Calls Need Today To Ban The Box! Challenge Employment Discrimination Against People With Convictions!

Take Action Now to Support AB 1831 in California
Help "Ban the Box" on City and County Job Applications
Your immediate help is needed to give people a second chance!

AB 1831 (Dickinson) is a bill that would extend to local government job applications a provision already in place for state employment opportunities, giving those with a conviction history a fair chance to be considered for jobs. AB 1831 is coming up for a hearing in California’s Senate Government and Finance Committee on Wed., June 27th.

The bill delays an inquiry into a conviction history until after the applicant has been screened for his or her qualifications. With this bill our cities and counties can reduce our state’s high recidivism rates. The Chairperson of the Committee, Senator Lois Wolk (Davis, Stockton) is currently opposing the bill. She’s indicated that local government should have the discretion to inquire about backgrounds in the beginning of the process—they shouldn’t have to wait until later in the hiring process, as is the case with applications for state jobs.

AB 1831 has already passed the California Assembly. It would be a small, but important step in creating a level playing field. It strikes the right balance. Cities and counties could still run background checks.

Please send a message to Senator Lois Wolk and the Members of her Committee.  Click here to tell Senator Wolk and her Committee to support AB 1831!

And, if you can, please call Chairperson Wolk and the following Committee Members:
Sen. Lois Wolk (chair)—916-651-4005 (serves parts of Yolo, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano counties—Tracy, Davis, Vacaville, Fairfield, Stockton, West Sacramento)
Sen. Ed Hernandez—916-651-4024 (serves cities in East Los Angeles)
Sen. Leland Yee—916-651-4008 (serves San Francisco, San Mateo County)
Sen. Christine Kehoe—916-651-4039 (serves San Diego)
Sen. Carol Liu—916-651-4021 (serves Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank)
Sen. Mark DeSaulnier—916-651-4007 (serves Contra Costa County)

Here’s a script:
“I want to urge the Senator to vote YES on AB 1831. The bill is very important to our community because ___ ”
Here are some possible reasons:
• “it will help reduce recidivism”
• “it will help people of color and low-income communities who’ve been especially hard hit by unemployment”
• “it will increase public safety by making sure people with records have a chance at being employed.”
• Use your own words and reasons

If you are one of these Senators' constituents, please mention that you live in their district if you do. If you make a call, please contact Michelle at National Employment Law Project: mrodriguez@nelp.org Let her know how it went.

Thank you!

Youth Justice Coalition
@ Chuco's Justice Center
On the border between South Central L.A. and Inglewood
one light west of Florence and Crenshaw
1137 E. Redondo Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90302
323-235-4243 * Fax: 323-846-9472
freelanow@yahoo.com
www.youth4justice.org

Click Here to Make a Tax-Deductible Donation

SHIELDS' Kathryn Icenhower Featured on NBC Nonstop News

SHIELDS For Families Co-founder Dr. Kathryn Icenhower joined Lucy Noland on Nonstop News LA on June 13, 2012, to discuss how SHIELDS has been battling poverty and substance abuse since 1991 in some of the most challenged communities in Los Angeles.

The interview highlighted the cocaine epidemic in the late 1980’s that hit South Los Angeles, particularly the Watts and Compton areas. With over 1,200 substance exposed infants being born every year at King Drew medical Center and no services available in the community at the time, SHIELDS was created to provide treatment models that would allow women to take their children into services with them as opposed to their babies being removed from the family unit and entering into the Foster care system.

Kathy went on to explain the benefits of Family Centered Treatment models, “Addiction is a family disease. It does not just affect the person that is using, it affects the entire family. We can’t separate a mother from being a mother when she goes through the treatment process. We were the first program in the country, and the only program still in the country, that allows a mother to bring her entire family into treatment. “

Over the years, SHIELDS has grown to accommodate thirty seven programs that provide comprehensive mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, vocational and supportive services to the community. 

Senate Caucus Highlights SHIELDS Family Centered Treatment

Los Angeles, CA (SHIELDS) June 12, 2012 - SHIELDS For Families is highlighted in a recent study conducted by the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control. The report provides a number of recommendations for Congress and the Obama Administration to decrease the massive U.S. demand for Illegal Drugs and highlights SHIELDS provision of family based substance abuse treatment models and their effectiveness in families’ rehabilitation process.

The Caucus, comprised of Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Charles Grassley (R-IA), Tom Udall (D-NM) and John Cornyn (R-TX), authored “Reducing the U.S. Demand For Illegal Drugs” which surveys the scope of illegal drug use nationally and abroad as well as proposes strategies to prevent illegal drug use in the U.S.  The study acknowledges the challenges faced by women affected by substance abuse due to traditional treatment programs not allowing for the inclusion of children. This poses a dilemma for women who are in need of both treatment and child care. Furthermore, complications could arise with women who seek treatment whereas their admission to substance abuse could lead to the loss of their children via the criminal justice system.   

