EXCESSIVE CELL TIME IS NOT REHABILITATIVE

amcjami
Mar 3
3 min read

The Injustice of Excessive Prison Lockdowns: A Call to Action from A Mother’s Cry

Incarceration is meant to be a form of rehabilitation, not inhumane punishment. However, in prisons across the country, individuals in general population are being subjected to conditions that mirror solitary confinement—locked in their cells for 23 hours a day with only one hour of movement. This practice, which should be reserved for disciplinary measures in extreme cases, has now become a cruel standard that strips incarcerated individuals of their basic human rights.

A Mother’s Cry stands firmly against this egregious abuse of power. It is unacceptable that men and women, who are meant to have access to educational programs, vocational training, and rehabilitative services, are instead being confined to their cells for nearly the entire day. The impact of such prolonged isolation is devastating—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

The Psychological Toll of Extended Lockdowns

Studies have shown that long-term isolation can lead to severe mental health deterioration, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The human mind is not designed to endure such extreme confinement, yet our prisons continue to enforce these conditions under the guise of “security measures.” If we claim to believe in second chances and rehabilitation, why are we subjecting people to environments that break them down instead of building them up?

A Violation of Human Dignity

Prisons are already known for their dehumanizing conditions—overcrowding, poor medical care, and a lack of meaningful programming. The addition of excessive lockdown hours further strips incarcerated individuals of their dignity and their right to work toward a better future.

Let’s be clear: keeping people locked in cages for 23 hours a day does not promote rehabilitation. It promotes anger, hopelessness, and a sense of worthlessness. It erodes the very essence of rehabilitation by removing opportunities for personal growth, education, and socialization.

The Families Suffer Too

A Mother’s Cry stands with the mothers, fathers, children, and loved ones who are watching their family members deteriorate under these harsh conditions. Prison is already a painful experience for families, and knowing that their loved ones are suffering through excessive isolation only deepens the wounds. Incarceration should not be a death sentence—physically or mentally.

We Demand Change

A Mother’s Cry refuses to stay silent on this issue. We demand the following actions be taken immediately:

An end to 23-hour lockdowns for general population inmates – These individuals should have access to regular yard time, programming, and rehabilitative services.
Implementation of mental health support systems – Those who have already suffered the consequences of prolonged isolation should receive immediate and ongoing mental health care.
Transparency and accountability – Prison systems must be held accountable for the well-being of those in their care. Families and advocacy groups should have access to real data regarding prison conditions and mental health outcomes.
Restorative justice and rehabilitative programs – Instead of prolonged isolation, institutions should invest in programs that prepare incarcerated individuals for reintegration into society.

Stand With Us

This is a crisis that cannot be ignored. If you are a loved one of an incarcerated person, an advocate for justice reform, or simply someone who believes in human rights, we urge you to stand with us. Contact your local representatives, spread awareness, and demand an end to these inhumane practices.

A Mother’s Cry will continue to fight for the dignity, humanity, and justice that every incarcerated person deserves. Prison should not be a place of endless suffering—it should be a place of transformation. But that can only happen if we demand change.