International Justice Exchange (IJE)
Committed to advancing criminal justice reform by helping Connecticut stakeholders gain valuable insights from international corrections models.
Mission
How might we redefine the concept of justice?
What does successful rehabilitation look like?
What is society’s role in the justice system?
By providing firsthand, immersive experiences in countries and jurisdictions known for humane sentencing, low recidivism, and evidence-based practices, the IJE equips Connecticut policymakers and practitioners with the insight needed to develop and implement more effective laws and policies. These efforts strengthen Connecticut’s justice system and improve outcomes.
“We weren’t looking to find the most humane system in the world. We were looking at best practices. And it just so happens that best practices are also the places that have the most humanity.”
Andrew Clark, Director, IMRP
“People were asking the German correctional officers, “What is the goal of your prison system?” And each person said the same thing: “Our goal is to prepare these men to enter the community. That’s our job.”
Mike Lawlor, Associate Professor, Criminal Justice Department, University of New Haven
“We are building a safe society. We are building safe neighbors when we are releasing people.”
Per Sigurd Våge, Director, International Unit, Norwegian Correctional Services
Current Corrections Initiatives
Through national and local partnerships, training, and professional shadowing opportunities, the IJE supports state leaders and correctional professionals in advancing more effective and humane practices - promoting greater safety, health, and well-being for those who live and work in correctional facilities.
Immersive learning exchanges that bring Connecticut-based stakeholders to correctional institutions in Norway, Washington State and California, enabling direct exposure to humane and rehabilitative justice practices.
On-the-ground beautification and normalization projects at Connecticut correctional facilities, including therapeutic horticulture and green space design, in collaboration with UConn’s Plant Science and Landscape Architecture program.
Creation and support of Resource and Activities Teams at York and Garner Correctional Institutions to enhance facility environments for both staff and incarcerated individuals.
Training, shadowing, and professional exchange opportunities for Connecticut DOC staff, developed in partnership with Amend at UCSF and international correctional leaders.
Focus groups and ongoing evaluation to assess correctional staff needs, inform program improvements, and ensure staff voices shape reform efforts.
IJE In the News
Feb 24, 2025
IMRP Facilitates CTDOC Culture Change Collaboration
March 16, 2023
Cutline: Transforming Corrections
International Partners
The Connecticut / Baden-Württemberg Human Rights Research Consortium (HRRC) provides an international, interdisciplinary and inter-institutional platform to promote and support academic collaboration between researchers and research groups at universities and other research institutions in the State of Connecticut (USA) and the Land Baden-Württemberg (Germany).
Amend at UCSF – A public health and human rights program that works in prisons to reduce their debilitating health effects on residents and staff, with a focus on culture-change initiatives, staff training, public education, advocacy, and policy-oriented research.
Norwegian Correctional Service – Ensuring a proper execution of remand and prison sentences, with due regard to the security of all citizens and attempts to prevent recidivism by enabling the offenders, through their own initiatives, to change their criminal behavior.
Background Information and Additional Resources
Explore archival news articles, videos, and websites pertaining to IJE History.