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Utah Prisoner Advocate Network

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


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📢 Updates for Uta

📢 Updates for Utah Prison Families: What We Learned at Today's UDC Stakeholder Meeting

Today, UPAN participated in the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) Stakeholder Advocacy Meeting, where we discussed many of the concerns families have been sharing with us, particularly regarding ongoing lockdowns, commissary delays, housing safety, medical care, and communication. We know how frustrating and frightening it can be when you cannot reach your loved one, receive conflicting information, or struggle to get answers about their well-being. We want to share what we learned, what UDC is working on, and which questions still need answers.

🔹 LOCKDOWNS & COMMISSARY
UDC acknowledged that recent lockdowns have caused significant disruptions to commissary services. Leadership clarified that they did not intentionally suspend commissary operations, but restrictions, staffing limitations, and distribution challenges resulted in orders being delayed or returned. UDC reported that returned orders were refunded and that commissary operations are getting back on track. However, questions remain about why some housing units received deliveries while others did not, and how families and incarcerated individuals can verify outstanding refunds.

🔹 HOUSING SAFETY & PROTECTION
Advocates raised serious concerns about vulnerable incarcerated individuals being housed in potentially unsafe environments, particularly in shared housing units. UDC explained that housing assignments involve several considerations, including personal safety, medical needs, programming requirements, and available space. Leadership emphasized that incarcerated individuals who feel threatened should notify staff, particularly housing-unit lieutenants. We also raised concerns about people who fear retaliation for reporting threats, assaults, or other dangerous situations. UDC agreed to follow up on how these individuals can safely report concerns and what protective measures they can expect.

🔹 MEDICATIONS & HEALTHCARE
Families have reported delays in medication delivery and interruptions to mental health services during lockdowns. UDC explained that when incarcerated individuals cannot leave their cells for medication distribution, medical staff must deliver medications individually, accompanied by correctional officers. This significantly increases the time required. UDC acknowledged these challenges and stated that staff are working to ensure medications are delivered. UPAN will continue advocating for timely access to essential medications and mental health care, regardless of housing restrictions.

🔹 TABLETS & COMMUNICATION
UDC is working toward providing incarcerated individuals with new ViaPath/GTL tablets, with a goal of completing the one-to-one rollout by the end of 2026. However, security concerns identified during testing have delayed portions of the implementation. We recognize how important tablets are for maintaining family connections and accessing institutional services. We will continue seeking updates on implementation and alternative ways individuals can access essential services when tablets are unavailable.

🔹 EDUCATION & PROGRAMMING
We discussed how prolonged lockdowns have interrupted educational programs, treatment, and other rehabilitation opportunities. These interruptions are especially concerning for individuals working toward programming requirements or preparing for release. UDC acknowledged these concerns and indicated that it is examining ways to address the disruptions.

🔹 BETTER COMMUNICATION WITH FAMILIES
One of UPAN's biggest priorities continues to be improving communication between UDC, incarcerated individuals, families, and advocacy organizations. UDC introduced additional stakeholder-services personnel and expressed support for making information easier to access and more consistent. We also discussed updating family orientation resources and exploring more accessible opportunities for families to ask questions directly. Our goal is simple: Families should not have to rely on rumors, conflicting information, or repeated phone calls to understand what is happening with their loved ones.

📅 IMPORTANT: UPCOMING FAMILY LISTENING SESSION
UDC is preparing for a Family Listening Session on Thursday, November 12, 2026. During today's meeting, UDC announced October 31, 2026, as the requested deadline for families to submit questions, concerns, and feedback so staff can review and organize submissions ahead of the session. We encourage families to participate and share their experiences.
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ℹ️ https://corrections.utah.gov/udc-to-hold-community…

❤️ OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
We appreciate UDC leadership taking time to hear these concerns and engage in meaningful discussion with advocates. We also recognize that explanations alone don't resolve the difficulties families and incarcerated individuals are experiencing. Several important questions remain unanswered, and UPAN will continue following up to seek clearer information, meaningful accountability, and practical solutions. Your experiences matter. Your questions matter. And your loved ones deserve to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. If you have experienced any of the issues discussed above, we encourage you to share your concerns with UPAN. Your experiences help us identify patterns and advocate for improvements that benefit the broader incarcerated community.

Thank you for allowing us to advocate alongside you.

Utah Prisoner Advocate Network (UPAN)
Supporting incarcerated individuals and their families through education, advocacy, and community.

#UPAN #UtahPrisonerAdvocateNetwork #UtahCorrections #PrisonFamilies #FamilySupport #PrisonReform #CriminalJusticeReform ...

8 hours ago
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Leading the Way: Implementing a Deferred Prosecution Program

In the next four years, I will work with Salt Lake County, the District Attorney’s Office, the Legal Defenders Association, and community providers to create an accountable pathway to treatment for eligible, nonviolent individuals with lower-level charges.

A prosecutor and legal defender embedded in the jail booking process would jointly review eligible cases. If all parties agree, the individual would be transported to an available community treatment bed. Those who complete treatment and meet the program’s conditions would have their charges dropped. If they do not comply, the case would proceed in court.

This approach maintains accountability, addresses mental health and substance use needs, reduces repeat offenses, and preserves jail space for people who pose the greatest risk to public safety. ...

23 hours ago
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Save the Date: UPAN

Save the Date: UPAN Family Zoom Meeting — October 12 💚 - https://mailchi.mp/utahprisoneradvocate/… ...

1 day ago
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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.

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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.

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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.

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Draper, UT 84020

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