Our Work
We combat mass incarceration by advancing second chances for individuals serving extreme sentences for crimes committed as young people. Through strategic legal advocacy, collaborative partnerships, and holistic support, we work alongside our clients, their families, and our community to create pathways home and opportunities for lasting success. Our work falls into three core areas: 1) legal advocacy, 2) decarceration advocacy, and 3)reentry support.
Legal Advocacy
SLP provides high quality legal representation to people seeking relief from extreme sentences, through legal mechanisms such as IRAA, compassionate release, and parole. We also recruit, train, and advise pro bono and court-appointed attorneys to expand access to effective legal advocacy in D.C.. Through these partnerships we helped pro bono teams secure the release of more than 50 people serving lengthy prison terms.
Decarceration Advocacy
SLP works to expand second chances and reduce extreme sentencing through education, organizing, coalition-building, and policy advocacy. Our priorities include criminal legal system reform, youth justice reform, D.C. autonomy, and improving conditions for DC residents incarcerated in the Bureau of Prisons. Through this work, SLP has helped advance sentencing reforms and policies that expand opportunities for release and second chances in the District of Columbia.
Reentry Support
Committed to building lasting relationships with our clients and providing consistent support as they return home. We offer care management and individualized release planning to ensure a smooth and successful transition back into the community.
Our Impact
35 individuals released through SLP legal representation
A total ~1,900 years saved from serving extreme sentences
Advocated for the expansion of the Second Look Act in DC in 2021
Provided testimony before the D.C. Council in support of decarceration initiatives, sentencing reform, and second-chance policies
Supported the release of 50 clients through our pro bono partnerships and training program
Over 95% of clients released through our work have successfully reintegrated into their communities.
Over 90% of SLP clients post-release are employed
National leader in Second Look law implementation, providing training, technical assistance, and litigation support to attorneys, advocates, and policymakers.
Our Supporters
Our work is made possible by the generous support of the following organizations, as well as that of our many individual donors.
