Artwork stating 'Education Destroys Barriers', 'We Demand Treatment', and 'I Need A Chance'

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  • India's 'Open Prisons' Are a Marvel of Trust-Based Incarceration

    The Sanganer open prison serves as an important alternative to traditional incarceration in India by remaining open for 12 hours a day and allowing inmates to go out. It is one of 88 open prisons in India that works on a model of reform and helps inmates to keep their connection with work, family, and society. In doing so, it enables the development of trust as well as skills that can help them not just during incarceration but also after release.

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  • How cellphones transformed life in a women's prison in Argentina

    As Argentine went into strict quarantine in March 2020 and prison rules got stricter, the Court of Appeals in the Province of Buenos Aires allowed the use of cellphones to inmates to ease some of their isolation. It is one of four provinces that legally implemented this measure to last the span of COVID restrictions, but the ruling is still in place and has allowed inmates to keep in touch with loved ones, study, learn new skills, use digital payments, and even participate in virtual protests,

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  • From prison to freedom: How a firm is helping detainees get justice

    The Headfort Foundation runs pro bono cases for incarcerated people in need of legal representation. The Foundation recently launched a Lawyers Without Borders initiative that grants easily accessible, free legal services to those in need by setting up mobile offices. This initiative alone has helped more than 175 people thus far.

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  • In French Presidential Election, Thousands More Vote from Prison

    Outside pressure and legal reforms made it easier for people who are incarcerated to vote. The small nonprofit, Robin des Lois, fought to install regular voting booths in prisons, just like any other precinct. After a long public and legal battle, French legislators approved measures allowing in-person voting in prisons, which significantly increased voter turnout.

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  • Interrupting Cycles of Harm, Inside and Outside Prison Walls

    A growing number of programs are working to interrupt cycles of trauma and harm with currently and formerly incarcerated individuals. Beyond Violence uses curriculum co-designed by women currently incarcerated and uses peer co-facilitation to address the aggression and violence women have experienced personally, as well as been perpetrators of. The curriculum, which also highlights the impact of individuals’ communities, relationships, and social structures, improves mental health and facilitates long-term healing.

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  • Online network matches inmates with services after release, similar to a dating site

    The Inside Out Network is an online service that allows people who are incarcerated to search for and connect with organizations providing re-entry support, helping them begin to create a plan before they are released. So far, at least 1,600 people incarcerated in Arizona have enrolled in the program.

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  • How a Two-Way Text Messaging System Keeps People Out of Jail

    An app is simplifying communication within the legal system. People on probation, probation officers, and public defenders can all see appointments, check-ins, and course loads. Uptrust helps prevent violations by providing an easy way to organize court dates, tests, and to facilitate check-ins. The application also helps clients search for social services nearby.

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  • The Biggest Crop in Prison Gardens: Hope

    A gardening program for correctional facilities is introducing incarcerees to vocational gardening and landscaping, but also provides much more than a chance to get their hands dirty. Insight Garden Program provided a “safe space” for introspection and growth, reduced anxiety and depression, and then eventually helped formerly incarcerated people adjust to life after prison with services that include housing.

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  • The Prisoner-Run Radio Station That's Reaching Men on Death Row

    At Texas’ Polunsky Unit, 106.5FM The Tank is a prison radio station run by and for the prison's incarcerated men, including nearly 200 on death row for whom the radio's shows form "a community center for men who can never leave their cells." The death-row prisoners, like many others in the prison, live in solitary confinement with no access to classes, jobs, or TVs. But they are allowed radios, and the prison warden allowed the creation of The Tank using donated equipment. Shows range from advice and religion to music of all sorts. All the shows are recorded as a security precaution.

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  • This NGO's Strategy Helps Ex-convicts Avoid Repeating Crime

    In the nine years since its founding, Dream Again Prison and Youth Initiative has helped more than 2,000 incarcerated Nigerians prepare for success in work and life after they leave prison. Using mental health support, vocational training, and financial aid after graduates leave prison, the program works in six prisons in an effort to combat the country's rising recidivism rate. Much of the focus is on helping would-be entrepreneurs start their own businesses rather than rely on existing businesses that may not want to give the formerly incarcerated a second chance.

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