Release The Detained – Covid
Maine Youth Justice is calling on Governor Janet Mills, Maine Department of Corrections Commissioner Randy Liberty and Colin O’Neill to #FreeOurYouth and #CloseLongCreek.
Here’s how it works!
Make 3 phone calls to the following 3 officials with power to release people from Maine’s jails & prisons:
- Governor Janet Mills – Has the power to take executive action, directing the Department of Corrections to release all youth in Long Creek and end youth incarceration.
- Call the Governor’s office at 207-287-3531. [Press 4 to leave a message]. Let them know you’d like a response.
- DOC Commissioner Randy Liberty – Has the power to make decisions regarding Maine Department of Corrections facilities, which includes Long Creek.
- Call: 207-287-4360. If you do not reach the Commissioner, ask to leave a message & ask for a response.
- Send an email: Randall.liberty@maine.gov
- Associate Commissioner of Juvenile Services Colin O’Neill – Has oversight of Long Creek Youth Correctional Facility.
- Call: 207- 287-4362. If you do not reach the Associate Commissioner, ask to leave a message & ask for a response.
Sample Phone Script For Calls To Gov. Mills:
Hello Governor Mills,
“My name is [your name], and I am calling to demand you make the safety of young people locked in the Long Creek Youth Development Center your highest priority.
As of December 4, 2,649 incarcerated youth across the country have tested positive for COVID-19. Last week, two Long Creek workers tested positive for COVID-19. Hundreds of people in the Maine Department of Corrections authority have tested positive for COVID-19.
No one, including people currently incarcerated, should lose their life due to a lack of safety protocols.
Maine spends more than $300,000 a year to lock up a single young person in Long Creek. With those resources, we demand individualized transition plans for released youth that include guaranteed housing, transportation, job placement support, healthcare and mental health resources, technology, and release stipend to support basic necessities.
Can we count on you to release all incarcerated youth and create a plan to close Long Creek and reinvest millions into our communities? I would like a written response to my call.
[Provide your name & mailing address]
SAMPLE PHONE SCRIPT FOR CALLS TO COMMISSIONER LIBERTY:
Hello Commissioner Liberty,
“My name is [your name], and I am calling to demand you make the safety of young people locked in the Long Creek Youth Development Center your highest priority.
As of December 4, 2,649 incarcerated youth across the country have tested positive for COVID-19. Last week, two Long Creek workers tested positive for COVID-19. Hundreds of people in the Maine Department of Corrections authority have tested positive for COVID-19.
No one, including people currently incarcerated, should lose their life due to a lack of safety protocols.
Maine spends more than $300,000 a year to lock up a single young person in Long Creek. With those resources, we demand individualized transition plans for released youth that include guaranteed housing, transportation, job placement support, healthcare and mental health resources, technology, and release stipend to support basic necessities.
Can we count on you to release all incarcerated youth and create a plan to close Long Creek and reinvest millions into our communities? I would like a written response to my call.
[Provide your name & mailing address]
SAMPLE PHONE SCRIPT FOR CALLS TO ASSOC. COMMISSIONER O’NEILL:
Hello Associate Commissioner O’Neill,
“My name is [your name], and I am calling to demand you make the safety of young people locked in the Long Creek Youth Development Center your highest priority.
As of December 4, 2,649 incarcerated youth across the country have tested positive for COVID-19. Last week, two Long Creek workers tested positive for COVID-19. Hundreds of people in the Maine Department of Corrections authority have tested positive for COVID-19.
No one, including people currently incarcerated, should lose their life due to a lack of safety protocols.
Maine spends more than $300,000 a year to lock up a single young person in Long Creek. With those resources, we demand individualized transition plans for released youth that include guaranteed housing, transportation, job placement support, healthcare and mental health resources, technology, and release stipend to support basic necessities.
Can we count on you to release all incarcerated youth and create a plan to close Long Creek and reinvest millions into our communities? I would like a written response to my call.
[Provide your name & mailing address]
Thanks to AART!