Learn more about challenges
facing justice-involved women.
Keyway Center for Diversion and Reentry’s Advocacy Advisory Board works to initiate and further policy change efforts that benefit justice-involved women. Members of the board work closely with St. Louis organizations, stakeholders and policymakers to advocate on behalf of justice-involved women in the state of Missouri. Whether it be meeting to discuss policy initiatives, conversing with Congress representatives, or making the trip to Jefferson City to give testimony, the Board works tirelessly to invoke positive change.
Keyway Center for Diversion and Reentry
POLICY AND ADVOCACY PRIORITIES
The Advocacy Advisory Board's mission is to reduce the social and political barriers
justice-involved women face through legislative advocacy and education by:
Advocating for dignity and rights of justice-involved women;
Empowering justice-involved women to advocate for themselves through input, testimonies and legislative meetings; and
Educating the community on realities of justice-involved women and advocacy opportunities
Punitive justice does little to rehabilitate individuals and support growth. Thus, when individuals reenter society after incarceration, they have the same barriers -- along with additional barriers -- to overcome. Through restorative practices, individuals will be able to grow and repair harm done through past actions. Furthermore, restorative practices will ensure more family unity and development of children along with adults.
Legislation We Support: Primary Caregiver Alternatives to Incarceration Diversion Programs
Folks reentering society after incarceration have issues finding housing and employment, which increases the likelihood for recidivism. Records that stick with people after incarceration increase barriers to housing and employment.
Legislation We Support: Clean Slate/Expungement Employment Access
Housing Access and Tenant rights
Child Support Debt Relief (post incarceration)
Individuals inside of the justice system and their families are traumatized by the lack of connection, dignity, and care. We believe that everyone, regardless of past decisions, has basic rights to have their needs met: safety, dignity, and connection to family and community.
Legislation we support:
Access to benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, etc.) Conditions of Confinement
Feminine Hygiene Bill
Family and Criminal Court Navigation/Simplicity
Access to Healthcare
Access to Trauma Care and Mental Healthcare
Prison Nursery Legislation
CREATED BY THE ADVOCACY ADVISORY BOARD JANUARY 2022
POLICY AND ADVOCACY PRIORITIES
The Advocacy Advisory Board's mission is to reduce the social and political barriers
justice-involved women face through legislative advocacy and education by:
Advocating for dignity and rights of justice-involved women;
Empowering justice-involved women to advocate for themselves through input, testimonies and legislative meetings; and
Educating the community on realities of justice-involved women and advocacy opportunities
Punitive justice does little to rehabilitate individuals and support growth. Thus, when individuals reenter society after incarceration, they have the same barriers -- along with additional barriers -- to overcome. Through restorative practices, individuals will be able to grow and repair harm done through past actions. Furthermore, restorative practices will ensure more family unity and development of children along with adults.
Legislation We Support: Primary Caregiver Alternatives to Incarceration Diversion Programs
Folks reentering society after incarceration have issues finding housing and employment, which increases the likelihood for recidivism. Records that stick with people after incarceration increase barriers to housing and employment.
Legislation We Support: Clean Slate/Expungement Employment Access
Housing Access and Tenant rights
Child Support Debt Relief (post incarceration)
Individuals inside of the justice system and their families are traumatized by the lack of connection, dignity, and care. We believe that everyone, regardless of past decisions, has basic rights to have their needs met: safety, dignity, and connection to family and community.
Legislation we support:
Access to benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, etc.) Conditions of Confinement
Feminine Hygiene Bill
Family and Criminal Court Navigation/Simplicity
Access to Healthcare
Access to Trauma Care and Mental Healthcare
Prison Nursery Legislation
CREATED BY THE ADVOCACY ADVISORY BOARD JANUARY 2022
The members of the Advocacy Advisory Board have put together two research papers that highlight the need for change in legislation impacting justice-involved women. The Wellbeing Research Paper gives insight to the challenges faced by women that often lead them to incarceration and are subsequently further exacerbated by conditions of incarceration. The Barriers to Reentry Research Paper discusses a variety of barriers that hinder women from successfully reentering their community.
Additionally, the following fact sheets highlight the current advocacy priorities of the Board. This includes legislation related to funding for mental health services, access to SNAP/TANF benefit, child support debt relief and expungement. These fact sheets provide an overview of the issues and the recommendations of the Advocacy Advisory Board.
Are you interested in joining our team?
Please contact the Keyway Center for Diversion and Reentry Advocacy Director Barb Baker at barbbaker@keywaycenter.org.
Please contact the Keyway Center for Diversion and Reentry Advocacy Director Barb Baker at barbbaker@keywaycenter.org.
