News
January Highlights
Highlights of our staff and program accomplishments throughout January.
- Laura Roan, Osborne’s Vice President of Prison Services, participated in a recent webinar entitled “Improving Behavioral Health Care for Older Adults in the Criminal Justice System.” Over 500 people from around the world tuned in for a discussion focused on the growing need for improved behavioral health strategies for aging adults and the critical partnerships between correctional facilities and state or community-based agencies. Watch the webinar here.
- Another Osborne leader, Wendell Walters, Chief Housing Officer, was a panelist for a discussion about the implementation of New York City’s Fair Chance for Housing Act, which took effect on January 1. The significance of this achievement and its impact on housing access for formerly incarcerated New Yorkers were explored as part of the Second Annual NYC Human Rights Summit hosted by the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Wendell was joined by Lily Shapiro of the David Rothenberg Center for Public Policy at the Fortune Society, and Hilton Webb, a resident at the Castle, a transitional housing facility Fortune operates. Read a recap of the summit here.
- The Bronx Osborne Gun Accountability and Prevention (BOGAP) program recently hosted a “Stop the Bleed” workshop from the American College of Surgeons, which provided immersive training in emergency response techniques from a physician. The workshop covered practical life-saving measures for gunshot wounds, stab wounds, car accidents, and assaults, as well as CPR training and infant death prevention and safety. It complements the therapeutic support, workforce development, and Alternatives to Violence Program training participants receive through the program.
- We are thrilled that the Child-Sensitive Arrest Bill was signed into law by Governor Hochul on December 23. The courageous advocacy of the young people in Osborne’s Youth Action Council, who shared their personal experiences and championed this bill for years, and the support and leadership of our partners made this victory possible. Safeguards will now be in place to support children across New York State who are present during the arrest of a parent. Read our statement on the bill’s passing here.