External Resources
This page contains resources and information to help people advocate for their loved ones and find information related to the most common requests JHA receives. This page is under construction and both new sections and information will be added on an ongoing basis; please check back for updates.
Please click on a topic below to be taken directly to that section:
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Advocacy on Behalf of Those in Prison
JHA’s information sheet on seeking early release for incarcerated people
Mourning Our Losses Toolkit to advocate on behalf of incarcerated people (searchable by state)
Illinois Prison Project toolkit: Designed to help families and incarcerated people file emergency commutation petitions without the help of an attorney
Find your elected representatives and their contact information here
Book Donations and Prison Libraries
How to donate books to people in prison:
The Marshall Project’s database on Books Banned in Your State’s Prisons
Conviction Integrity Unit
(Nov 2024) Attorney General Kwame Raoul established the Illinois Attorney General’s Conviction Integrity Unit to investigate claims of actual innocence for forcible felony cases where either (1) new, credible evidence of innocence has been discovered or (2) new technologies now exist to test or retest remaining evidence. Click on the links below to learn more.
Curriculum Guides
The Envisioning Justice RE:ACTION Curriculum Guide (a collaborative effort between Illinois educators, curriculum designers, artists, humanists, and Illinois Humanities. The guide contains twelve Illinois State standards-aligned lessons (in 9th-12th grade Social Studies, English/Language Arts, and Fine Arts) that prompt teachers and students to learn about and reflect upon the impact of mass incarceration on our state (May 2024).
Deaths in Custody
Illinois Death in Custody Reporting: JHA led the charge to require increased collection of information and public reporting of information on deaths in custody of Illinois law enforcement agencies; this information is being collected by ICJIA. View data dashboard here.
Free autopsies for deaths in custody: This website shares information on how loved ones can obtain a free second autopsy for deaths which occurred in correctional custody.
Facility Information
Find JHA’s monitoring reports by facility here
Visitation: Remember since visitation has resumed in the wake of COVID-19 shut downs, there are new rules - such as scheduling the visit in advance online - as well as ongoing restrictions to visits which may occur as a result of IDOC safety and security concerns, including lockdowns. Lockdown information is available on the IDOC website. There may be times when visitation is restricted for numerous reasons, such as an increase in COVID cases at the prison. In order to stay updated and avoid the frustration of a canceled visit, JHA encourages visitors to check the IDOC website AND call the prison prior to traveling great distances to ensure visitation is occurring.
Glossary of Commonly Used Terms
Legal
Case Law Summaries:
Lippert vs. Jeffreys Monitoring Reports: 6th report March 13, 2023
Legal Representation: JHA cannot provide legal representation for individuals and is prohibited from providing legal advice. We can answer basic questions concerning criminal justice-related issues, but any information provided should not be considered as a substitute for counsel from a licensed attorney.
Legal Referrals: While JHA does not endorse any specific attorneys, we have compiled this list of firms, agencies, and attorneys who you can contact for potential assistance.
Mandatory Supervised Release (MSR) vs. Parole
The difference between Mandatory Supervised Release (MSR) and parole is a matter of semantics. Although the term of supervised released is officially called MSR, the term parole is often used to describe the same thing.
If possible, IDOC will send a person back to the county from which he/she came. Before an inmate is released, he/she will be asked where he/she would like to live. IDOC will verify the address that the inmate provided and make sure that it is appropriate for the person to live there (this too is discretionary). An inmate will be notified as to whether or not the address he/she provided was approved. If an individual cannot provide IDOC with an address, he/she will be placed in a halfway house. If IDOC cannot locate a bed for this person at a halfway house, there is a chance that IDOC will hold the individual for the duration of his/her MSR term as a "door violator."
MSR rules will be explained in writing to every person who is released from IDOC. While some rules are standard (like the prohibition from breaking laws), many rules are crafted on a case-by-case basis depending upon the person. How long a person must serve on MSR is determined by the offense for which he/she was convicted. The length of MSR ranges from one year to four years depending upon why the person was sentenced to prison.
