John Howard Association of Illinois

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John Howard Association of Illinois

JHA is Illinois' only nonprofit independent prison monitor.

The John Howard Association, or JHA, independently monitors correctional facilities, policies and practices, and advances reforms needed to achieve a fair, humane and effective criminal justice system in Illinois. JHA was founded in 1901 to provide critical citizen oversight of the state’s adult and juvenile correctional facilities, and continues this work today. It takes its name from John Howard

, an 18th century humanitarian from Europe, who is largely considered the father of prison reform. JHA is the only independent citizen corrections monitor in the state of Illinois, and one of three such organizations in the USA.

06/12/2026

Do you believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect?

JHA is growing our Board of Directors and looking for passionate, engaged leaders to help us fight for humane treatment inside our prisons.

The involvement of our board members is crucial in sustaining JHA’s ability to provide independent oversight of the Illinois prison system.

Whether you're an experienced board member or bring fresh perspectives and expertise, we'd love to meet you.

Interested in learning more? Email [email protected] or tag someone who would be a great fit!

Defying Injustice. Defending Humanity.

06/10/2026

In 2025, JHA surveyed 16 IL prisons, and 9.6% of respondents incarcerated in these prisons identified as LGBTQ+.

The LGBTQ+ population is disproportionately represented in the criminal legal system, reflecting broader inequalities and discrimination many face.

This Pride Month, we stand for dignity, safety, and fairness for LGBTQ+ people impacted by incarceration—values at the heart of JHA’s mission. 🌈

06/08/2026

It's always great to see our fellow oversight practitioners from other states! Thanks Zach Pluhacek (from the Office of Inspector General of the Nebraska Correctional System) and Margaret Zadra (from the Office of the Ombuds for Corrections for the State of Minnesota) for coming to JHA last week!

06/05/2026

JHA is thrilled to welcome Alexa James to our Board of Directors. She recently joined Health Management Associates as an Associate Principal. Alexa's background includes a long tenure at NAMI Chicago, teaching at her alma mater Loyola University School of Social Work, and seeing patients in private practice. We look forward to the passion, energy, and mental health & nonprofit expertise she will bring to JHA - welcome aboard, Alexa!

06/03/2026

The perspectives shared with JHA via our latest prison survey are critical to better understanding the conditions and treatment inside prisons and to identifying viable, effective reform efforts. This quote is from Big Muddy; full report will be online soon. View other prison results here: https://www.thejha.org/survey2025

06/02/2026

SAVE THE DATE! Join us Friday Oct. 23rd to celebrate 125 years of our impact on Illinois' prison system, and to hear what we're prioritizing this year. You don't want to miss keynote speaker Larry Miller; his story (as told in his book JUMP) is truly inspiring. Learn more: www.thejha.org/125

06/01/2026

JHA Community Advocate Tony Thomas attended the "Bridging the Gap: Amplifying Incarcerated Voices" conference this weekend, supporting system-impacted storytellers and touring the highly impactful mobile museum on solitary confinement.

05/29/2026

JHA was thrilled to participate in a convening of researchers, academics, members of the judiciary, executive branch leaders, advocates and policy-makers from the U.S., Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands to discuss the differences and intersections of youth and adult criminal legal and prison systems, and how systems can better meet needs, increase positive outcomes, and improve public safety.

In Illinois, reform of our juvenile system has far outpaced that of our adult system. Many of our expensive and ineffective policies and practices do not comport with what research and experience prove in terms of how and when people change and largely stop engaging in criminal activity. We look forward to continuing to learn from other jurisdictions and new stakeholders with whom we are now in community – conversations such as this help identify ways we can advance meaningful change that promotes better outcomes, better utilizes resources, and centers human rights and dignity in decision making and accountability.

A special thank you to Professor Emily Buss, University of Chicago Law School, and Dr. Siobhan Buckley, Ulster University, for organizing and leading this insightful and thoughtful conversation.

05/26/2026

Thank you to all of the people living and working at Vandalia and Centralia for speaking with us and sharing your experiences.

Learn more about how we monitor prisons here: https://www.thejha.org/methodology

05/22/2026

Join JHA for trivia on July 29th! Stewpendous Productions is back for a 3rd year in a row - come play in support of prison oversight & reform! Get 1 free drink + appetizers with your ticket. www.thejha.org/TTJ2026

Address

70 E Lake Street
Chicago, IL
60601

Telephone

(312) 291-9183

Website

http://www.thejha.org/

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