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 facilitating firsthand, immersive experiences with Norway and Germany – countries recognized for humane sentencing, low recidivism, and evidence-based practices – the IJE empowers Connecticut leaders to develop and implement effective, humane laws and policies and supports correction facility staff in adopting practices that strengthen Connecticut’s justice system and improve outcomes. Through national and local partnerships, training, and shadowing opportunities, the IJE supports Connecticut leaders and correctional professionals to advocate for more effective and humane practices to achieve greater safety, health and well-being for those who work and live in correctional facilities.
“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, Connecticut
“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 Initiatives
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.
History
IJE 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 USF – (caption)
Norwegian Correctional