Illinois Legal Aid Online’s guide to Parole and other forms of release from prison
Mental Health Crises and Emotional Support
Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990: Spanish-speakers should press ‘2’ for 24/7 bilingual support. Calls are answered by staff who are trained in helping people through large traumatic scale events.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) – bilingual operators are available. If you or a loved one are feeling suicidal or are experiencing an acute mental health crisis, do not hesitate to call. If you or a loved one is in imminent danger, please call 911.
Illinois Call4Calm Text Line is available 24/7 by texting the word ‘TALK’ (or ‘HABLAR’) to 552020. You will be connected to trained mental health personnel in your own community. Participation is anonymous – your first name and zip code are requested in order to connect you to the support you need.
The NAMI HelpLine, 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) is open 9 am to 9 pm Monday through Friday. You will speak with trained volunteer who will listen, answer questions, and help you find local resources. Visit our interactive map to find any of our 19 Illinois NAMI affiliates
The Illinois Warm Line is available for caring support for mental health and/or substance use challenges at 866-359-7953. Monday-Friday 8 to 5, except holidays.
National Resource Directories
Prison Policy Initiative’s list of Legal Resources by state
Prison Activist Resource Center’s National Prisoner Resource Directory (February 2022): PARC’s comprehensive list includes resources of all kinds across the country
Postcards to People in Prison
Flikshop: Send photos or postcards from your phone to people in prison
Prison Oversight Resources
Prison and Jail Innovation Lab (PJIL)’s National Resource Center for Correctional Oversight (NRCCO), a new online clearinghouse and a one-stop shop for all things related to prison and jail oversight in the United States
Chicago Beyond’s “Do I have the right to feel safe? A vision for holistic safety in corrections”
Training and Resources for Prison Oversight and Monitoring Bodies (Expert Network on External Prison Oversight and Human Rights, Sept 2022)
Re-entry Resources
LinkedIn: LinkedIn offers free access to Premium accounts for people with records. Government email addresses will not work with this program, but it's otherwise free for anyone who qualifies. Sign up at this link.
Family Matters eBooks, a Flikshop resource. Written for families by families.
SNAP program for re-entering citizens:
IDOC announcement of full expansion of pre-release SNAP program (April 2023)
Re-entry Guides from the Education Justice Project at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (downloadable and/or hard copies by request)
Video: Preparing mentally for release (Education Justice Project)
Video: Getting your IDs and Documents (Education Justice Project)
Relationship between JHA and IDOC
JHA is not a state agency, and is not funded by the state or federal governments. We maintain a relationship with IDOC that is founded upon mutual respect. Our goal is to improve the corrections system in ways that will benefit the general public, staff, administrators, and individuals who are incarcerated, as well as their families and the communities to which they return. IDOC allows JHA into facilities to conduct monitoring tours. We are also afforded “privileged mail status,” which provides greater confidentiality to those in the corrections system.
Reporting Concerns to IDOC
Need to raise a concern directly to the Illinois Department of Corrections? Contact IDOC via their online form. You can also contact Natalie Mason, IDOC’s Family Liaison and part of their Office of Constituent Services, directly at 217-558-2200 x6226 (8:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri) or DOC.Constituent.Services@illinois.gov. JHA is interested in hearing about your experience with this office.
Sentences & Sentencing Credits
View frequently asked questions on this topic and their answers here
IDOC HB3026 Information and FAQ Updated January 2024
Understanding Sentencing Credits: A Guide for Navigating Sentencing Credit in Illinois (by Illinois Prison Project)
Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Resentencing Initiative: In July 2021, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2129 (SB 2129), which allows prosecutors, at their discretion, to motion a sentencing judge or their successor to resentence incarcerated persons whose original sentence no longer advances the interests of justice. Upon receipt of a motion for resentencing, sentencing judges may, at their discretion, resentence an incarcerated person to a lesser sentence. Under SB 2129, all victims will be afforded the rights outlined in the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act. The law is effective January 1, 2022.
To determine eligibility for sentencing credits under HB94, view this checklist.
State IDs, Driver’s Licenses & Birth Certificates
Video: Getting your IDs and Documents (Education Justice Project)
How to get your suspended Driver’s License back (License2Work)
Reinstatement of your Driver’s License (IL Secretary of State)