The head of Delaware’s prisons says 30% of prisoners have mental illness, and of them, about 15% are considered seriously mentally ill. But for the most part, Department of Correction Commissioner Perry Phelps said people in jail deserve to be there. He said 51 % of the prison population are violent offenders compared with 10 % who are in for drug charges.
The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice (SDARJ) affirms its rejection of racism, anti-Semitism and discrimination. We strongly reject the destructive value systems of white supremacists, neo-Nazis, alt-right and other groups because they lack respect for human equality. The criminal behavior of these hate groups violates not only the rights of all people, but also denies and acts against the core principles of our democracy.
Dr. Aimee Wiest, instructor of African American literature at Delaware State and leader of the SDARJ book discussion group, gave a two-part presentation called “Zeroing in on Education,” at SDARJ’s July 11, 2017 monthly meeting. The presentation outlined some of the ways that individuals can develop a greater understanding of race in our community and our country as a whole.
Thanks to the Alliance members who volunteered to assist with the Sussex County expungement clinic, which was held on July 21 and assisted fifty individuals, including forty-three with juvenile records.
SDARJ members broke into two groups at our June 13 meeting to reflect on our past programs and initiatives and talk about where we need to go from here. Questions and answers follow.
A youthful brush with the law shouldn’t result in a lifetime sentence. But too often it can.
Unless they are expunged, juvenile arrests and adjudications remain on your criminal record forever, according to the state Office of Defense Services (ODS).
That record can – for the rest of your life – harm your employment, housing and educational opportunities.
It can also affect eligibility for military service and social services.
That’s why ODS, along with community partners, including SDARJ will be holding a Juvenile Expungement Clinic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, July 21 at the Thurman Adams State Service Center, 546 S. Bedford St., Georgetown.
To register for the clinic or to determine eligibility for a juvenile expungement, call Allana Farber at 302-577-5120. Space is limited.
