Recent News

On October 16, 2025, CCE released a report entitled, "Committed Youth Awaiting Placement in the D.C. Youth Services Center," which addresses systemic delays that leave some D.C. justice-impacted youth in extended confinement while awaiting appropriate placement through the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS).

Today, CCE released a data snapshot showing the population of the D.C. Jail population rising since the August 2025 law enforcement surge.

On September 25, more than 270 law firms, business leaders, legal advocates, national democracy and rule of law organizations, community nonprofits and individuals joined CCE on a joint letter urging the U.S. Senate to reject two pendning bills that would strip both the independence of the D.C. Attorney General’s office and local input into D.C.’s judicial selection process.

In September 2025, CCE released a series of educational fact sheets focused on different aspects of D.C. criminal law, youth justice, courts, and legal systems that are receiving local and national attention.

CCE issued a statement on August 12, 2025 in response to statements and actions by the President and other federal officials regarding law enforcement, local courts, the criminal legal system, and the youth justice systems in Washington, DC.

In this issue: New report on D.C. jail conditions, a powerful Second Chance Hiring event, FY2026 budget advocacy, new leadership across CCE, and Law Day reflections on judicial independence.

CCE, in partnership with the Office of the D.C. Auditor, released "Urgent Need for New D.C. Jail," an audit report that details dangerous and deteriorating conditions at the D.C. Jail between 2023 and 2024. This audit offers the most comprehensive review to date of facility operations, documenting a crisis marked by rising deaths, structural decay, staff shortages, and inadequate medical and behavioral health care. 

CCE issues a statement on Law Day 2025 reaffirming our commitment to and support of the rule of law and to our vision of a Washington, D.C. where individuals, organizations, and government work together to build safe and thriving communities with a trusted legal system that meets the needs of its people, protects their rights, and promotes dignity and justice for all.

In this issue: Welcoming probate reform, new ways to connect with CCE on social media, and an upcoming Second Chance Month event you won’t want to miss!

On March 26, the Second Chance Hiring Alliance (SCHA), an initiative of the Council for Court Excellence, released its latest publication: The Workforce Solution: D.C. Employers FAQ for Second Chance Hiring. The Workforce Solution is targeted at D.C. business owners who are struggling to fill open positions or are looking to scale up and need talent. This valuable resource answers questions about the legal requirements, financial incentives, and protections available to an employer looking to expand their applicant pool through second chance hiring.

The Strengthening Probate Administration Amendment Act of 2024 was passed by D.C. Council in December 2024, signed by Mayor Bowser in January 2025, and became law on March 21, 2025. The legislation, which is based on recommendations from our 2022 report, Strengthening Probate Administration in the District of Columbia, is the first major probate reform enacted in the District since 2001.

Our current Strategic Plan calls on CCE to publish certain race equity metrics and share progress on our goals annually. We want to ensure public accountability around our race equity goals. A new January 2025 report presents updates on progress made in 2024, and shares some demographic metrics we are tracking toward our overall diversity goals.