Smart Justice

Send us a textWhen young people find themselves isolated and without essential support systems, they go down some dangerous paths. Many communities around the nation are seeing a rise in violent crime among youth—and it’s more serious than ever. We take you inside the crisis and highlight solutions. You’ll hear from prosecutors, judges, outreach workers, and teens who’ve lived it. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic — as schools closed, community programs were disrupted, and families found themselves under increased stress — many young people became vulnerable to negative influences and started engaging in risky behaviors. They started to feel more anxious and turned to guns for protection and substances for relief. We’ll explore how communities are tackling this challenge, spotlighting innovative solutions designed not only to reduce juvenile crime but also to create pathways to brighter futures. We’ll hear from people directly involved in the juvenile justice system about what’s working, what’s not, and how we can bring hope back to families. With the proper resources and guidance, the damage can be mitigated, but we must take action before things spiral out of control. Featured in this episode:Arkansas Department of Human Services Secretary Kristi PutnamBillie Jean Mayben of the Youth Empowerment Project in Little RockArkansas Division of Youth Services Director Michael CrumpArkansas Division of Youth Services Assistant Director of Treatment Kimberly Key-BellArkansas Division of Youth Services Assistant Director of Prevention Adrian SandersSmart Justice is a production of Restore Hope. Executive Director is Paul Chapman. Associate Directors are Karen Phillips and Sarah Littleton. Executive producer of the podcast is Karen Tricot Steward. Videography and production by Ti King. Support the show[Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope[Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a textMany communities across Arkansas are seeing an uptick in youth crime, especially violent offenses. We travel the state to talk to judges, law enforcement, juveniles in the system, and others to examine what's happening, solutions being implemented, and how we can continue to improve outcomes for families going forward. Subscribe on your favorite platform. Season 4 dives deep—real stories, bold solutions, and the voices shaping justice in Arkansas. The season drops May 8, 2025.Executive Producer: Karen Tricot Steward. Videography and production by Ti King.  Support the show[Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope[Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a textEver wondered how early childhood experiences shape a lifetime? Dr. Sufna John from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences gives her profound insights into infant and early childhood mental health. This special bonus episode kicks off with a compelling discussion on the real-world impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and PTSD. Dr. John’s expertise sheds light on the importance of understanding and addressing trauma to foster genuine compassion and create better outcomes.We then navigate the intricate relationship between childhood trauma and parenting. Learn how pregnancy and early childhood can stir up past traumas, reigniting symptoms of PTSD and depression. This conversation tackles the issue of toxic positivity and underscores the importance of safe spaces for parents to express their challenging emotions. Dr. John says that by normalizing these experiences, we highlight the need for compassionate communication and regular support to mitigate the overwhelming stress parents face, making it clear that coping mechanisms like substance use are often misguided attempts at managing trauma.The discussion evolves to emphasize the critical role of adult support in building resilience among children. Discover why investing in the adults who nurture young minds is pivotal for positive outcomes after trauma. From correcting personal biases to ensuring honest and empathetic communication, Dr. John stresses the importance of creating emotionally safe environments. By shifting perspectives and truly understanding trauma’s physiological impacts, we can build trust and foster supportive relationships that pave the way for healthier families and communities.Support the show[Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope[Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a textInterested in becoming a foster parent? Find info here Every Child ArkansasRead the SmartJustice Season 3 magazine Welcome to season 3 of SmartJustice we're calling 'A Chance At Life'. This season we focus on the well-being and future of children, youth and families in the child welfare system. In this final episode we talk with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam about Executive Order to Protect Children, Support Families, and Improve Foster Care. And Jerome Strickland and Phil Goad about the new Every Child Arkansas website and network of partners. As you read, we encourage you to consider yourrole in this narrative. Whether through fostering,adopting, mentoring, or supporting, your contributioncan make Arkansas a beacon of opportunityand promise for every child.Together, we can shape destinies and improvefutures, weaving a tapestry of acts that makeArkansas the best place to raise a family.Restore Hope https://www.restorehopear.org A Chance At Life was written and recorded by artist/producer Jason Truby and licensed for use through Wixen Music Publishing, Inc. Watch the music video that includes the artist and community members passionate about making Arkansas a great place