Transformative Justice Program

how we do it

LSJA’s Transformative Programs shift mental models to encourage innovation. We pilot innovative, evidence-based programs, evaluated to measure impact, to ensure effectiveness, and to scale.

Mental models are how we understand the world. They are shaped by individual life experiences, perceptions, community, information, policy, practice, history, tradition, etc.. Mental models are the foundational drivers of activity in any system.

By engaging community members and criminal legal system stakeholders in innovative programs that focus on underlying causes for behaviors and system involvement, we work to shift mental models from punitive responses to behaviors to trauma-informed, strengths-based responses that promote growth and development toward self-determination.

6 Key Elements for Transformation

Relying upon the Pew Charitable Trust’s evidence-based policymaking framework, the Transformative Justice Model (link to Transformative Justice Model page) was established with 6 key elements:

These services are delivered in the community by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of behavioral health and social service providers to reduce recidivism and improve social determinants of health (SDoH), at a lower cost than jail or prison.

As an alternative to incarceration, when a participant graduates a TJ program, the participant’s case(s) are dismissed and immediately filed for expunction, opening the door of possibilities for justice-involved emerging adults free from the collateral consequences of arrest and/or conviction.

A “triggering event”

a multi-disciplinary panel of behavioral health and social service experts guided by a validated risk/needs assessment to inform individualized decision-making;

trauma informed, relationship and outcomes-driven intensive case management delivered in the community;

stage and incentive-based programming an outcome-driven approach to case management;community-based interventions in the least-restrictive environment; and

an ongoing evaluation that assesses public health outcomes, as well as the recidivism of participants. Our own experience added a sixth element:

community engagement programming to deepen the social networks that sustain emerging adults after the program ends.

A key component to this Model is the evaluation of the programs’ results to develop scalable models that will lead to a fundamental shift in the way Texas addresses emerging adults in the criminal legal system.

Our Growth Strategy

Innovate

Innovate scalable programs in partnerships with cross-sector community organizations and justice stakeholders focusing on reducing criminal legal system involvement and racial inequities.

Cultivate

Cultivate partner understanding of the criminal legal system and developmentally appropriate responses to youth and emerging adult behavior.

Replicate

Replicate successful innovations in new communities and/or contexts for systemic impact.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Lone Star Justice Alliance (LSJA) is seeking interns in its Dallas and Austin offices for Summer 2024. LSJA is a nonprofit legal organization that improves the lives of youth and emerging adults in the justice system. We envision a justice system that uses developmentally-appropriate responses to behavior and treats youth and emerging adults with equity and dignity to promote resilience, conserve costs, and increase public safety.

YOUTH SENTENCING PROJECT

LSJA represents a number of individuals currently serving life or other extreme sentences for offenses that occurred during their youth. We are presently seeking interns to assist with factual and record investigation in these matters. Current law students are encouraged to apply. Intern responsibilities are likely to include record collection and review, interviewing of the client’s social network, correspondence with the client, drafting of memorandum and declarations, and potentially correspondence and collaboration with expert witnesses. Interns will be involved in strategic decision-making concerning the framing of litigation and will have access and input regarding any court filings and proceedings. The position is unpaid but there is a possibility of future employment.

Duties:

Client record collection (juvenile, child protective services, school, criminal, other) and review;
Client and fact witness interviewing and memo writing;
Regular client correspondence;
Participation in strategic case discussions and decision-making.

Qualifications:

Demonstrated commitment to social justice;
Strong organizational skills;
Strong interpersonal skills (experience interviewing is a plus);
Strong writing and communication skills.

Please submit cover letter and CV to internships@lsja.org

Supervisor: Elizabeth Henneke

CLEMENCY PROJECT

LSJA seeks interns to work on representing survivors of sex trafficking and intimate partner violence in clemency applications. This project will capitalize on the 2020 application established by Governor Abbott as a result of LSJA’s advocacy. The project entails identifying potential applicants and pro bono partners to submit a high volume of meritorious applications, as well as follow-up data collection and reporting to raise awareness about underlying issues. Interns will assist in all aspects of the project, from correspondence and review of records for potential applicants, to communication with pro bono organizations and practitioners, to preparation and review of application materials, to data collection/review and drafting of report sections. This is an exciting and rare opportunity to be part of a new initiative that stands to bring hope and redemption to a large number of people. Current law students may apply. The position is unpaid, but future employment is a possibility.

Duties:

Drafting and review of correspondence materials;

Record collection and review;
Participation in strategic conferences with partners;
Communication with coalition and pro bono partners;
Data collection/review;
Possible report drafting;
Client file maintenance (Clio).

Qualifications:

Demonstrated commitment to public interest work;
Background in issues pertaining to sex trafficking, domestic violence, or other forms of trauma a plus;
Strong interpersonal skills;
Strong organizational and communication skills;
Ability to coordinate multiple aspects of a complex project involving many and varied personnel;
Ability to review and compile data/familiarity with statistical analysis.

Please submit cover letter and CV to internships@lsja.org

Supervisor: Elizabeth Henneke

IMPACT LITIGATION

LSJA is seeking interns to assist the organization in conducting impact litigation. Interns will help to file lawsuits intended to change the laws and policies that affect incarcerated youth in Texas. Interns will conduct legal research, draft briefs, and speak with clients. Goals include (1) improving the conditions of confinement for children, (2) lowering the number of children in confinement, (3) moving children in confinement closer to home, and more. This is an exciting and rare opportunity to be part of a new initiative that stands to bring hope to a large number of people. Current law students may apply. The position is unpaid, but future employment is a possibility.

Duties:

Research on incarcerate settings and civil rights violations;
Data collection/review;
Possible report and document drafting;
File maintenance (Clio).

Qualifications:

Demonstrated commitment to public interest work;
Background in issues pertaining to civil rights in incarcerate settings;
Strong interpersonal skills;
Strong organizational and communication skills;
Ability to coordinate multiple aspects of a complex project involving many and varied personnel;
Ability to review and compile data/familiarity with statistical analysis.

Please submit cover letter and CV to internships@lsja.org

Supervisor: Elizabeth Henneke