To share knowledge and explore new approaches to corrections, diversion and re-entry, the (东精影业CDC) hosted “Breaking Cycles Symposium: Re-envisioning a Health, Housing, and Corrections Continuum” in partnership with the Department of Public Safety, Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission, Correctional Reform Working Group, YWCA Oʻahu and the Governor’s office on October 10–11.
“This was a true collaboration that demonstrates how the university can create new space for government and community members to come together to work towards real systems change,” said Cathi Ho Schar, an associate professor at the , director of 东精影业CDC and a co-organizer for the event.
Throughout the last year, the 东精影业CDC team, including faculty, staff and students from the School of Architecture, , , , and the , engaged the community around alternative models to a new jail facility and a more robust community-based continuum of care.
Talking to incarcerated individuals, their families, cultural and spiritual leaders, community organizations, public agencies and elected officials led the 东精影业 team to plan the event, in response to a call for more collaboration across public and private entities.
Important messages from Gov. Josh Green, Public Safety Director Tommy Johnson and others highlighted the need to address the mental health, substance abuse, housing and justice needs in Hawaiʻi through stronger partnerships with the community.
“We genuinely appreciate this opportunity to look at our many challenges as a collective of agencies and organizations,” said Johnson.
The event ended with a workshop soliciting action items related to whole systems change.
Find more information on the . For more information on the project go to the .