Recent News

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.

Read about some of our key accomplishments, publications, and events in 2024.

CCE releases brief year-end analysis of the jail population and crime data as 2024 comes to a close

CCE Policy & Education Associate Gene Downing, who leads our Second Chance Hiring Alliance, wrote a response to a recent Post article about reentry.

Lawyer and judge volunteers are needed to support CCE's School Jury Education Program sessions with D.C. students in January 2025!

Read the Fall 2024 edition of the Second Chance Hiring Alliance newsletter that includes a summary of recent and upcoming events, our newest partners, an employer profile, and more!

On September 23, 2024, CCE released "Is D.C. More Secure? A Criminal Legal System Overview", which provides up-to-date data on many key aspects of D.C.’s criminal legal system. The report gives particular focus to parts of the legal system that may be impacted in the months and years ahead by provisions of the SECURE D.C. legislation passed in early 2024.