25 Nov

20 more JCPS schools to train in restorative practices for student behavior

Posted by in CLOUT, Public Education Improvement

November 25, 2019. The Courier-Journal.

Jefferson County Public Schools will expand its restorative practice efforts to another 20 schools before the start of the 2020-21 school year, the district announced Monday. 

Teachers and administrators at about 30 JCPS schools have been trained in restorative practices — a research-backed method to improve behavior and increase student belonging and relationships.

CLOUT, a social justice-centered organization, has pushed JCPS to implement restorative practices for a decade. Superintendent Marty Pollio promised the group that the district will have restorative practices in all 155 schools within six years. 

Read More “20 more JCPS schools to train in restorative practices for student behavior”
30 Oct

LMPD To Emphasize Considering De-Escalation In Internal Investigations

Posted by in CLOUT

October 30, 2019. WFPL.ORG

For the first time, language in the operating manual for Louisville Metro Police Department’s professional standards unit will direct internal investigators to consider whether officers tried de-escalation as a way to avoid using force.

After months of discussion with city leadership, Citizens of Louisville Organized and United Together (CLOUT) is celebrating the proposed shift. Chief Steve Conrad announced the change Tuesday evening at a membership meeting hosted by the group.

Conrad said conversations with CLOUT “led to some changes that I think will not only improve our policies and our practices, but will hopefully also lead to a reduction in the number of injuries involving citizens and our officers.”

Read More “LMPD To Emphasize Considering De-Escalation In Internal Investigations”
29 Oct

CLOUT hears progress reports from top public officials at Community Problems Assembly

Posted by in Affordable Housing, CLOUT, Drugs, Public Education Improvement

October 29, 2019. WLKY.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Hundreds of leaders from around the community gathered to hear from top city officials on the progress being made around four key issues.

Citizens of Louisville Organized and United Together, or CLOUT, first met in March when officials committed to changes in schools, housing, addiction treatment and care for seniors.

The Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Steve Conrad spoke Tuesday about his department’s deescalation procedures.

Read More “CLOUT hears progress reports from top public officials at Community Problems Assembly”
19 Jun

Group meets with LMPD chief to discuss de-escalation

Posted by in CLOUT, Criminal Justice Reform

June 19, 2019. WLKY

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A group of civil rights activists met with Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Steve Conrad on Wednesday to urge him to conduct an evaluation of the Police Department’s de-escalation training and policies and how well officers are held accountable for following those policies.

A co-president of the group CLOUT, Citizens of Louisville Organized and United Together, said they had a “positive meeting.”

Read More “Group meets with LMPD chief to discuss de-escalation”
27 Mar

Advocates Ask Metro Council To Protect City Funding For ‘The Living Room’

Posted by in CLOUT, Mental Health Care

March 27, 2019. 89.3 WFPL.

Centerstone’s The Living Room program helps people with mental health and substance abuse issues avoid jail. But looming city budget cuts could threaten the program’s future less than two years after it opened.

Mayor Greg Fischer’s office has projected a $65 million budget shortfall by 2023 due largely to rising employee pension costs. In order to fill the gap, Fischer proposed tripling the insurance premium tax. A council committee approved a compromise measure — gradually doubling the insurance premium tax from 5 percent to 10 percent on lines other than auto and health, and $15 million in city budget cuts. But Metro Council voted down the plan and now they will move forward to cut $35 million from the upcoming year’s budget that begins July 1.

Read More “Advocates Ask Metro Council To Protect City Funding For ‘The Living Room’”