If you did something wrong, should you be given a second chance? In this episode of The Kindness Code, host Adorlee Nicholas and guest Debbie Allen discuss the importance of equity and inclusion in the criminal justice system, focusing on the Clean Slate Initiative in Colorado. They explore the challenges faced by individuals with criminal records, the impact of bias in the justice system, and the significance of second chances in promoting public safety. The conversation emphasizes the need for kindness, empathy, and understanding in creating a fairer society.

Show Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Equity and Inclusion in Criminal Justice

03:00 Understanding the Clean Slate Law

05:52 The Role of Bias in Criminal Justice

08:58 Balancing Second Chances and Public Safety

11:52 The Impact of Criminal Records on Lives

14:48 Streamlining the Clean Slate Process

About Debbie Allen:

Debbie Allen is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, particularly in the realm of criminal justice. With over 20 years of leadership experience in state and local governments and justice-focused community-based organizations, she has dedicated her career to balancing public safety with restoring the well-being of communities, especially those that have been historically marginalized.

Debbie's current research focuses on the Clean Slate Initiative in Colorado, which aims to have the state initiate the sealing of certain criminal records for individuals who have committed specific offenses but have been crime-free. Her research examines whether barriers exist to accessing the law’s benefits, particularly for certain demographic groups or regions, and how these barriers connect to broader social factors such as employment, housing, and health stability.

As an implementation scientist, Debbie is dedicated to creating transparent systems that involve communities in the research process, ensuring that solutions come from those most impacted. Central to her approach is democratizing data, which means working with stakeholders to define terms together, so the information collected tells a truthful and united story. This process builds policies and funding decisions on a foundation of equity, promoting fairness in all communities.

Debbie's website: https://becomingvisibleda.com

Clean Slate Initiative: https://www.cleanslateinitiative.org/

#CleanSlate

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