Our Stories
We recognize that powerful forces beyond an individual’s control drive involvement with the legal system—living in poverty, being the child of an incarcerated parent, attending an underfunded school, languishing in the school-to-prison pipeline, residing in an over-policed neighborhood, or simply being Black or Brown in America. At DCJ, we listen to these stories and amplify those voices.
Advancing Delaware’s Voices
Read In, Read Out
“My son looks forward to hearing my voice and receiving books.” – Nicole, Read In, Read out participant. While incarcerated at Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution, Nicole was one of many parents who found a way to stay connected to their children through the simple but powerful act of reading aloud. Read In, Read Out is a collaborative initiative of the Delaware Center for Justice, the Department of Corrections, and Read Aloud Delaware. Through the program, incarcerated parents at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution and Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution are allowed to record themselves reading age-appropriate books to their children. Each recording is mailed along with the book, allowing the child to follow along while hearing their parent’s voice.
“Reading to my daughter gave me a sense of purpose,” said another participant. “It reminded me I was still her father, even from the inside.” The program not only helps preserve the parent-child bond but also strengthens communication and parenting skills and eases the emotional transition back to family life and the community. One parent noted, “I felt closer to my son than I had in months. It helped me believe I could still be a good parent.”
By nurturing connection in the most challenging of circumstances, Read In, Read Out proves that even from behind prison walls, love, learning, and healing can be passed from parent to child, one story at a time.
Re-entry
John North’s reentry journey is a testament to the power of support, compassion, and connection. After returning home from incarceration, John enrolled in the Delaware Center for Justice’s Transitional Reentry Services Program, where he was met with immediate, hands-on assistance. “They helped me with getting a state ID, cell phone, numerous pieces of advice, and resources to reach out to,” he shared. “They are always eager to help out, and never did I feel like I was a burden.” Designed to support individuals exiting Delaware’s Level 4 and 5 correctional facilities, the program provides mobile peer support and case management services statewide, starting with a ride from the facility on release day. For 90 days post-release, participants like John are connected to critical services, including housing, mental health and substance use support, employment, education, and more. Transitional Reentry has served over 700 individuals, offering the guidance and stability needed to help people successfully reintegrate into their communities. “It’s comforting to know that if there is ever something I need to talk about or need, I could reach out to DCJ,” John said. His story is just one example of how reentry, when supported, can lead to real transformation.
Bails, Fines, and Fees
Samantha* was shocked when a pre-employment background check revealed a suspended license and an arrest warrant for an unpaid speeding ticket. She went right to the courthouse to set up a monthly payment plan, only to learn that the debt had almost doubled because of processing and fees. Despite every effort to stay current, she missed a payment, and a routine traffic stop a year later resulted in a trip to jail and an impounded car. She also lost her job and her apartment, and nearly lost her children— all over traffic fines and fees. Samantha is just one of many who must make the heartbreaking choice between feeding her family and paying her court debt. She’s yet another casualty of an oppressive bail, fines, and fees structure that criminalizes poverty for so many Delawareans.
DCJ has been fighting to reform that structure for years, and we aren’t giving up until the battle is won—for Samantha and so many others like her.
Get Involved
Please consider getting involved in this critical work. We have full-time, intern, and volunteer positions available and would love to hear from anyone who is passionate about seeing real change for those affected by the legal system in Delaware.
