Advocates for Criminal Justice Reform in Utah
The Utah Prisoner Advocate Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and 100% volunteer grassroots community outreach organization that aims to simplify the incarceration process for the inmates’ supporters—while also advocating for better conditions inside Utah jails and prisons. We do this primarily by educating the public through monthly support meetings and newsletters, an open dialogue with the Utah Department of Corrections / county jail administrations, legislative advocacy, guest speakers, coalition forming, and a shared network of useful resources. Instead of membership, our network constituents are formed by volunteers, criminal justice advocates, industry professionals, expert advisors, coalition organizations, formerly incarcerated individuals, and over 1,000 Utah families of the incarcerated and growing.Our Mission Our Organizers Media Inquiries
Join the UPAN Family Support Group on Facebook
We’ve formed a private family support group as a safe place to ask questions, get advice and emotional support from people that know what you’re going through.
- Invaluable resource for those who are new to the criminal justice system in Utah
- Network with UPAN Directors, advocates, and other families of incarcerated loved ones
- Ask questions and get advice
- Moral support from others who’ve experienced the same type of issues and situations
- Formerly incarcerated individuals trying to get back on their feet and looking for resources
- Discussions on criminal justice reform issues
- News, updates, and much more
Join Our Support Group
Join Our UPAN Volunteers / Committees Working Group
Latest News

On Thursday, May 18, 2023, The Central Utah Correctional Facility (CUCF) hosted Dan Young, CEO of Utah-based companies PC Laptops and Xidax Computer, who inspired incarcerated individuals while speaking on how he achieved success in business and life.
Drawing from his own experiences, Young spoke about the significance of integrity, energy, and education for achieving financial success. He also asked the prisoners to write down a list of goals they hope to achieve.
The UDC, CUCF, and its incarcerated population extend their heartfelt thanks to Dan Young for sharing his invaluable insights. With the continued support of individuals like Dan Young and the commitment to rehabilitation in our correctional facilities, the journey towards transformation and successful reintegration continues for those in the Central Utah Correctional Facility.
Listen to Dan's speech here: ow.ly/qHPm50OB2p4
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Did you know:
The Utah DFCM team is working diligently to demolish the decommissioned Utah State Prison so residents of Draper can benefit from the incredible land underneath. Interestingly, the crews are processing rubble on-site and turning it into a fine rocky mixture for use in future development!
The UDC is excited to see the changes coming across the freeway from us! #TBT #TBThursday #UtahDFCM #UtahStatePrison
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Rep. Chris Stewart announces resignation from Congress ... See MoreSee Less

Rep. Chris Stewart announces resignation from Congress
www.fox13now.com
Rep. Chris Stewart confirmed reports and announced his plans to resign from Congress, saying his time as a representative has been a great honor.Last week, Don Siegelman and Robert Bentley, two former governors of Alabama, published a remarkable statement expressing their regret at having presided over executions while in office. Siegelman, a Democrat, was governor from 1999–2003 when Alabama carried out eight executions. Bentley was the state’s Republican chief executive from 2011–2017, a period during which the state put another eight people to death. ... See MoreSee Less

Former Governors of Which State Just Came Out Against the Death Penalty?
slate.com
Regret has an odd, almost grotesque place in the world of the death penalty.Abolish the death penalty!
Abolish the death penalty
A new law aims to make prison calls affordable. The FCC must decide what that means. ... See MoreSee Less

A new law aims to make prison calls affordable. The FCC must decide what that means.
www.marketplace.org
The agency has more authority to regulate the cost of those calls, which could mean significant savings for families of the incarcerated.New policies needed for maternal health care among incarcerated people with COVID-19, according to NICHD-funded researchers ... See MoreSee Less

www.nichd.nih.gov
The health of pregnant individuals and new mothers in the nation’s prisons should be prioritized to avoid future public health crises from COVID-19, according to an analysis by NICHD-funded investigators. Recommended policy changes include early release, when possible, because pregnant people are ...Man found unresponsive in Iron County jail cell dies 3 days later. George William Schuessler was taken into custody about a week before he died. UPAN sends our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. ... See MoreSee Less

