Prison Justice and Decarceration

The Prison Justice & Healthcare Reform Program works to end dangerous and inhumane conditions inside Connecticut prisons while advancing policies that reduce incarceration and shrink the prison population. Our goal is to move Connecticut away from punishment and toward care, accountability, and community-based solutions.

Incarceration should never mean abuse, neglect, or denial of medical care. Prison conditions are a public health issue—and mass incarceration itself is a policy failure that harms families and communities.

• Safe, humane living conditions in all Connecticut prisons
• Guaranteed access to quality medical, mental health, and dental care
• Strong oversight and transparency within the Department of Correction
• Policies that reduce the prison population, including:
  • Expansion of diversion and community-based alternatives
  • Second chance release for people criminalized before age 25
  • Sentencing reform and reentry investment
  • An end to cash bail
• Elimination of discrimination in employment and housing for formerly incarcerated people
   

We advocate at the State Capitol to change laws, strengthen oversight, and uplift the leadership of directly impacted people—inside and outside prison walls.

Our work includes:

• Supporting legislation that improves healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, and safety in prisons
• Advancing laws that divert people away from incarceration and into community-based supports
• Strengthening independent oversight and monitoring of DOC practices
• Providing written and oral testimony to key legislative committees
• Organizing community lobby days with directly impacted people, families, and allies
• Coordinating with statewide coalitions working to end mass incarceration
   

Unsafe prison conditions, excessive incarceration, and reentry barriers are deeply interconnected. Denied healthcare, extreme heat, retaliation for speaking out, and prolonged incarceration have life-threatening consequences.

Communities are safer when people have access to healthcare, housing, employment, and second chances—not when prisons are used as default solutions. True public safety means fewer people incarcerated and more people supported.

Ending mass incarceration requires collective action. Join us in advocating for humane prison conditions, healthcare justice, diversion programs, second-chance policies, and an end to the barriers that keep people locked out of opportunity after release.