Communication is crucial for incarcerated individuals to stay connected with their loved ones, but the cost of staying in touch is often a burden for families. According to a recent report from New Jersey Policy Perspective, incarcerated people and their families in New Jersey collectively spend $15 million each year on communication services provided by two companies that control prison communications.
These costs can be particularly challenging for incarcerated individuals who earn low wages, making it difficult for them to maintain relationships with their support systems. Marleina Ubel, a senior policy analyst with the group, explained, “When you take into account the wages that an incarcerated person makes, realistically, they cannot afford to maintain a relationship.”
The report highlights the disparities faced by families, especially women of color, who bear the financial burden of staying in touch with their incarcerated loved ones. Many families go into debt to cover the costs of communication, which include phone calls, video calls, emails, and other essentials like commissary items and medications.
Despite the high costs, these services are essential for the well-being of incarcerated individuals. The Department of Corrections has recognized the importance of communication for people in prison and has taken steps to make these services more affordable and accessible.
Currently, negotiations are underway with a new vendor to improve access to phone calls, video visits, and multimedia messaging. However, advocates like Ubel believe that these communications should be free for incarcerated individuals and their families.
Legislation is being considered in New Jersey that would require all correctional facilities to allow incarcerated individuals to make and receive calls, video calls, and emails free of charge. Similar models have been implemented in other states, shifting the costs to the facility operators.
Sen. Brian Stack and Assemblywoman Carmen Theresa Morales are sponsoring the bill, emphasizing the importance of maintaining family and community connections for successful reentry into society. While the bill has not yet been heard in committee, it represents a step towards more equitable communication services for incarcerated individuals in New Jersey.
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