I face the daily struggle of staying connected with an important person in my life, who is currently incarcerated. The current communication and messaging platforms available for families like mine are not only inefficient but also come with hefty costs, making it even more challenging to maintain the crucial bond with loved ones.

The emotional and psychological stress of having a loved one in a correctional facility is compounded by the difficulties in communication. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, the incarcerated and their families spend an estimated $1.3 billion annually on phone calls and commissary items. High fees and unreliable services only add to the burden without providing effective solutions.

Keeping families connected is not just a personal necessity but a societal benefit. Studies from Yale University and the Department of Justice have shown that regular communication can improve the mental health of both inmates and their families and significantly reduce recidivism rates. Strong family ties play a crucial role in rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society, which benefits everyone.

Currently, the available platforms often lack transparency, with hidden fees and poor quality services. There is a pressing need for correctional facilities to collaborate with affordable tech companies that prioritize accessibility and efficiency. A team of indie developers who care about the family dynamics and wellbeing of the incarcerated individuals are building a product based on what people actually need.

I urge correctional facility administrators, policymakers, and service providers to invest in developing and deploying better, more affordable messaging and communication systems. By doing so, we can help maintain family ties, promote rehabilitation, and ease the emotional burden faced by families and their incarcerated loved ones.

Please sign this petition to help improve the communication systems within our correctional facilities and give families like mine hope for a better tomorrow.