There is increasing evidence that the use of segregation in prisons and jails—sometimes referred to as solitary confinement or restricted housing—produces unwanted and harmful outcomes for the mental and physical health of those in isolation, the well-being of staff, facility safety, corrections budgets of jurisdictions that rely on the practice, and the public safety of the communities to which most will return. Through this blog series Addressing the Overuse of Segregation in U.S. Prisons and Jails,bloggers of various perspectives—from corrections officials and academic experts to advocates and formerly incarcerated people—will examine the issues presented by the use of segregated housing and discuss promising strategies for reform. Many of the bloggers are staff from Vera’s Segregation Reduction Project and members of Vera’s Safe Alternatives to Segregation Advisory Council.

For more information and resources, visit the Safe Alternatives to Segregation Resource Center.