Collaborative Advocacy Network

Restorative Community Solutions (RCS) and Unapologetically HERS (UAHERS) offer the Collaborative Advocacy Network (CAN) for people incarcerated in women's prisons in California. CAN aims to address the critical need for resentencing advocacy for women, particularly women of color, trans, and gender non-conforming individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. This innovative co-learning and collaborative advocacy model integrates client-centered legal advocacy with life coaching, leveraging community partnerships and pro bono legal advocates and researchers to establish a sustainable model independent of political and systemic fluctuations.

The Problem

In 2020, California passed the California Racial Justice Act (CRJA), allowing individuals to challenge their convictions and sentences if racial bias influenced the prosecution of their case. The CRJA addresses systemic racism, promoting justice and equity, especially for marginalized individuals including women, transgender, and gender non-conforming persons in California's prisons.

Unfortunately, the implementation of the CRJA is hindered by funding constraints, lack of awareness, and inadequate community engagement. Incarcerated women are disproportionately impacted by these challenges, as they are predominantly nonviolent offenders and primary caregivers who would be eligible for resentencing.

The Solution

Through our collaboration with UAHERS, CAN aims to address the challenges associated with implementation of the CRJA. With a full-time team including an attorney, project coordinator, and life coach, RCS will provide resentencing assistance to incarcerated women.

Education

Changemaker Fellows are educating incarcerated women about the CRJA. Starting with Central California Women's Facility in Chowchilla, Fellows are sharing critical resources and information about resentencing options with their peers. Larger workshops are currently in development.

Legal Advocacy

RCS is establishing a diverse pro bono attorney network to provide legal support to incarcerated women eligible for resentencing. Pro bono attorneys will be provided with training and support throughout the lifecycle of each case they take on.

Life Coaching

Women who are working with members of our pro bono attorney network will also receive life coaching from our certified life coach. Our life coaching model is centered on building transformative relationships and coordinating support across organizations.