Solutions for safe, healthy, just communities

Let's End Mass Incarceration Together!

let’s end mass incarceration together!

The Texas Center for Justice and Equity (TCJE) advocates at the State Capitol and in counties throughout Texas to end mass incarceration, shift funding towards community supports, and reduce racial inequities in the criminal punishment system.

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Support new resources for Texas families!

After helping pass a law to give some formerly incarcerated parents a way to regain custody of their children, we’ve been working to make family reunification a reality for more Texans.

Now we're creating new "know your rights" resources for parents about the child welfare system. You can help us reach more families across the state!

AMPLIFY HOPE FOR FAMILIES
Notebook reading we're hiring on top of keyboard

TCJE is searching for our next Executive Director!

We’re seeking a leader who reflects the system-impacted communities we serve, and who possesses a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized individuals. Are you our next ED?

Learn more
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A solution for student success!

Students of color are over-impacted by the school discipline system. Our Dallas team launched a local program to help these students thrive, and to help schools improve their culture and climate. Now, we’re expanding the program to Central Texas!

Support Texas Kids!
SLC advocates and family members in a group photo in Austin

“We’re not felons. We’re people.”

Whatever your story of system impact is, you deserve the chance to thrive—and the opportunity to make a change. Our Statewide Leadership Council (SLC) is a community of directly impacted Texans, and they’re fighting for a future where everyone has a second chance to succeed.

LEARN ABOUT THE SLC

Texans like you are getting involved.

Our supporter hub is your one-stop-shop for coalition info, educational materials, and ways to take action! Check it out and join the fight!

Visit Our Supporter Hub

The Big Picture

132k

Number of people in prison in Texas

70

Percent of people in Texas county jails who have not been tried or convicted

33

Percent of people in Texas prisons who are Black, despite Black people making up only 13% of Texas' general population

81

Percent of women in Texas prisons who are mothers

#50

Texas’ ranking – out of 50 states and Washington D.C. – in providing access to mental health care

Finish the 5

Our Journey to Zero Youth Prisons in Texas

During Youth Justice Action Month 2022, we launched a new campaign focused on closing Texas’s 5 remaining prisons and investing in kids instead. After reports revealed dangerous and inhumane conditions in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD), the “solution” has been to raise employee salaries. We know this will not fix the systemic abuse and neglect of incarcerated youth, and we demand something better for Texas kids. Along with the release of a policy brief and webpage explaining our policy goals, we’re convening the Finish the 5 Coalition  a group of advocates, organizations, impacted people, and other individuals. Click the links below to read our brief, learn more about the campaign, and join the Finish the 5 Coalition!