Man found unresponsive in Iron County jail cell dies 3 days later
www.sltrib.com
Officers located George William Schuessler in Iron County, Utah, on May 20 and took him into custody that day. He died about a week later, after he was found unresponsive in his cell.
👪🔍 Navigating blended families can be tricky. Introducing "SMART STEPS for Stepfamilies" - a relationship course tailored for you! Facilitated by Linda Donaldson, renowned Education Facilitator at Healthy Relationships Utah, this course offers key insights from the celebrated 'Inside Out Dad' curriculum, but with a focus on the unique dynamics of stepfamilies. 🌈👩👩👧👦👨👨👧👦
⏰ Classes kick off on July 26 and run through August 30, making it a total of 7 power-packed sessions. 💪
💼 With no cost at all, and a free workbook provided, we’re bringing the classroom to the Brookhaven Counseling.
📬 Questions? Linda is just an email away at [email protected].
Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your family ties and take smart steps towards harmony in your household. 🏡💖 See you there! #SmartSteps #HealthyRelationships #UtahStateUniversity
bit.ly/Brookhaven-Counseling
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📢 CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS! 📢
Ainsley Moench, a researcher and Politics, Policy, Law & Ethics major from Willamette University, is seeking interviews with family members of inmates at the new Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF). She is conducting a study focusing on the process and policy of prison construction in Utah. Share your insights on the construction process, your connection with the justice system, and your emotions surrounding it. Commitment: 30-45 minute chat. As a token of gratitude, receive a $40 Amazon gift card! Participation is voluntary and confidential. Questions? Reach Ainsley at [email protected] or 801-232-3321. Help shine a light on prison policies in Utah! #uscfstudy #WillametteResearch #yourvoicematters
Interview Questions: bit.ly/willamette-study-interview-questions
Consent Form: bit.ly/willamette-study-informed-consent-form
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For those around Utah County on Memorial Day, Clean Slate Utah will be hosting free in-person felony record screenings with their partners at Fit To Recover - Utah County! Join them from 7-8:30 pm.Did you know that some criminal records can be expunged? Curious about yours? Come to Fit To Recover - Utah County this Monday the 29th at 7pm for a free screening from Clean Slate Utah.
Breaking down barriers!
Today:
Noon - Alexandra Jeffs McRae
5:30pm - Alexandra Jeff’s McRae
#Community #Connection #Safety #TeamFTR #UtahCounty #SUD #RecoveryCommunityCenter #CreativeArts #Nutrition #CommunityService #CleanSlateUtah #Recordexpungement #MemorialDay
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In Utah, major educational gaps exist for incarcerated people. Here's what's being done ... See MoreSee Less

In Utah, major educational gaps exist for incarcerated people. Here's what's being done
www.ksl.com
A $750,000 grant from Ascendium Education Group will support planning for the launch of a University of Utah research center focused on postsecondary education in prisons.
Learn about the impact InsideOut Dad® has in Utah from the perspective of inmates, probation and parolees, facilitators, corrections facility staff, and the director of programs in the Utah Department of Corrections.
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The Impact of InsideOut Dad® from Multiple Perspectives
www.fatherhood.org
Learn about the impact InsideOut Dad® has in Utah from the perspective of inmates, probation and parolees, facilitators, corrections facility staff, and the director of programs in the Utah Department of Corrections.If this program is offered at your incarcerated loved one’s facility, we highly recommended you encourage them to enroll into this program. More information is available at: www.fatherhood.org/free-resources/topic/insideout-dad
Fathers in Utah County Jail Can Learn to Rebuild Family Connections Thanks to a New Class cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/135704/Miscellaneous%20Documents/Success-Stories/Utah-County-Jail-InsideOu...
‘Inside Out Dad’ teaches incarcerated dads to be better fathers archives.cedarcityutah.com/news/archive/2017/05/03/hsr-sjd-inside-out-dad-teaches-incarcerated-da...
USU Awarded Two $5 Million Grants for Fatherhood and Relationship Education www.usu.edu/today/story/usu-awarded-two-5-million-grants-for-fatherhood-and-relationship-education/
Grant info: Utah State University’s (USU) Fathers Incarcerated Re-entry Education (FIRE) project is designed for adult incarcerated fathers (also known as justice-involved fathers), a population that has been growing substantially in the state of Utah. www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ofa/Utah%20State%20University%20Fatherhood%20FIRE%2...
3rd Edition Curriculum info: store.fatherhood.org/complete-program-kit-insideout-dad-3rd-edition/
Purgatory Correctional Facility: Life-changing program, facilitator perspectives and program structure, live session clips, father perspectives. youtu.be/TfSx516u990

Today, we pause, reflect, and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. 🇺🇸
Memorial Day is a reminder of their courage, selflessness, and dedication, and while we relish the joys of this long weekend, we hold them in our thoughts and prayers. They have given us the freedom we enjoy, the rights we hold dear, and the peace in which we live.
Let's honor them by cherishing these values, spreading kindness, and committing ourselves to contribute positively to our communities. Let's make the world a better place, one act of love and understanding at a time.
Wishing everyone a peaceful and reflective Memorial Day. #MemorialDay #HonorThem #gratitude
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DeSantis says he would push to repeal Trump criminal justice reform if elected ... See MoreSee Less

DeSantis says he would push to repeal Trump criminal justice reform if elected
thehill.com
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said Friday that if elected president, he would call on Congress to repeal the criminal justice reform bill signed into law by then-President Trump, his latest attack …Human garbage
Booooo
Two of a kind! 🤮
‘Worse than what we thought’: New data reveals deeper problems with the Bureau of Prisons’ Covid response ... See MoreSee Less

www.statnews.com
STAT obtained new data that reveals federal prisoners at the highest risk for Covid-19 were left waiting months for vaccines and tests.Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2023 ... See MoreSee Less

Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2023
www.prisonpolicy.org
The big picture on how many people are locked up in the United States and whyOur Programs | First Step House ... See MoreSee Less

Our Programs | First Step House
bit.ly
Contact the therapists at First Step House today to get started on your road to recovery!Watch “Home/Free” on Amazon Prime Video. When people come home from prison, are they ever truly free? Join John Legend as he shares the stories of three individuals facing the challenges of reentering society after incarceration, and the organizations on a mission to eliminate those barriers. Home/Free is a short documentary about inspiring hope and sparking real, lasting change for a brighter future. ... See MoreSee Less
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