Disclaimer: UPAN does not provide medical or legal advice. Information on this site is for general educational and advocacy purposes only. Please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for more details.

Utah Prisoner Advocate Network

UPAN | A nonprofit community advocacy group supporting the families of Utah inmates.


All of our important links are now in one place! https://linktr.ee/utahprisoner  Follow UPAN on Linktree


Recent News

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
Image attachment
Image attachment
Image attachment

Photos from Breaking Chains - in our own voice's post ... See MoreSee Less

20 hours ago
View Comments likes Like love 9 Comments: 3 Shares: 1
Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

3 CommentsComment on Facebook

UPAN encourages fami

UPAN encourages families, advocates, and community members to consider applying for the 2026 UDC Citizens’ Academy.

The Utah Department of Corrections is accepting applications now for its Third Annual Citizens’ Academy, a 10-week program running August through October 2026, with applications due June 1, 2026. The program is designed to help the public better understand the many divisions and operations within UDC, including facility tours, lectures, and hands-on training. Participants must be 18 or older and able to pass a criminal background check. Those with felony convictions are not eligible to attend.

Several UPAN Directors attended in past years, and we can say from experience that it is a fantastic opportunity to get a deeper, more informed look at how corrections in Utah works. Even when families and advocates do not agree with every policy or practice, understanding the system more clearly can help build stronger dialogue, better advocacy, and more effective support for incarcerated loved ones.

According to UDC, weekly instruction includes topics such as facility tours, lectures, and hands-on training, with classes held on Tuesday evenings and two Saturdays during the course.

If you have the time and interest, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Learn more on UDC’s announcement page and submit your application to [email protected] or visit https://corrections.utah.gov/udc-now-accepting-app…

#UPAN #UtahPrisonerAdvocateNetwork #UtahCorrections #CitizensAcademy #CriminalJusticeReform #UtahFamilies #Advocacy ... See MoreSee Less

20 hours ago
View Comments likes Like love 10 Comments: 1 Shares: 3
Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

1 CommentsComment on Facebook

We’re proud to partner with Steve Shallenberger, founder of Becoming Your Best, and Jamie Thorup as they prepare to launch their leadership course for our residents at Timpanogos Community Treatment Center.

Leadership isn’t just for the workplace, it’s a life skill. This course aims to help residents build accountability, set meaningful goals, and strengthen communication. All key tools for successful reentry and long-term growth.

Thank you, Steve and Jamie, for investing your time and expertise in the individuals we serve. We’re excited to see the impact this program will have! ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago
View Comments likes Like love 1 Comments: 1 Shares: 0
Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

1 CommentsComment on Facebook

Load More Posts


About UPAN

The Utah Prisoner Advocate Network (UPAN) is dedicated to supporting families and loved ones as they navigate the challenging journey of incarceration. When a friend or family member is incarcerated, it can be an overwhelming experience, as supporters face the complex rules, regulations, and restrictions of life separated by bars. UPAN works to make this transition less complicated and isolating by providing resources and support for families while also advocating for better conditions and fairness within Utah’s correctional facilities. Please visit our About Page to learn more.

Follow UPAN on Linktree
All of our important links are now in one place! https://linktr.ee/utahprisoner

Associations

UPAN is a proud coalition member of People Not Prisons, a group of advocacy groups working on behalf of people with mental health conditions, people recovering from substance use disorders, and men and women caught up in Utah’s criminal justice system.

Donate | Federal EIN Number: 90-1021189

The Utah Prisoner Advocate Network (UPAN) is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Your contributions are tax-deductible and directly support our mission to create positive change. Information about an UPAN’s tax-exempt status and filings can be found on the IRS website. To make a donation and join our efforts, please visit our Donations page.

Contact us

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 464
Draper, UT 84020

Leave Us a Message

Make a Donation