if someone i love became incarcerated today,
​this is where i would begin.

encourage my loved one to start off on the right foot

  • Do not join a gang! 
  • Avoid problem situations in the first place.  It's a lot easier to stay out of trouble than to get out of trouble.
  • Do not get into debt of any kind.
  • Do not accept any gifts from anyone for any reason.
  • Absolutely no gambling.
  • Commit to 100% sobriety.
  • Show respect to everyone at all times.
  • Start working on your communication skills immediately so that if a problem does arrive, you have the skills to resolve it peacefully.
  • Beware of manipulation, ulterior motives, and grooming.

BUILD A support system

Those incarcerated and their loved ones in the free world would benefit from prosocial relationships with other prosocial people in their same circumstance. 

A word of caution: Don’t let your support system turn into a frenzied rumor mill. Everyone’s goal should be to remain calm, think clearly, share factual information, and keep hope alive.​

learn & follow all rules, policies, & procedures

The Utah Department of Corrections and the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole have both developed handbooks for the residents.  Those incarcerated can use physical copies or access them on the tablets.  Those in the free world can access them online.  It's in the best interest of those incarcerated and their loved ones in the free world to have an accurate understanding of how both systems work.  Keep in mind that every year the legislature makes changes to both systems.  Referring to the latest edition of the handbooks is the only way to make sure you have a CURRENT and ACCURATE understanding of the way things work.

KEEP RECORDS​

Keeping a record throughout incarceration of interactions with different inmates and staff, especially if something questionable starts happening, is one of the best things you can do. Having already-prepared evidence, in case something happens, is a benefit to everyone.  

Keep track of names, dates, and specific details of what took place, in case you need them.