Lois DeMott, Coordinator 2014 Soros Fellow with Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter” Martin Luther King, Jr.

KEVIN DEMOTT, AGE 15 DAY OF SENTENCING TO MDOC

Credit: Photographer Richard Ross/Juvenile-in-Justice.com Youth in Juvenile Detention Center- Biloxi, Mississippi

LETTER BELOW WRITTEN IN 2007 BY MINOR INMATE, KYLE, AGE 14.

Another youth, a year prior to his sentence. Age 15 when sentenced to adult prison.

The Impact of Incarceration on Families and Children… calls for support, not isolation and shame.

Every prisoner family has their own experience and story. Media, exposed without a choice Secrecy, shame, anger, guilt, extreme grief that often does not heal with time Financial and emotional burdens are significant Accessing information about the system is challenging. Families often feel powerless, unable to advocate and “walled off”.

We are here to assist and help you find support.

CITIZENS FOR PRISON REFORM ACCOMPLISHMENTS

CPR monthly educational and support meetings have continued since May of Meetings are currently held in Lansing.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS THROUGH SHARING OUR STORIES AND EXPERIENCES :  CPR’s creation of a Resource Guide for families.  Family Information Packet now available on MDOC’s website, ordered legislatively.  Director reduced loss of visits due to two substance abuse tickets from 2 years to life to 1 year, at warden’s discretion.  Standard Authorization form for prisoners to sign, Gives family access to know of a medical or mental health crises. Ordered legislatively. Now available on MDOC’s website.

1000 W. ST. JOSEPH HWY. SUITE 400 LANSING, MI PHONE: Host: Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency Purpose of the Program:  Reach out to families and friends of the incarcerated  Provide resources, information and support  Bring awareness within the community Four Pilot Sites: Macomb – Detroit Brooks/West Shoreline – Muskegon Central Michigan – St. Louis  Volunteer Family Advocates are being trained.  Informational Posters are in four pilot facilities for visitors and prisoners.  Community workshops being held to provide support to loved ones.  Family Advisory Board to Corrections Administration being created.  Family Advisory Board to Corrections Administration being created.

ADDITIONAL WORK OF THE FAMILY PARTICIPATION PROGRAM:  Presented to four pilot prisons, Warden’s Forums, which included staff. Gathered input. Surveys of prisoners, staff and families being conducted.  Creating video on program that will be made available on prison channel at pilot sites.  Assisted over 100 individual families or advocates since May.  Meetings continue at pilot sites and with Central Office Administration.  Family Advisory Board to MDOC is convening.