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The best way for the city to prevent drug use, overdose, and death in its jails is to stop sending people to Rikers Island and focus on diverting them from the criminal legal system altogether. 

We see everyday how low income Black and Latine parents are unfairly treated by the child welfare and foster systems - which we more accurately describe as the family regulation system - and urge the City Council to consider ways to reduce the city’s reliance on foster placements and invest in strengthening families so that children can remain home, in their communities and schools

Our experience has shown that these courts can provide non-jail alternatives for those wrapped up in the criminal justice system because of substance use disorders and serious mental illness. However, more access is needed for these courts, and the city can help by increasing funding for more programs, more providers, and more beds.

The people we represent—along with their families, friends, and advocates—are all impacted by the serious trauma caused by DOC’s restrictive housing practices.