Access to Legal Resources for Inmates

Inmates in Connecticut and across the country often lack access to legal resources, making it difficult for them to understand their rights or navigate the legal system effectively. Without access to law books or proper legal education, many individuals are left uninformed and unable to advocate for themselves.

We are advocating for the Connecticut Department of Correction to implement a comprehensive initiative across all correctional facilities in the state to ensure inmates have access to critical legal resources. This includes establishing law libraries within the facilities and making essential legal tools available on the tablets already provided to inmates. These tools should include access to legal books, the ability to download and save documents, print within the facilities, review case law, and electronically file with the courts. Such measures are crucial to empowering inmates to effectively manage their legal matters and navigate the justice system.

In addition, we want to send educators into these facilities to teach inmates how to use these resources properly, creating a vital connection and empowering them with knowledge.

How You Can Get Involved:

• Support Our Initiative: Donate to help us purchase tablets and legal books, and contribute to the development of these in-prison libraries.
• Volunteer: We are looking for volunteers with legal expertise who can help educate inmates about their legal rights and how to utilize legal resources.
• Raise Awareness: Share this initiative with friends, family, and colleagues to help us gather more support.

Reach out to your state representatives and urge them to support this campaign to implement law libraries and legal resources for inmates in Connecticut

If you encounter any difficulties or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help!

Holiday Bail-Out Event

Many people in jail during the holiday season are there simply because they cannot afford bail. This keeps families apart at a time meant for togetherness. Our Holiday Bail-Out event is focused on reuniting families by bailing out individuals who are eligible for release but are stuck in jail due to financial barriers.

From November through the end of the year, we work tirelessly to bring as many people home as possible so they can enjoy the holidays with their loved ones. Additionally, we provide support to help families visit their incarcerated relatives, ensuring that no one feels alone during this important time.

How You Can Get Involved:

• Donate: Your donations will go directly toward bailing out individuals, helping reunite families for the holidays.
• Support Families: Contribute to providing transportation and resources so families can visit their loved ones in prison.
• Join Us: Spread the word about our Holiday Bail-Out event and encourage others to get involved in supporting this important cause.

Fair Wages and Responsibilities for Inmates

Inmates working inside correctional facilities often earn far below the minimum wage—some making as little as $7.50 per pay period. This low wage not only exploits their labor but also prevents them from achieving any form of financial independence. These conditions make it nearly impossible for inmates to save money, purchase basic necessities, or prepare for life after release.

We believe that inmates should be paid, at a minimum, $30 per pay period for their work, enabling them to take responsibility for themselves and learn skills that will help them to be successful in society. By advocating for fair wages and improved work conditions, we aim to help inmates build self-sufficiency, allowing them to support themselves and prepare for reintegration.

How You Can Get Involved:

• Sign Our Petition: Help us gather signatures to push for fair wage policies for inmates.
• Donate: Support our ongoing efforts to advocate for inmate wage reform and better working conditions.
• Raise Your Voice: Share this cause with your network and encourage others to support our mission for fair wages and improved inmate conditions.

Reach out to your state representatives and urge them to support this campaign to increase wages for inmates.

If you encounter any difficulties or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help!