Visiting Detention

The DWN National Visitation Network is a community of faith-based and secular organizations, and everyday people that care deeply about the lives of those inside of detention facilities across the United States. Detention visitors affirm the humanity of those suffering in the midst of a dehumanizing scenario, while also being the “eyes and ears” that educate the public, and hold local and governmental officials accountable to change. Visitation Network members seek to support and learn from one another through an online forum, and monthly conference calls.

The network has currently named 5 main priorities for all visitation programs:

1) Affirm the humanity of those in detention, and accompany them through their suffering
2) Advocate for the inherent dignity and human rights of our friends in detention
3) Educate the uneducated public on the realities of detention through personal stories and experiences
4) Be the "eyes and ears" of the detention facilities, while holding local and national officials accountable to change
5) Provide services and friendship to family of those in detention, as well as providing post-release support to those who are released or deported

*The visitation network understands that different programs may stress some priorities more than others.

Resources