C-U Fresh Start "Call-Ins" Begin

The News-Gazette had an update on the C-U Fresh Start program today. More on CU Fresh Start on this earlier post.

Focus returns to ‘call-ins’
As it begins its second year, the CU Fresh Start program to curb gun violence will refocus on “call-in” interventions and social services...

Thursday’s nine “call-in” participants were at least 18 years old and on probation or parole, had a prior felony arrest, prior gun arrest or violent crime conviction and were connected with a recent violent crime based on credible information.

At the Illinois Terminal, the group heard from local government and police officials, community members impacted by gun violence and faith leaders. Their message: Commit to leaving gun violence behind and receive services to rebuild your life. If not, expect harsh and swift consequences.

The participants have a week to decide if they’ll commit to the program. If they do, they’ll receive help from Donte Lotts, the program’s community liaison, for things ranging from job searches to finding mental-health services or resuming education...

 “Building trust and confidence in these guys that they can be successful is very difficult,” Parsons said. “Then there’s the reality that employment is very difficult for a person with a felony.”

Thanks to funding from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, Parsons said Fresh Start can improve its rehabilitation offerings to committed “callin” participants. He noted how mental health plays a major factor in the lead up to a shooting, whether it has been diagnosed or not...

This week’s “call-in” happened a day after Champaign’s first homicide of 2018. A 26-year-old Chicago man was shot around midday Wednesday in the 1300 block of Sunset Drive.

Full article here. Related article today with an update on Champaign's first murder of the year:  Suspect, 39, sought in fatal shooting: Police confirm alleged shooter knew victim, 26