Council for Court Excellence

In this powerful video, Lamont Carey urges D.C.’s employers not to overlook a hardworking population: returning citizens.

Watch it here, then visit the SCHA website to learn how to implement second chance hiring to benefit your organization. http://www.scha-dc.org

Register now: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

We are honored to welcome Dr. Brittany Hayes as she shares findings on victimization, underreporting, law enforcement responsiveness, and the accommodations and policies needed to improve access to justice for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. [Continued]

Graphic for a virtual CCE Lunch and Learn titled “Barriers for Victims with Disabilities.” Event details read: December 18th, 12–1 PM ET, Virtual. Includes a “Register Now” button and a headshot of Dr. Brittany Hayes, Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati.

People with disabilities are more than twice as likely to be victims of crime, yet often face barriers to accessing justice and services.

Join the Council for Court Excellence for a Virtual Lunch & Learn on Barriers for Victims with Disabilities on December 18, 2025, from 12–1 PM. [Continued]

And to our dedicated committee chairs and members who make programs like Bench Bar Media possible and the panelists who share their time and expertise at events like SCHA's Talent Beyond Barriers, thank you.

Your commitment to justice, education, and community impact drives everything we do.

We appreciate the support of our pro bono partners, like DLA Piper, Arent Fox Schiff, Kirkland & Ellis, Perkins Coie, & more.

Collage of volunteers and panelists participating in a Council for Court Excellence event, including speakers seated on stage, a group photo of attendees, and a volunteer reading a program booklet. Text reads: ‘Celebrating the Volunteers Who Power Justice.

Today is International Volunteer Day and we are proud to celebrate the people who power CCE’s mission every single day.

We are especially grateful for our School Jury Education Program volunteers who begin their classroom service next week, bringing civic education directly to students across DC.

It’s time for solutions that reduce overcrowding, strengthen family involvement, and expand the supports that truly improve outcomes for youth and public safety.

Report link: cdn.prod.website-files.com/659c0df344c9...

Our new report shows that delays at YSC aren’t just administrative — they’re cutting young people off from education, family connection, treatment, and real opportunities for rehabilitation.

D.C.’s justice-involved youth are waiting far too long while awaiting a placement where they can receive needed services.

Your support powers facts, advocacy and community voices that refuse to be ignored.

secure.qgiv.com/for/dxftob?b...

It's Giving Tuesday! When justice is under attack, truth must be funded. ✊🏽

Today, your gift is matched dollar for dollar up to $10,000, helping CCE push back against proposals that would harm D.C.’s Black and Brown communities.

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Today is Giving Tuesday and our Director of Development Sarah Baczewski’s birthday!

Whether it’s connecting with donors, fostering local partnerships, or engaging in community outreach, her work is integral to our efforts to deliver justice reforms in D.C.

We’re grateful for you, Sarah! Enjoy!

Every dollar donated tomorrow up to $10,000 will be matched. Together, we can ensure D.C. remains a model of justice rooted in facts, fairness, and freedom.

Donate: secure.qgiv.com/for/dxftob?b...

Justice in D.C. is under attack — but you can help defend it.

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday and your chance to double your impact for justice. When you support CCE, you help protect D.C.’s fair and equitable legal systems from unprecedented federal overreach.

A more accessible, plain-language version is already in development and will be released in 2026, so every victim in D.C. can navigate these systems with clarity and support.

It includes explanations of victims’ rights, how cases move through D.C.’s unique legal system, options outside of court, and where to find help for urgent needs like protection orders, medical care, legal support, or compensation.

Cover of “A Victim’s Guide to the District of Columbia Legal System,” featuring illustrated hands and a hand signing a document, with logos of CCE, Volare, and OVSJG.

CCE’s 'Victim’s Guide to the District of Columbia Legal System' is now available. This resource helps crime victims and the people who support them understand what to expect after a crime, how to access services, and how to stay safe in D.C.

www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/2...

Our coalition will keep pushing for a system based on safety and fairness, not wealth. Our collective voice matters more than ever!

@tzedekdc.bsky.social

This week's House vote to advance HR 5214- D.C. Cash Bail Reform Act is disappointing, but not defining.

More than 180 community groups, legal organizations, advocates, and residents continue to oppose federal attempts to force cash bail on D.C.

From our Victim's Guide to the Second Chance Hiring Alliance, we aim to provide resources and a pathway to those most at risk of harm or neglect by the justice system.

Learn more about the ways we holistically promote more equitable justice in D.C. www.courtexcellence.org

Not only is it an important model to consider when thinking of reform to our criminal legal system, but also for the way we treat people in our everyday lives!

At CCE, we're dedicated to promoting safety and well-being for all community members.

DYK that the third week of November is #RestorativeJusticeWeek?

Restorative justice is an ethos that prioritizes addressing root causes of crime and repairing harm done to people, relationships, and communities.

DC’s risk-based detention system has worked better than cash bail for more than three decades. HR 5214 would keep poor people in jail just because they cannot afford to buy their freedom. The data is clear: this has terrible consequences for families!

www.tzedekdc.org/news-1/2025/...

Months of waiting inside YSC don’t just delay placements... they shape lives.

Our latest report looks at what these delays really mean for D.C. youth and what needs to change.

🔗 Read the full report: www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/y...

DC Resource Bridge Launches to Connect Residents with Free Legal Help One-stop service makes finding the right legal help easier, faster, and more compassionate.

Need legal help in D.C.? There’s a new number to know: 202-933-HELP.

The DC Resource Bridge connects residents to free or low-cost legal support — from family law to housing and benefits. Because access to justice should start with an easy call.

🔗 Learn more: www.legalaiddc.org/blogs/dc-res...

Our DC youth are in the news these days. Now there’s legislation regarding DYRS and CFSA and youth, to address some of these issues.

Can you attend our event to teach parents about the new bills in the DC Council? Join via Zoom MONDAY at 7pm.

Register: bit.ly/TeachN4Parents

Please join us!

DC Expungement Learn about how you can get your DC criminal record sealed or expunged.

DYK: D.C. residents may qualify to have their records expunged or sealed?

DC Expungement, a new initiative from DC Justice Labs, helps residents put their records behind them, allowing greater opportunities for housing, employment, and education.

Learn more here👇
dcexpungement.com

Final Call for Volunteers! 🚨 Judges and attorneys—this is your chance to shape the next generation of justice.

Sign up for as many sessions as you are available and make a lasting impact in just a few hours.

Judges: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...

Attorneys: secure.qgiv.com/for/schoolju...

Why are D.C. youth stuck waiting at YSC? Broken systems—not inevitability—cause months-long delays. It’s time to remove barriers and get youth the care they deserve.

www.courtexcellence.org/news-items/y...