As founder of "A Mother's Cry61" ™ I am consistently talking with mothers whose lives are impacted by mass incarceration and the prison industrial complex. One of our main concerns is that incarcerated persons and their families are experiencing increased physical and mental illnesses due to the increased lack of communication between them. Many family members and loved ones have feelings of despair due to the rising number of days with no communication or information provided by the prison system. Leaving us to question the safety or medical status of our loved ones. During the COVID19 pandemic, family members were unable to know if there incarcerated loved ones were dead or alive. When my son's inmate account monies were unaccounted for, it was extremely difficult to straighten that out. During the increasingly high number of times that they are on "lock down" family members are not aware of what is happening. When they are sick and in the infirmary, we have no idea. In each of these situations, a "Family Liaison" who have been able to answer our questions and advocate for us. 

We believe that the installation of a "Family Liaison" in each state prison is a necessary and appropriate solution. Having a "Family Liaison" would enable us to have an individual with who we can have consistent and transparent access. Multiple times I have personally experienced extended days of no communication with my son, and no one answers the phone when I call the prison to obtain information about him. Not knowing if your child is dead or alive in the most hostile environment is exhausting and terrifying. If there was a "Family Liaison" on site, I could have spoken with them. The mental health of incarcerated persons is in direct correlation to their behaviors. It would be in the best interest of the government to help minimize the already toxic environment by providing this positive addition.

It is imperative that we act on this now. The atmosphere in state prisons is not improving and the staff shortage of correction officers is only making it worse. Doing something positive right now will assist with giving the incarcerated persons the feeling of being heard and seen and that their concerns matter. Thereby provoking an increase in positive behaviors. In addition, their families and those who love them will also be heard in a world full of avoidance and conflict.