On March 5, 2025, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) will host the inaugural 'Corrections Family & Friends Forum,' aimed at gathering feedback from families and friends of incarcerated individuals. This initiative seeks to improve communication and support systems for those impacted by the state’s incarceration practices.
The forum will take place at the DOC's offices in Madison from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. This event is significant as it marks one of the department's first organized efforts to directly engage with families, highlighting the importance of their input on how the DOC communicates with those whose loved ones are behind bars.
“We understand the challenges faced by families of incarcerated individuals, and by hosting this forum, we hope to listen to their experiences and concerns,” said Jennifer Schmidt, the Communications Director at the Wisconsin DOC. “Feedback from family members is invaluable to us as we strive to create more effective communication channels and resources for support.”
To participate, attendees must register beforehand, as seating is limited to 100 people. Interested individuals must be at least 18 years old to attend. All registered participants will receive email confirmations with instructions detailing the event's logistics.
The DOC is particularly focused on receiving insights on various aspects such as the clarity and effectiveness of their existing communication strategies and the resources currently available to families. Participants are encouraged to share their ideas on potential improvements or new initiatives.
According to recent studies, maintaining communication between incarcerated individuals and their families not only helps to reduce recidivism but also fosters healthier relationships. The DOC aims to leverage this knowledge by enhancing the support network available to families.
“It’s about building bridges and ensuring families feel respected and heard throughout the process,” said Schmidt. “We want to create strategies and resources based on real feedback, making sure families see the DOC as allies rather than adversaries.”
This forum is affiliated with broader national trends where correctional systems actively seek family input to reform outdated policies. Discussions surrounding transparent communication practices have emerged significantly over recent years, reflecting shifting perspectives on prison reform and rehabilitation.
Families play a significant role during the incarceration process; their involvement not only influences the emotional well-being of the incarcerated individual but also affects the ability for successful reintegration upon release. Recognizing this dynamic is part of the DOC’s broader initiative to facilitate recovery and transition pathways.
Feedback from previous informal discussions has hinted at areas needing attention, including the desire for timely updates on inmate statuses, accessible contact information, and avenues for outreach from the DOC. The department is hopeful this structured forum will provide structured, actionable insights to inform future strategies.
Beyond the forum, attendees may also discover additional resources aimed at helping families navigate the challenges of incarceration. These could include workshops, support groups, and informational sessions aimed at creating community support networks.
The Corrections Family & Friends Forum serves not just as another outreach event but as a demonstration of the DOC’s commitment to reforming its engagement with the community it serves. “We’re here to change the narrative,” Schmidt remarked, emphasizing the need for progress within the correctional system’s approach to family relations.
With enforcement of the registration requirement, interested individuals are encouraged to register early to secure their attendance, signaling the importance of family involvement within the correctional framework.
Those wishing to attend have the opportunity to register through the DOC’s official website, where they can also find information about the event and other upcoming initiatives aimed at supporting families.
“This is just the beginning; we hope to make this forum a regular event, encouraging families to share their experiences and continuously improve our services,” concluded Schmidt.
This initiative could represent a significant turning point for the Wisconsin DOC, one where family feedback shapes policies and programs, creating a more inclusive approach to the support of incarcerated individuals and their families.