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The Jail & Prison Advocacy Project
The Jail & Prison Advocacy Project (JPAP) is a program within Disability Rights DC (DRDC). JPAP advocates for returning citizens with psychiatric disabilities, intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and co-occurring substance use disorders in DC.
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.
Steps to receiving our services
Step 1
Determine your eligibility for our services. JPAP provides re-entry assistance to DC residents who meet the following criteria:
- Have a current or recent diagnosis of a significant mental illness, intellectual disability, or traumatic brain injury as determined by a mental health professional.
- Are incarcerated at the DC Central Detention Facility or Correctional Treatment Facility (often referred to collectively as the “DC Jail”), within the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP), or in a halfway house.
- Have three to six months prior to release from an FBOP facility or the DC Jail.
JPAP provides additional advocacy and legal services to DC residents who are currently incarcerated within the DC Jail or Saint Elizabeths Hospital and need assistance advocating for issues related to their psychiatric or intellectual disability.
Step 2
If you or someone you know are in need of our services and meet the qualifications above, contact us at (202) 547-0198 (telephone), (202) 547-2657 (TTY), or email us at drdcintake@uls-dc.org. Our intake specialist will ask you some questions about your case and the services you're hoping to get from JPAP. If you are eligible for our services, we will then connect you to a staff member best suited to assist you.
Step 3
If you are eligible and our resources allow it, receive the free, quality services that you need. Depending on your needs, this could look like helping you secure affordable housing, create your individual-centered re-entry plan, locate trauma-informed treatment, and more!
What can you gain from working with JPAP?
- Legal representation from experts in disability law and the criminal legal system.
- One-on-one assistance with identifying disability services in DC (including trauma-based services).
- Access to advocates with lived experience in the criminal legal system and with psychiatric disabilities.
- Individualized advocacy on your behalf as you navigate substance use treatment and mental health case management services.
Resources for currently or formerly incarcerated DC residents
Here is some information you may find useful. For more resources, please visit the "Resource Page" section of our site.
Contact us today for support in the re-entry process!
Contact us at (202) 547-0198 (telephone), (202) 547-2657 (TTY), or at drdcintake@uls-dc.org.
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