to raise a family. Support the show[Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope[Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a textGuests Judge Troy Braswell and Project Zero Executive Director Christie Erwin. If you would like to explore adoption visit https://theprojectzero.org/index.php Emmy award winning film maker Nathan Willis is a long time partner with Project Zero to help find waiting children the right forever home. https://nathanwillisfilms.com/about https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectZero1/videosSupport the show[Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope[Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a textInterested in becoming a foster parent? Find info at Every Child Arkansas. Want to support a foster family? In this episode we talk with Darneshia Allen with Zero to Three, Christen Butler with The CALL, Dr. Derek Brown with Arkansas Baptist Children and Family Ministries, Pastor Chris Massey with Fellowship Bible  Church Searcy, and Dennis Berry, foster parent and The CALL board member. Hosts Dr. Andrew Baker with Harding University and Paul Chapman with Restore Hope. Read the SmartJustice Season 3 magazine Support the show[Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope[Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a textGuests Allie GravesChristen Butler - Executive Director The CALLDr. Derek Brown - Executive Director Arkansas Baptist Children and Family MinistriesDennis Berry Interested in becoming a foster parent? Find info here Every Child ArkansasRead the SmartJustice Season 3 magazine Welcome to season 3 of SmartJustice we're calling 'A Chance At Life'. This season we focus on the well-being and future of children, youth and families in the child welfare system. Restore Hope https://www.restorehopear.org A Chance At Life was written and recorded by artist/producer Jason Truby and licensed for use through Wixen Music Publishing, Inc. Watch the music video that includes the artist and community members passionate about making Arkansas a great place to raise a family. Support the show[Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope[Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a textInterested in becoming a foster parent? Find info here Every Child ArkansasRead the SmartJustice Season 3 magazine GuestsJeff PikerSkye MitchellMahogany SmithLicia EtheridgeDevin SinghIn this episode we talk with Children and Family Services staff and community leaders in Russellville, AR about supporting families during and after child welfare cases. They share how their community is collaborating in a new way and seeing better outcomes for families. Restore Hope https://www.restorehopear.org A Chance At Life was written and recorded by artist/producer Jason Truby and licensed for use through Wixen Music Publishing, Inc. Watch the music video that includes the artist and community members passionate about making Arkansas a great place to raise a family. Support the show[Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope[Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a textInterested in becoming a foster parent? Find info here Every Child ArkansasRead the SmartJustice Season 3 magazine Welcome to season 3 of SmartJustice we're calling 'A Chance At Life'. This season we focus on the well-being and future of children, youth and families in the child welfare system. In this edition, we spotlight visionary individuals who are reshapingthe system and breathing new life into the concept of care and support.In February of 2023, Governor Sanders issued a compelling executive order, underscoring the need to Protect Children, Support Families, and Improve Foster Care. As you read, we encourage you to consider yourrole in this narrative. Whether through fostering,adopting, mentoring, or supporting, your contributioncan make Arkansas a beacon of opportunityand promise for every child.Together, we can shape destinies and improvefutures, weaving a tapestry of acts that makeArkansas the best place to raise a family.Restore Hope https://www.restorehopear.org A Chance At Life was written and recorded by artist/producer Jason Truby and licensed for use through Wixen Music Publishing, Inc. Watch the music video that includes the artist and community members passionate about making Arkansas a great place to raise a family. Support the show[Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope[Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a textWe talk with Arkansas' Attorney General about Community Diversion and a Representative from Fort Smith where the courts, law enforcement, and community providers are usually connected in innovative ways. The way forward is to run a pilot 'Community Diversion' program in around 10 different courts to define common measures and procedures and then assess outcomes across a broad range of factors including litigant substance use, housing, employment, and ability to satisfy unresolved legal obligations. Around 60 leaders including several judges are convening at the Rockefeller Institute in March of 2023 to plan a pilot.  Many Arkansans in prison and/or with children in the child welfare system started their legal engagement with misdemeanor crimes like traffic tickets, driving with no insurance, or theft. Community Diversion in District Courts is a key move to prevent future incarceration and/or foster care. Thanks to:Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin Representative Cindy Crawford Winthrop Rockefeller Institute Executive Director Janet Harris Support the show[Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope[Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/