At FFIMI, we know how vital family and community connections are for our loved ones who are incarcerated. These relationships provide emotional support, promote well-being, and are essential to rehabilitation and successful re-entry. Yet, restrictive visitation policies in Massachusetts prisons and jails continue to create unnecessary barriers that keep families apart.
That’s why we are excited to join forces with the Keep Families Connected Coalition in their latest campaign to improve access to in-person visits. After successfully advocating for No Cost Calls for incarcerated individuals, the coalition is now working to pass “An Act to Build Restorative Family and Community Connection” (SD.965 / HD.3241), sponsored by Senator Liz Miranda and Representative Marjorie Decker.
This bill would:
✅ Protect access to daily visits
✅ Eliminate harsh restrictions on the number of approved visitors
✅ Create child-friendly visitation spaces
✅ Reduce discrimination in visitation policies, especially regarding dress codes
Visitation policies should facilitate connection, not create obstacles. This bill ensures that families can stay connected in a fair and humane way, promoting well-being for both incarcerated individuals and their loved ones.
How You Can Help
The Massachusetts legislative session has just begun, and early co-sponsorship is critical to getting this bill the attention it deserves. We need your help to urge legislators to sign on as co-sponsors!
Take Action
📞 Make a call: A single phone call can be more impactful than 100 emails! Use this phone script to call your legislators and ask them to support SD.965 / HD.3241.
📧 Send an email: If calling isn’t an option, you can quickly send an email using this Action Alert Link.
📍 Find your legislator: Not sure who represents you? Look up your legislators at MA Find My Legislator and reach out today!
Every voice matters. By taking a few minutes to contact your legislators, you can help create a system that values family connection and rehabilitation over isolation.
Thank you!
Questions? Email Laura Walsh at laura.walsh376@gmail.com.
Family and Friends of Individuals with Mental Illness ~ Advocating for those who are Justice Involved 
Donna,
Am I allowed to share this with the Massachusetts Legislature (House and Senate). I plan to send using the link porvided. This link does have an email address and Laura Walsh’s name.
Regards,
Harry
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Thank you for providing the link to the phone script and email template. This made it so easy to send a note to my state rep and legislator asking for their support for this very important bill.
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