The Jail & Prison Advocacy Project

Supporting incarcerated and returning citizens with disabilities

The Jail & Prison Advocacy Project (JPAP) is a program within Disability Rights DC. JPAP advocates for incarcerated and returning citizens with psychiatric disabilities, intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and co-occurring substance use disorders in DC.

Over 90% of our clients are chronically unhoused and over 90% are people of color. We recognize the unique challenges that these groups face in the re-entry process. We work to address these challenges through evidence-based, client-centered re-entry planning and advocacy.  

Our services

JPAP's staff helps clients have equal access to community services and meet supervision requirements by: 

• Holding community providers accountable for meeting their obligations.
• Monitoring substance use treatment and mental health case management services .
• Identifying trauma-based treatment.
• Applying to transitional housing prior to release or securing permanent housing.
• Communicating on behalf of our clients with public agencies (such as the DC Department of Behavioral Health, and the DC Department of Corrections).
• Assisting in creating client-centered reentry plans.
• Advocating for disability accommodations for those on supervision or parole.
• Providing representation in supervision revocation proceedings .

JPAP also regularly monitors the DC Jail and investigates claims of abuse and neglect by our clients. For example, last year, JPAP Supervising Attorney Natasha Walls Smith opened an organizational investigation into a recent fire at the Jail. During the fire, jail officials allegedly failed to evacuate jail residents. JPAP takes the information that we learn from our cases and monitoring to advocate for reform in DC’s criminal legal system.