It is a heart-wrenching reality that many of us live with every day—the constant, nagging distance from our loved ones who are incarcerated. For those of us with family and friends inside the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran (SATF/Corcoran) in California, maintaining that vital connection through phone calls is often fraught with obstacles. One of the most significant challenges we face is the limited time we have to communicate, compounded by an inflexible system that ends our calls at 9 PM.

Every call is precious, a mere 15 minutes to share joys, concerns, and love—only to be abruptly cut off, leaving conversations incomplete. The rigid schedule denies us the flexibility we desperately need. Why can’t we dictate when to end a call? A longer window for these calls would mean deeper connection, stronger bonds, and improved mental health for both those incarcerated and their families.

Research highlights the positive impact of regular family communication on reducing recidivism and enhancing rehabilitation outcomes. California lawmakers need to recognize the evidence and the emotional narratives pouring out of places like Corcoran. Allowing more flexible call times would not only nurture these essential relationships but potentially lead to a decrease in re-offending rates, thus benefiting society as a whole.

We propose extending the evening call window to at least 10 PM and adjust policies to give families the opportunity to decide when a call ends, rather than the system. It’s a small, humane adjustment that could make a world of difference for the countless individuals navigating the heartache of separation.

Join us in calling on the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to implement these vital changes at SATF/Corcoran. Sign this petition and be a voice for the families striving to maintain the bonds of love and support that are so crucial to the well-being of their loved ones behind bars. Together, we can make our voices heard and bring about meaningful change.