My son almost lost his life due to the devastating effects of long-term solitary confinement. This is a personal plea to end this inhumane practice in our county and everywhere.  Solitary confinement has been proven by numerous studies to have severe psychological impacts on inmates, often leading to depression, anxiety, rage, panic, extreme suffering, hallucinations, mental breakdowns, psychosis, self harm and even suicide. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), solitary confinement can cause prisoners significant mental harm within just a few days.

The “End Solitary Confinement Act” was recently introduced to ban the use of prolonged solitary confinement in prisons and jails nationwide. This Act is based on the Nelson Mandela Rules which outline the bare minimum standard for the treatment of prisoners, most of which, Cache County Jail is in violation of. Many states have already passed legislation to end solitary confinement but so far, Cache County Jail shows no interest in reforming. 

I have called the Governors office, spoken to the cabinet member over corrections, reached out to attorneys, filed complaints with the ACLU and the Justice department, written to the judge, complained to three members of the Cache County Council, left messages with senators, spoken with the jail commander, multiple officers in the jail, and the sheriff and even contacted Gephardt, all to no avail. I need your help to be heard! 

We must strive for justice that rehabilitates rather than inflicts further harm. We, as citizens of Cache County, should demand an immediate ban on the use of solitary confinement as a form of punishment within our local correctional facilities. Our goal should be rehabilitation and reintegration into society - not causing further damage.

I urge you to consider this plea from a heartbroken parent whose child suffered immensely under this cruel practice. Let's make Cache County stand out as an example for human rights and dignity within our justice system.

Please sign this petition and join me in urging our local authorities to ban the use of solitary confinement immediately!