I thought that this group may be of interest to those with family about to come home or have recently. Below is the link to the group and a brief history.

Patti

http://www.afsc.org/nymetro/criminaljustice/default.htm

"Begun in 1975, the Criminal Justice Program works through four discrete projects to insure the protection of prisoners' rights, the successful reentry to society by ex-prisoners, and the choice of productive options for youth. It increases public awareness of the causes of crime and the costs of the current penal system to society.

The Prison Watch Project monitors human rights concerns, violations, and abuses of prisoners in the U.S. federal and state prison system, with a regional focus on New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. A special emphasis is maintained on the inappropriate use of isolation and devices of torture. Staff advocate resolution of the complaints through appropriate channels and report abuses to national and international monitoring groups. Staff speak widely on prison issues and provide technical assistance to students, media and authors.

The Prisoners Resource Center annually assists 600-800 soon-to be released prisoners, ex-prisoners, and members of prisoners' families access emergency needs, prepare for employment and education, and secure emotional counseling. Staff and volunteers include ex-prisoners who have first-hand experience with the obstacles to positive reintegration. Their stories are told in Coming Home (pdf).

The Life Skills Project annually increases the ability of inmates in the Union County, New Jersey Jail to reintegrate successfully into society through an in-jail workshop focused on basic job literacy, appropriate work behavior, and job exploration.

The New Directions Youth Project is an innovative mentoring program that works with twelve-fifteen "at risk" youth and first-time offenders, ages 14 to 18. The Project helps participants choose positive options for their lives. Mentors, who take part in a three-day training, are highly motivated individuals who want to serve their community. A 27-week after school curriculum focuses on personal, cultural, and historic awareness, life goals, and community concerns. The Project offers summer internship opportunities."

Public Awareness

I am contacting you about a violation of my Husbands and others violation of their civil rights while incarcerated. Upon his arrival at Alhambra a reception facility in Phoenix, Arizona, routine labs were taken, indicating he was ill; thus, when he arrived at the state prison five days latter his labs indicated again he was very ill. He requested medical attention; however, his request was not granted. He died shortly there after. There was no internal or external treatment given to him, not even the basic CPR. The prison staff falsified documentation of treatment and vital signs they said they took. The medical records say otherwise; in which, these are a legal document. The pathologist could not determine his time of death; however, he was pronounced dead at 0518. My Husband has always been a healthy man, so his death came as a shock to me!
Is anyone interested in correcting the wrongs affecting people’s lives while incarcerated? Some may say they deserve what they get because they put themselves in that situation. Let me tell you this is not true. Many are there because of the lack of representation and the cracks in the system. Nothing is perfect but we surly can improve the existing laws we have in place.
Our Loved Ones are being Abused, Tortured and Denied Medical Attention, right here in the U.S. How can this atrocity be taking place. We are suppose to set an example of higher standards to other countries to treat people humanly. Our local jails in Arizona, feed people two times a day, which one of those meals is a sack lunch. People may say, "oh well" at least they are eating. Aren’t people innocent until PROVEN guilty? A lot of times people don’t have the financial resources to acquire a lawyer; therefore, the court appoints one for you. As a whole they really don’t give a damn what happens to you!
Our Loved ones is being treated like animals in a third world country. I never thought about nor was this issue brought to the public’s attention through the media. People are deprived of their basic human rights and civil rights; yet, nothing is done! Also, the guards need to be monitored and taught to not be abusive and degrading as well! The Board of Supervisors should be monitoring and regulating a higher standard of care.
This is not a third world country, we are suppose to set a higher standard. This is the Great and Powerful United States of America! We need to become educated on what is actually taking place behind the walls of incarceration. You never know maybe one day You may have a loved one in this type of situation.

So srry for your loss. Everything you said is true .If you can't afford a lawyer of your own choosing how is this fair?In mass they write things on the menue s at prison they never see. Somthing as small as onions and pepers. It looks good on paper you know money spent. Yea spent on who?

Is there anyone or any organization that can help prompt a state to honor the interstate compact agreement they agreed to participate in? I more then meet the criteria needed for the transfer including the emergency clause with my ex-wife (who is now my fiance) in poor health trying to raise our three young children ages four to nine. Even the accepting state has agreed to take my case if it was processed and sent to them but. the state of louisiana refuses to even begin the proceess. Please help if you can with names of anyone or any organization that can help. Thank you.