To the Tennessee Department of Correction, Tennessee State Legislators, and Governor of Tennessee:

We, the undersigned citizens, family members, advocates, faith leaders, and supporters of incarcerated individuals, respectfully petition the State of Tennessee to establish a policy allowing conjugal and extended family visits within Tennessee prisons.

Strong family connections are one of the most important factors in rehabilitation, emotional stability, and successful reentry into society. Tennessee has some of the harshest and longest prison sentences in the nation, and many spouses and families are separated for decades with little opportunity for meaningful human connection. We believe families should not be completely deprived of healthy marital relationships simply because a loved one is incarcerated.

Conjugal and extended family visitation programs have existed in various states and countries around the world. These programs have been associated with improved inmate behavior, reduced violence, stronger family bonds, and better mental and emotional well-being among incarcerated individuals.

We believe allowing structured and supervised family visitation would:

Encourage positive behavior and rule compliance inside prisons,

Reduce violence and tension within correctional facilities, Strengthen marriages and family unity,

Help reduce sexual misconduct and unhealthy behaviors inside prisons,

Improve mental health and emotional stability for incarcerated individuals and their spouses, Give incarcerated individuals something positive to work toward, Support rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society

Promote hope, accountability, and personal growth.

We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking Tennessee to recognize the importance of marriage, family, rehabilitation, and human dignity.

We respectfully request that Tennessee:

Create and implement a statewide policy allowing conjugal or extended family visits for eligible incarcerated individuals.

Allow participation based on good behavior, disciplinary history, and program compliance. Establish pilot programs at selected Tennessee correctional facilities. Include married spouses and immediate family members in the development of visitation policies.

Families matter. Rehabilitation matters. Strong family connections create safer prisons, healthier communities, and better outcomes for everyone.

We urge Tennessee leaders to take meaningful action and support policies that strengthen families instead of permanently separating them.

Respectfully Submitted,

Minister Shawn'a Hatcher