Advancing Real Change, Inc.

Advancing Real Change, Inc. was founded to respond to the trend in the criminal justice system toward increasingly retributive sentencing – sentencing that seeks, above all, to punish the accused to the maximum degree possible. Lost in this process are the actual people. Those who face criminal charges in our court systems confront tremendous dehumanization, presented as nothing more than their crimes. Sadly, this is true even when the defendants are children. These are the circumstances that ARC, Inc. seeks to change by providing comprehensive, accurate life history investigation in the cases where it is needed most.

Our clients are those who are facing the full weight of the government's power and its ability to take life – the imposition of the death penalty and life without the possibility for parole - and often come from the most challenging circumstances. We prioritize working on cases where the need is the greatest, and we work with indigent clients throughout the nation.

We pursue our mission by:
- engaging in direct casework
- hosting and presenting at high-quality trainings for defenders at all stages of their professional development
- providing technical assistance
- providing high-quality online training and materials such as our Resource Clearinghouse

ARC, Inc.'s direct case work involves providing a comprehensive life history investigation for every client we serve. The information from that effort, which includes speaking with those who have known the accused, and obtaining and reviewing various records, contextualizes the offense. If a case is in a position where a sentence will be imposed, this process enables a determination to be made that is not focused on retribution, but rather on the complexity of the defendant's experiences and circumstances that led to the injurious actions.

Training and coalition-building efforts are equally important to our mission. Our work in these areas is intended to prepare a new generation of defense attorneys and life history investigators.

ARC, Inc. is committed to following the ABA Guidelines for Mitigation Function of Defense Team in Capital Cases and the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth Guidelines for the representation of child clients

ARC, Inc. is uniquely qualified to provide life history investigation in the cases where this work is most needed. Together, its senior staff members have a collective experience of nearly three decades of life history investigation. These staff members are nationally recognized experts on the construction and effective presentation of life history evidence and are often asked to serve as faculty members for trainings throughout the country. Our Executive Director, Dr. Elizabeth Vartkessian, received the J.M.K. Innovation Prize for her efforts to bring the rigorous methodology and standards of capital mitigation work to all aspects of the criminal justice process.

ARC, Inc. now has offices in two regions, allowing for greater impact in areas that are desperate for criminal justice reform.

ARC, Inc.’s capital defense work consists of trial and post-conviction cases in both state and federal jurisdictions throughout the United States. In addition to its direct casework, ARC, Inc. provides support to defenders nationwide through its training and consulting work. This year, approximately 2,000 unique defenders and legal teams have received training through our in-person workshops, virtual webinar series, and other initiatives.

During the pandemic, ARC, Inc. extended its footprint to Florida, allowing us to build networks and resources for greater impact on a state that leads the nation in confining people to life in prison. In October 2022, ARC, Inc. will be introducing it's three-day conference to the Northeast Florida region.