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Spotlight Series: The Jail and Prison Advocacy Project
At University Legal Services, we believe everyone deserves dignity, respect, and a fair shot at building a better future. The Jail & Prison Advocacy Project (JPAP), a program within Disability Rights DC, is at the heart of this mission. Our JPAP team is dedicated to advocating for incarcerated and returning citizens in DC with psychiatric disabilities, intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and co-occurring substance use disorders.
Our Re-Entry Advocates and Peer Navigators go beyond traditional advocacy to meet our clients’ most basic needs, ensuring they have the foundation to rebuild their lives. From accompanying clients on grocery trips to providing cell phones that keep them connected to essential resources, they offer hands-on support every step of the way. They also stand up for our clients against systemic barriers, advocating fiercely to ensure access to housing, healthcare, and justice. This personalized, compassionate approach empowers individuals to navigate reentry with dignity and confidence.
For many of our clients, the challenges don’t end with release. Over 90% of the individuals we serve are chronically unhoused, and the same percentage are people of color. These intersecting barriers make the reentry process especially daunting, but JPAP is here to help every step of the way. Through person-centered reentry planning, we ensure our clients have access to the support they need to thrive.
Breaking Barriers in Re-Entry
Recently, one of our clients faced a particularly difficult reentry experience. Despite being scheduled for release on a Thursday, he was let out a day later than planned—after business hours on Friday when resources like the treatment program where he was supposed to stay, and meal programs were unavailable. With just a farecard and an ill-fitting sweatsuit, he faced the possibility of immediate instability.
Our JPAP team was not able to meet him that Friday night, but stepped in ensure he had the support he needed right away. We sent a Lyft to pick him up and take him to a hypothermia shelter, which forces everyone to leave each morning at 7. We also called to let people know what happened about his release so he would not face any negative consequences for not reporting to treatment on time. Reentry Advocate Robert Davis met him on Saturday to give him a cell phone so he could be reached and call for assistance, if necessary. Robert also provided him with shoes--“jail” shoes are not made to be worn outside, especially if it rains--and a gift card for food to get him through the weekend.
This is just one example of how JPAP goes above and beyond to help our clients navigate the obstacles of reentry. From securing transportation to providing phones and food, and advocating on behalf of our clients, we are committed to breaking down the barriers that stand in the way of a stable, independent life.
Rooted in Gratitude
In the midst of this season of gratitude, we reflect on the powerful words of Robert, a reentry advocate and peer navigator on our JPAP team. Formerly incarcerated himself, Robert draws on his experiences to support others on their journey to freedom. “My clients keep me rooted and mindful that I have been where they are. I am so happy to be here. I was able to take my young son to school today. I’m making plans to host a large Thanksgiving meal. These are precious moments you miss when you are in prison. Even though there are rough patches, a day on the outside is still far better than being on the inside.”
Freedom is incomparable, and we are honored to stand alongside our clients and team members like Robert, who make this work possible. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.
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