This final episode explores the future of criminal justice reform in Lucas County and beyond. A representative from the MacArthur Foundation evaluates the progress and challenges of the Safety and Justice Challenge. Local leaders share how they’re determined to keep the momentum going despite ongoing struggles and new challenges. Guests for this episode: Said Orra, Lucas Co. Juvenile Court Administrator Juvenile Court Judge Robert Jones Juvenile Court Judge Linda Knepp Nida Abassi, Program Officer, Criminal Justice Team, MacArthur Foundation Lucas County Commissioner Lisa Sobecki Adam Watkins, Professor of Criminal Justice, BGSU Avis Files, Pathway, INC.

This exploration of the so-called “revolving door of prison” features a former inmate, who passionately warns younger men against falling into the same traps, along with a local director who says she’s dedicated to helping returning fathers reintegrate into their families and communities. Guests for this episode: Mark Vaughn, UMADAUOP Lucas County Jamie Klear, Buckeye Health Plan Avis Files, Pathway Incorporated Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice E. Stratton, “Stepping Up” statewide initiative Eloy Perez Visit and Learn More: The Sequential Intercept Model (SIM)

Nearly 20 Lucas County non-profits received a portion of the MacArthur Grant to drive community engagement and help reduce racial disparities. This episode explores how these groups are using their funds and whether their creative approaches align with The MacArthur Foundation’s expectations. Guests for this episode: 13 ABC Action News/Alexis Means The Tune Podcast Alicia Smith, Junction Coalition CEO Fonda Royster, CEO Open Arms Transformational Living Tramain Rayford, The Program INC. Avis Files, Pathway Incorporated Nida Abbasi, Program Officer, Criminal Justice Team, MacArthur Foundation Tia Strozier, Associate Director of Policy and Practice for the Community Justice Technical Assistance Team at the Center for Justice Innovation Juvenile Court Judge Robert Jones Juvenile Court Judge Linda Knepp

Community leaders explore the harsh racial realities that complicate efforts to reduce over-incarceration. A long-time advocate for young men and fathers speaks about the challenges of co-parenting, systemic racism, and the deep-rooted distrust between communities of color and the criminal justice system. Guests for this episode: Avis Files, Pathway, Inc. Willie Knighten, Jr. Brothers United Chris Scott, Community Activist Adam Watkins, Professor of Criminal Justice, BGSU Nida Abbasi, MacArthur Foundation Holly Matthews, Executive Director, Toledo-Lucas County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Shawn Mahone Sr., Founder and Executive Director of Young Men and Women for Change

Mental health experts discuss the reasons behind the common intersection of behavioral health and the criminal justice system, the tools available to local people struggling with mental health issues, and how to help a loved one without making matters worse. Guests for this episode: Nida Abbasi, Program Officer, Criminal Justice Team, MacArthur Foundation Erin Wiley, MA, LPCC, LMHC Clinical Psychotherapist & CEO, The Willow Center Scott A. Sylak, Executive Director, Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County Deb Flores, CEO Zepf Center Sarah from Zepf Center Visit Local Help Now HERE

For some prisoners, opportunities for a better life happen organically, while other inmates need more direction to envision a better life after release. A formerly incarcerated trucker shares the road he found to a better life while serving his sentence, and a university professor explains how she’s offering opportunities to inmates while challenging the perspectives of “outsiders” and breaking the so-called black box of prisons. Guests for this episode: Dr. Renee Heberlee, Inside Out, University of Toledo Eloy Perez, Brothers United Willie Knighten, Jr CEO, Brothers United Joshua Symington, Brothers United Participant Visit: University of Toledo Visit: The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program

While traditional temptations continue to lure some youth into “the streets,” newer challenges pose new risks for our kids. Community leaders and activists share how their counter-programming initiatives bring children and their parents into groups focused on healthy community activities. Representatives from Toledo Public Schools discuss how their schools address immediate needs of students and parents beyond the classroom. Finally, a Clinical Psychotherapist offers insights on how we can all engage with neighborhood youth or younger family members in ways that minimize harm and foster connection. Guests for this episode: Fonda Royster, formerly a homeless youth and Founder of Open Arms Transformational Living Tramain Rayford, CEO, The Program, Inc. Juvenile Court Judge Robert Jones Juvenile Court Judge Linda Knepp Rev. Carl Mitchell, Pastor and Community Activist Brian Murphy, Chief of Strategy and Organizational Planning, Toledo Public Schools Dr. Amerah Archer, Executive Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Toledo Public Schools Lucas County Commissioner Lisa Sobecki Erin Wiley, MA, LPCC, LMHC Clinical Psychotherapist & CEO, The Willow Center Said Orra, Lucas Co. Juvenile Court Administrator

While social media algorithms predict our clicks, a pre-trial assessment algorithm can predict defendant behavior, specifically if they’ll commit new crimes or new violent crimes if released before their court date. Local experts demystify this math equation, and the Lucas County Prosecutor explains the steps in the criminal justice process. Guests for this episode: Julia Bates, Lucas County Prosecutor Michelle Butts, Director RCS, pretrial services Meegan Webb Adam Watkins, Professor of Criminal Justice, BGSU Arnold Ventures (YouTube Video) Visit: The Supreme Court of Ohio's Overview of the Courts Visit: The Program Inc.

The current and retired Lucas County Sheriffs discuss realities and challenges with policing in our area, including MacArthur-funded changes in protocol for officers working inside the jail and on the street. Criminal justice researchers weigh in on social movements and employee shortages’ impact on the policing profession. Guests for this episode: Judge Tim Kuhlman, Toledo Municipal Court Mike Navarre, Lucas County Sheriff John Tharp, retired Lucas County Sheriff and former TPD officer Sheronda Ridley, CTF Program Director (de-escalation techniques) Beth Heubner, ASU Professor Adam Watkins, BGSU Professor

Some of the Lucas County leaders who helped initiate the MacArthur Grant discuss the well-publicized, big community need that all but forced leaders into having candid conversations about local criminal justice, including “Who is in the jail and why?” They also provide an overview of the grant strategies, explaining the rationale behind the allocation of funds. Guests for this episode: Tramain Rayford, The Program Inc. Carol Contrada, Retired Lucas County Commissioner Sean McNulty, Chief Public Defender Toledo Legal Aid Society Holly Matthews, Executive Director, Toledo Lucas County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Retired State Supreme Court Justice E. Stratton