Author: FFIMI

FFIMI Supports Important Legislation

FFIMI

This legislative initiative is very important to FFIMI. Not only have we personally experienced the importance of family connections with our justice-involved loved ones, but research shows that family involvement is a key factor in reducing recidivism in the criminal justice system. An Act to Strengthen Visitation Rights of incarcerated people (Senate) and An Act… Continue reading FFIMI Supports Important Legislation

Help, not Handcuffs

FFIMI

There is a significant lack of access to adequate mental health care in incarcerated settings. FFIMI could not agree more with NAMI's perspective of HELP, NOT HANDCUFFS. Sadly we all have loved ones who did not receive the mental health treatment they needed and became enmeshed in the criminal justice system. We share this repost… Continue reading Help, not Handcuffs

My Battle with PTSD – Before and After Being Behind the Wall

FFIMI

By Ernest Nate Benjmamin Hello, friends and supporters of Family and Friends of Individuals with Mental Illness. A few months ago I had the opportunity to share my thoughts regarding my 29 years behind the walls of Massachusetts state prisons. Again, I was asked to guest write for the FFIMI blog. This time it's a… Continue reading My Battle with PTSD – Before and After Being Behind the Wall

Disability Law Center Again Recommends Transfer of Oversight of Bridgewater State Hospital to the Department of Mental Health Due to Continuing Health and Safety Risks and Rights Violations

FFIMI

Boston, MA – The Disability Law Center (DLC) has issued its July 2023 report detailing findings and recommendations from its intensive monitoring activities at Bridgewater State Hospital (BSH), including the Bridgewater Annex Units at Old Colony Correctional Center. DLC covers an array of topics in the report, all of which indicate that health and safety risks… Continue reading Disability Law Center Again Recommends Transfer of Oversight of Bridgewater State Hospital to the Department of Mental Health Due to Continuing Health and Safety Risks and Rights Violations

FFIMI Supports Two Important Legislative Bills

FFIMI

This summer has been a productive month of advocacy for the Family and Friends of Individuals with Mental Illness. Several of our members participated in two Massachusetts legislative hearings in support of the following bills:  Representative Ruth Balser’s bill H.2985 An Act transferring Bridgewater State Hospital from the Department of Correction to the Department of… Continue reading FFIMI Supports Two Important Legislative Bills

The Price of a Mint Leaf:  A Day in the Life on the Inside

FFIMI

We share the following anonymous, true story to shed light on the culture inside the walls of correctional institutions. It exemplifies the continuous trauma that individuals endure in the system. It must change and we will continue to speak on behalf of those who have no voice. It feels good to have my hands in… Continue reading The Price of a Mint Leaf:  A Day in the Life on the Inside

New Report Finds More than 122,000 People in Solitary Confinement in the US

FFIMI

by Jean Casella ~ Reposted from Solitary Watch May 23, 2023 Solitary Watch and Unlock the Box sent out the following press release on the morning of May 23, 2023. Washington, DC — The watchdog group Solitary Watch and the advocacy coalition Unlock the Box today released a groundbreaking joint report showing that at least 122,840… Continue reading New Report Finds More than 122,000 People in Solitary Confinement in the US