Justice System

Justice System.Know Your Rights

Everyone makes mistakes! Check out some of the resources below to assist with navigating your way through the justice system and towards your goals.

YWCA - Madison, WI
YWCA logo

YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. 

The YWCA Madison:

American Civil Liberties Union

We rely on the police to keep us safe and treat us all fairly, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin or religion. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has a goal to help you understand your rights by providing tips for interacting with police, immigration agents or the FBI.

Service Exchange
TimeBank logo

Anyone can join the TimeBank to offer skills or services - and receive services in exchange - no money needed! The Dane County TimeBank (DCTB), established in 2005, is a network of over 2500 individuals and organizations who exchange services and skills to build community, build capacity, and come together to help each other to build a better world. In timebanking, everyone's contribution is valued equally - one hour equals one hour - and services exchanged help to fill resource gaps in the community.  

The Dane County TimeBank has become a valuable tool to build programs that help solve challenges identified by the community - collaborating with community partners Dane County Human Services, Madison School District, and other supporters and participants to connect unmet needs with unused resources. Their PROJECTS provide meaningful ways for members to tap into to the network and offer needed skills and services.

Madison Community Pledge
Attorney General Holder attends an event with his son, Eric Holder III, and his brother, William Holder. (Credit: Department of Justice)

Have you taken the My Brother's Keeper Madison Community Pledge and are wondering where to go from there? You're in luck! Help work towards the goals of My Brother's Keeper Madison through any of these many resources. Simply look for your pledge selections and follow the links to learn more!

Student Expulsion Prevention Project
Wisconsin Flag representing the state public defenders

StEPP is a pilot project designed to address the need for quality legal representation for students in the MMSD facing expulsion. 

Job Center of Wisconsin
Picture of large handwritten note reading "A Second Chance"

The resources and links offered are to assist ex-offenders to reentry into their community. Additional resources will appear as they become available. Please review carefully, and contact the key staff as listed to ensure a quick reply.

  • Criminal Records and Getting Back into the Workforce: This resource discusses the ex-offenders criminal record and what to expect when dealing with employers.
  • DOL Ex-Offender Handbook: A federal guide to resources available from the Job Center system.
  • Arrest and Conviction Records Under the Law: FAQs, from the Equal Rights Division of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
  • Xamire Wisconsin has resources to help felons find jobs, housing and federal programs. 
  • Fair Shake is a re-entry resource center that encourages all stakeholders to participate in the reintegration of formerly incarcerated people back into society.
  • Ready4Work is a report from the US Dept. of Labor on a pilot program designed to help returning offenders by linking them to community institutions like Holy Cathedral/Word of Hope Ministries of Milwaukee.