VOLS Incarcerated Mothers Law Project
Mothers and parents who contact VOLS are concerned about the safety and welfare of their children. VOLS Incarcerated Mothes Law Project (IMLP) provides high-quality, free family law services to mothers in and recently released from prison and jail in New York State who are seeking information about their family law rights. In doing so, VOLS helps incarcerated mothers access justice and produce better outcomes for themselves and their children.
VOLS is committed to supporting mothers in prison or jail so that they understand and address their ongoing family law concerns. With the help of our community and pro bono partners, VOLS IMLP is able to provide family law services, education and advocacy for mothers at Rikers Island, Taconic Correctional Facility, Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, and Albion Correctional Facility.
VOLS provides critical legal advice, representation and information to help protect parental rights, arrange care for children, maintain family ties and plan for successful reunification. We help mothers locate or re-establish contact with children; understand and enforce visitation and custody orders; understand foster-care placements and pending proceedings, including adoption and termination of parental rights; improve communication with assigned family court attorneys; participate in family court proceedings; understand how enforcing rights impacts future decisions for parental rights and reunification; and plan for post-incarceration, including reunification.
To learn more, please contact Stephanie Taylor, VOLS Incarcerated Mothers Law Project Director, at staylor@volsprobono.org or (347) 521-5735.
*includes parents incarcerated at women’s prisons and jails inclusive of gender identity
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Incarcerated Mothers Law Project Resources
- The VOLS IMLP works in partnership with programs of The Osborne Association including the New York Initiative for Children of Incarcerated Parents; and the Women’s Prison Association including its Alternative to Incarceration Program; and Hour Children.
- Resources on criminal justice issues are found on Re-entry Net, through the The Marshall Project, The National Center for Incarcerated Parents; Prison Policy Initiative and Prisoner’s Legal Services.
- The voices of children of incarcerated parents are amplified through the work of Echoes of Incarceration.
- Televisiting is a way for incarcerated people to remain connected with their families and communities which can be accessed through Brooklyn Public Library.
- Sara Bennett is a photographer and her projects chronicle women during and after incarceration.
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This content has been prepared for general information purposes only. It is not meant to provide legal advice and should not be acted upon without consulting a legal professional. If you have any questions or require additional information regarding this or other matters, please contact VOLS. This may be considered legal advertising pursuant to the rules of professional conduct.