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Court reforms poised to reduce justice-system repercussions
Few fights truly worth fighting come easy. Justice reform is no exception, but this year has made way for long-term changes that will better serve our community for generations to come.

Melissa Walton
Dec 17, 2025


Case study for mental health care over incarceration
During a visit to Davidson County‘s Behavioral Care Center (BCC) in Nashville, I saw firsthand how investing in mental health care, not incarceration, transforms lives.

Melissa Walton
Oct 28, 2025


Planned mental health facilities can bolster community
Several new mental healthcare facilities are coming to Oklahoma County over the next few years, each meant to serve a unique purpose.

Melissa Walton
Sep 23, 2025


Data is key to bringing justice-involved people back to workforce
Many of our greatest achievements in crucial efforts like economic development and social reform have stemmed from the strategic use of thorough data.

Melissa Walton
Jul 29, 2025


Innovative diversion program identifies employment as key factor
After decades of relying heavily on incarceration, the Oklahoma County justice system is investing more in early diversion efforts that are more promising and offer more effective paths forward.

Melissa Walton
Jun 18, 2025


Bill to reduce court fines can offer employment stability
Oklahoma’s court system, compared to others across the nation, is among the most heavily reliant on extracting revenue from people in the justice system. HB 1460 could begin to change that.

Melissa Walton
May 21, 2025


Justice reform as economic strategy
Mike Jackson is the senior vice president of government and community relations for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber The Greater...

CJAC
Jan 13, 2025


Hiring event sheds light on economic benefits
Did you know that businesses are seeing incredible results from hiring individuals with justice system backgrounds?

CJAC
Nov 8, 2024


OKC Metro Alliance creates reliable workforce pipeline
Chris Eaton is an employee of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma (RFBO) where he works as a facility services manager and has been...

Timothy Tardibono
Jun 11, 2024


The synergy of workforce development and public safety
When most people think of public safety, the first words that come to their mind are probably not “workforce development.” Yet, workforce...

Timothy Tardibono
May 10, 2024


Oklahoma County’s Treatment Courts strengthen community, workforce
A few weeks ago, Oklahoma County Treatment Courts (OCTC) hosted a graduation ceremony for its latest round of cohort members. The 116...

Timothy Tardibono
Apr 16, 2024


Celebrating Oklahoma’s fair chance women trailblazers
Oklahoma’s criminal justice reform measures are working, and our state’s women and workforce are benefitting from them. More low-level,...

Timothy Tardibono
Mar 19, 2024


Honoring Ravitz’s legacy means giving the justice involved a fair chance
Oklahoma County’s Chief Public Defender and a founding board member of the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Advisory Council, Robert...

Timothy Tardibono
Feb 21, 2024


Goodwill a workforce agency for second-chance candidates
At Goodwill, kindness goes beyond offering deals on gently used goods. With a mission of helping people overcome challenges to...

Timothy Tardibono
Dec 27, 2023


Study shows diversion programs support workforce development
Earlier this year, the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Advisory Council tasked the Criminal Justice Institute, a leading national...

Timothy Tardibono
Nov 1, 2023


Expanding Oklahoma’s diversion programs buoys workforce
A 2023 review of Oklahoma County’s justice system by the Criminal Justice Institute found that between 2015 and 2022, the county jail...

Timothy Tardibono
Aug 30, 2023


Fair-chance hiring allows businesses to grow
Oklahoma City has received national attention recently for its expansion in both population and business. This year our city ranked among...

Timothy Tardibono
Aug 9, 2023


Flexible hiring practices good for business
With an unemployment rate in Oklahoma City as low as 2.1% in April 2023, many Oklahoma businesses continue to struggle with recruitment...

Timothy Tardibono
Jul 12, 2023


Data shows fair-chance hiring gaining momentum
Last month over two dozen employers from across the metro came to the Fair Chance Hiring Workshop and Expo hosted by the Criminal Justice...

Timothy Tardibono
Jun 14, 2023


Fair Chance Hiring Workshop and Expo May 24
Word is getting out about fair-chance hiring and its many benefits. Thanks to criminal justice reform measures across the nation, more...

Timothy Tardibono
May 10, 2023
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