Criminal Justice

Puppies for Parole

Puppies for Parole is a unique program of the Missouri Dept. of Corrections, made possible through its partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they will be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption.

The Criminal Justice Task Force advocates for: Healing rather than vengeance; Community based alternatives to prison; Increasing public safety through preventive activities that address social issues of people at risk; and Responses that enable persons who commit crimes to develop and express remorse, make restitution, take responsibility for the consequences of their acts, and become integrated successfully into society.

Goals for 2010

Advocate for parole policies that acknowledge prisoners’ progress and allow more opportunities for parole of prisoners, including those with long-term sentences.
Monitor and support the Missouri Re-Entry Process to provide positive assistance and to diminish obstacles for persons returning from prison to society.
Raise awareness that current registration for sex offenders does not create more safety but truly creates more and repeat offenders.
Oppose the death penalty and work collaboratively to support legislation for alternatives to the death penalty.

2010 Advocacy Efforts

Opting out of the Lifetime Ban on Food Stamps
for those Convicted of a Drug Felony

Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalth
Annual Meeting - June 26
Kansas City - Link Here for Details

Updated:08/31/2010