements
Want to learn what we’re hearing from people inside IDOC when they respond to our “Measuring the Quality of Prison Life” surveys?
Scroll down to find our most recent reports and statements
Our Mission: JHA monitors prisons and advances independent oversight of carceral systems to promote humane treatment and increased transparency.
Our Vision: As long as there are prisons, we aspire to have a system that is equitable, reduces harm, and respects people’s humanity.
Illinois has one of the most overcrowded, understaffed and underfunded prison systems in the U.S. We believe that people who are incarcerated should be treated humanely and with dignity and respect.
For more than 120 years, the John Howard Association has served as Illinois' only independent citizen correctional oversight organization. We uncover problems large and small in our correctional facilities and advocate for reforms that lead to meaningful change for prisoners and their families. System-wide reform leads to more successful correctional outcomes for our communities, and better use of limited resources and taxpayer funds.
Summary
Today’s announcement by Governor Pritzker to shutter Logan and Stateville Correctional Centers in order to rebuild them recognizes that these prisons are decrepit, unsafe, and inhumane. However, this announcement does not address the fact that the Illinois prisons are currently well under capacity, with close to 12,000 excess prison beds throughout the system; we can and should also permanently close some of our worst prisons. (March 15, 2024)
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Summary
Opened in March 1925, Stateville is one of IDOC’s oldest operational prisons and has long experienced numerous, persistent physical plant concerns with the highest deferred maintenance estimated costs. JHA visited Stateville on February 22, 2024.
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Summary
In 2023, JHA visited Western Illinois Correctional Center (Western). Notably, Western appeared to have some of the most negative and concerning responses reported in our IDOC-wide Measuring the Quality of Prison Life (MQPL) surveys, meriting serious review and response. In particular, this prison continued to have significant unease regarding racism and lack of staff accountability.
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Summary
Regular communication with the outside world is vital to people in custody. Methods of communication such as phones, mail, video visits, and email via tablets allow incarcerated people to stay in touch with loved ones, access information related to their legal rights, and prepare for their lives after prison. Therefore, it is crucial that prisons provide reliable methods of communication to those in custody.
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Every donation matters. We rely on the generosity of individual, corporate and foundation donors committed to criminal justice system reform. With your support, we will continue to promote prison reform, seeking a fair, effective and humane criminal justice system in Illinois. Thank you!
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