SHIELDS Exodus program is the only program in the United States that allows entire families to live in the treatment environment in individual family apartments. According to the report, “Studies show that mothers in family-based substance abuse treatment programs were more likely to stay drug-free as compared to those who lost or voluntarily gave up custody of their children. Both the emotional rewards and tangible success at SHIELDS were apparent. Evaluations show that over 80 percent of SHIELDS residents complete the program, compared to a national average of only 25 percent; 38 percent are reunified with their families; residents receive an average of 646 days in treatment – well above the national average of 90 days; and all clients obtain a high school diploma.”

Drug abuse in the United States costs our country $193 billion a year in preventable health care, law enforcement and addiction expenses and poses a major public health challenge. The Caucus believes that treatment centers like SHIELDS’ Exodus program that specifically address the challenges faced by women seeking substance abuse treatment would be beneficial in reducing drug use.

For more information on SHIELDS For Families, visit www.shieldsforfamilies.org.  A link to the entire study by the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control can be found here.

SAMHSA Features SHIELDS Family Centered Treatment Models on their “Road To Recovery” Television Series

Los Angeles, (SHIELDS) June 8, 2012 - SAMHSA selected SHIELDS for Families to be featured on their "Road to Recovery" Television Series. The episode was titled "Families Are the Frontline: Preventing, Treating, and Recovering From Substance Use and Mental Disorders" and focused on the vital role families play in substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery in behavioral health.

In a discussion led by Ivette Torres, M.Ed., M.S., the episode featured SHIELDS for Families Exodus program as an example of an organization that integrates new approaches to reduce the number of individuals that lose their children as well provide comprehensive services for families in need of treatment. Exodus is a family-centered treatment program where the entire family resides in an individual family apartment within an 86 unit complex with comprehensive on-site services that meet the needs of homeless substance abusing women and their families. It is currently the only program in the United States that allows for the entire family unit to live in the treatment environment in individual family apartments while attending treatment with services including counseling, child development services, youth programs, individual therapy, educational groups, case management, and educational and vocational services.

Linda Brown of EMT Associates, Inc. interviewed on-site staff members and alumni who gave their perspectives on the benefits of family centered treatment and developing positive support systems. Sonia Heard, Alumna says "Having a place to live and being around other families that are like ours is very helpful. Because I feel like we get to help each other and it's not just me getting help. I see that I'm not alone." Patricia Alba, LCSW, Clinical Coordinator for the Substance Abuse Division goes on to say, "One of the things we try to do as early on as possible is to try to have our clients develop a real positive support system. Whether it be through church, through meetings, through other peers here at the program, reconnecting with other family members, I think that's definitely the first step." Sally Tapia CATC (Substance Abuse Counselor), Charlene K. Smith M.A. (Director of Child & Youth Services), Da-Londa Groenow, M.A. (Substance Abuse Administrator), Dumetreeus Heard (Alumna Spouse), Greta Brown (Alumna) and Danielle Lowe (Program Manager, Heros & Sheros Program) were also interviewed for this episode. 

A strong family support environment is a proven protective factor in the prevention of mental or substance use disorders just as strong family support is critical in treatment and recovery. The Exodus program tries to break the cycle of addiction in which the child follows the parent into addictive behavior through culturally sensitive family centered treatment models. Family members are offered the opportunity to participate in family therapy, parenting and educational groups. In addition, significant others are provided with an on-site weekly support group and/or individual counseling. Children and adolescents are provided mental health and substance abuse services through our on-site Child Development Center as well our Heros & Sheros program which integrates its programming within Exodus's treatment model.

SHIELDS is appreciative of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and any association dedicated to improving the lives of members of our community with the mission of empowering and advocating high-risk families.

The entire episode originally aired on June 4th and is now available for internet download: http://www.recoverymonth.gov/Multimedia/Road-to-Recovery-Television-Series.aspx.

Apply for the Jump Start Fellowship Program Today!

The Coalition Of Mental Health Professionals Honors SHIELDS Norma Mtume

5th Annual Fatherhood Solution Conference

Strengthening Relationships Between Fathers and Their Children

Join nationally recognized experts and your colleagues for a daylong exploration of the most important issues related to fatherhood.

Discover new ways to build and strengthen relationships between fathers and their children.

Who should attend: community service providers, policy advocates, government representatives, mental health professionals, public health professionals, and concerned community members

Download the registration form for this event or register online (see below).

