Legislative Outreach

Did you know that more than half of women entering the system are mothers? Did you know that the number of women in prison in the US has increased by 800% since the beginning of the War on Drugs?

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We wanted to make sure Legislators knew.

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The Legislative Luncheon we hosted in 2022 focused on broad issues and pending legislation related to key topics like bail reform, incentives for programming, early release, and record sealing. It is vitally important  for legislators to engage with stakeholders about the realities of the justice system and how pending policies impact Ohio’s children, mothers, and families. The luncheon also highlighted formerly incarcerated women by utilizing clips from “Apart,” a documentary released in 2022 that recently played on PBS. "Apart" showcases four women coming home from Ohio's prisons. Additional speakers from our community shared their experiences with incarceration.

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ARCH hosts events and programs like the Luncheon to raise awareness around the realities of incarceration.