All News Releases

The Importance of Alternatives to Incarceration

Julie Truschel April 8, 2024

At the SAW Project, we promote the sharing of successful community-based supervision practices that keep people out of jails and prisons, while still holding them accountable for misdeeds.  Research has shown that people can be effectively monitored in the community rather than be incarcerated.[1] Whether this supervision is prior to adjudication (pre-trial) or post-conviction (direct sentence/early release on probation/parole), these alternatives to incarceration are vital to sustainable corrections systems.  As

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The Post-Custody Journey: Understanding the Experiences of Women in Uganda

Julie Truschel December 5, 2023

Introduction by Julie Truschel Worldwide, women face many obstacles unique to gender when reentering society after incarceration.  They face escalated problems with economic hardship, social support, family relationships, and employment, just to name a few.  However, in no location are these issues more apparent than in Uganda.  The following guest article is offered by Nuruh Mbalyowere, Principal Rehabilitation and Reintegration Officer at the Uganda Prisons Service.  Ms. Mbalyowere explains the

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Punitive Populism: A Roadblock to Criminal Justice Reform

Julie Truschel October 12, 2023

In recent years, the criminal justice system has been a topic of intense debate and reform efforts.  As U.S. citizens now begin their process for next year’s elections, political conversations have developed and the term ‘punitive populism’ keeps arising.  Perhaps like me, you have not been intimately familiar with this term.  In this blog, I will delve into the concept of punitive populism, its consequences, and the need to steer

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Celebrating National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week: Stronger Together

Julie Truschel July 14, 2023

National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week (#PPPSWeek) takes place during the third full calendar week of July, from Sunday to Saturday. In 2023, this week is recognized July 16 – 22 and serves as a special occasion to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions made by over 100,000 dedicated individuals who work diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities. The theme for this year’s PPPS Week

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Prioritizing Mental Health in Criminal Justice

Julie Truschel May 22, 2023

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on the significance of mental health and advocating for increased understanding, support, and resources. While mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being for everyone, its importance within the criminal justice system cannot be overstated. This blog post aims to explore the vital connection between mental health awareness and the criminal justice system, highlighting the challenges faced

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Second Chance Month

Julie Truschel April 6, 2023

April is Second Chance Month, a time to bring awareness to the challenges faced by individuals who have been incarcerated and the need for policies and programs that support successful reintegration into society. One such policy is the Second Chance Act, which was signed into law in 2008 to help address barriers faced by people returning to their communities after incarceration. The Second Chance Act provides funding to state and

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Excelling Beyond the ‘Old’ Normal

Julie Truschel November 1, 2022

I recently had the good fortune to attend the 24th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) in Orlando, Florida. The theme was ‘Excelling Beyond the ‘Old’ Normal:  Corrections After the Global Pandemic’.  A host of workshops were offered that were detailed, informative, and inspiring. You may have seen our social media postings from a few of the many incredible presentations.  There were also

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Takeaways from My Interview with The Criminologist

Julie Truschel July 16, 2022

Recently, the SAW Project had an amazing opportunity to be featured on The Criminologist podcast’s episode #114 “Our Interview with Julie Truschel of the SAW Project.” I spoke with Joe Arvidson on criminal justice careers, the American Probation and Parole’s International Relations Committee, and of course, the origins of the SAW Project.  For those interested in listening, the full interview is available at the bottom of this blog. I also shared

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Assisting LGBTQ+ Individuals in Criminal Justice

Julie Truschel June 17, 2022

President Biden proclaimed June 2022 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Pride Month, which provides a fitting opportunity to review interactions of the LGBTQ+ community with correctional services.  As identification terms have evolved, so has the acronym representing this group.   Research reviewed from different periods is evident by changing terms, which is a dynamic process that becomes more inclusive through time.  Regardless of the terms used, research shows

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Supervised Women: Global Increases and How to Help

Julie Truschel March 25, 2022

March is Women’s History Month, offering a great opportunity to review issues related to women in the criminal justice system.  Criminal behavior does not discriminate by gender but women in particular have a greater lack of services upon entering this system.  At the SAW Project, we promote changing supervision practices so that offenders can reside in their home, parent children, maintain jobs, and pay taxes; all while being held accountable

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