Questions? Please contact: Alan-Michael Graves by email or phone, 213.260.7604.

Workshop Topics:

• Engaging Fathers in Children’s Social Services
• Father Involvement in Homeless Families
• Breaking the Fatherhood Stereotypes: Cultural Competence
• A Father’s Role in Stopping LGBT Bullying
• A Focus on Prevention: Collaboration Between Fatherhood and Domestic Violence Programs
• Project Fatherhood in a School Setting
• Daddy Has Rights, Too: A Fatherhood Legal Perspective
• Grassroots Work to Change Public Policy Around Fatherhood Funding
• Working with Young Fathers: Helping Young Men Develop and Maintain Positive Relationships
• Faith and Fatherhood: The Two Go Together
• Sticking Around for Your Kids: A Reason for Fathers to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
• The Project Fatherhood Model: Men in Relationships Group

Conference Speakers:

John A. Powell
Executive Director of Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at Ohio State University
Professor john a. power (he spells his name in lowercase) is a nationally known scholar whose work explores the intersection of race and poverty, race and housing policy, and the use of racial categories, Professor powell is founder of the Institute of Race and Poverty at the University of Minnesota. He has introduced the idea of opportunity structures, systems that create equal access to opportunity for everyone. Professor powell received his B.A. degree from Stanford University and his J.D. degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Jerry Tello
Director of The National Latino Fatherhood and Family Institute
Jerry Tello is an internationally recognized authority on family strengthening, therapeutic healing, cross-cultural issues, and motivational speaking. A noted therapist, author, performer and program developer over the past 30 years, Mr. Tello has incorporated his real-life with research-based knowledge and indigenous culturally-based teachings to engage all in a reality-based healing and growth-inspiring experience. He is the author of A Father’s Love, a series of children’s books, coeditor of Family Violence and Men of Color, and a series of motivational CDs. Mr. Tello has received numerous awards including the Ambassador of Peace award and Presidential Crime Victims Service Award.

The Honorable Kevin Ross
Host of the television program “America’s Court with Judge Ross”
The Honorable Kevin Ross is A native of South Los Angeles, Judge Ross was elected student body president at Gardena High School as well as president of the District-Wide Association of Student Councils for the Los Angeles Unified School District. He went on to graduate from Morehouse College with a degree in political science and received his juris doctorate from Southwestern Law School. In addition to his flourishing career as a hardcore gang prosecutor, he became a highly sought-after media commentator, appearing as an analyst on Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, Black Entertainment Television (BET) and National Public Radio’s Which Way L.A.? His musings on social issues were frequently featured in the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times. Committed to civic duty, Judge Ross is dedicated to empowering communities of color through economic development and youth mentoring. While passionate about justice, blogging and great food, Judge Ross remains proudest of his role as a husband and father of two energetic young boys.

Additional Conference Speakers:

Bill Releford, MD
The Releford Institute for Limb Salvage and Wound Care

Charles Morgan, PhD
The Los Angeles Mission

Pastor Ivory Brown Brown
Memorial Temple/ Project: Caring & Sharing

Ronald Banks, PsyD
Project Fatherhood, Children’s Institute, Inc.

Anthony Young, MFT
Project Fatherhood, Children’s Institute, Inc.

James Schrage, MSW
Families Uniting Families

Marilyn Mejia-Pena, LCSW
Families Uniting Families

André Feijóo
Project Fatherhood, Children’s Institute, Inc.
 




When:
Friday, June 15, 2012
Times: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
(times subject to change)

Where:
Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel
711 South Hope Street • Los Angeles, CA 90017

Congratulations Family 1st Graduates

Los Angeles, CA (SHIELDS) May 31, 2012 – A special congratulations goes out to the first graduates of our High School Equivalency Program at our Family 1st program at Jordan Downs. On Tuesday, May 22, 2012, four of our students passed the High School Equivalency exam and we are so proud of them.

The High School Equivalency program at Jordan Downs began on March 12, 2012. Our students showed their dedication by coming consecutively, three days a week since the start date. Our vocational counselors, Nantrece Carraby and Fernando Siordia, have done a great job throughout the program and our students are truly appreciative of their professionalism and willingness to teach them.

Through hard work and perseverance, these four ladies have shown their dedication and what it means to never give up on your dreams. Congratulations to Maria Carmona, Jessica Lopez, Denise Richardson, and Shirley Starks! All four ladies motivated one another to never give up and that’s just what they did! On Thursday, May 24, 2012, our graduates were awarded plaques at the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) Board Meeting. HACLA director, John King, and other commissioners applauded the ladies of their accomplishments. This is just the beginning of more graduates to come!

These ladies are walking testimonies that it is never too late to make a change for the better. Congratulations to the class of 2012!