Resource Guide

This guide is intended to provide a quick overview of resources available to assist individuals incarcerated in New York state as well as their loved ones.

Please note that CANY’s purpose is to provide high-level oversight of the prison system and develop systemic policy and practice solutions. Given this, we do not have the resources to conduct individual advocacy.

Please feel free to email us if you have further questions: info@correctionalassociation.org

  • Incarcerated people have several options available to them to make formal complaints about issues faced in prison, including:

    • Filing a grievance

    • Writing to the Superintendent of the prison

    • Writing to the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision: Acting Commissioner Annucci, Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, State Office Campus, 1220 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12226-2050

    • Writing to the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s Office of Special Investigations: To initiate an official investigation, contact the Office of Special Investigations, Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, State Office Campus, 1220 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12226-2050

    • Challenging a disciplinary ticket: Incarcerated individuals have a right to a hearing within 14 days of the issuance of the disciplinary ticket, with a right to be present, call witnesses, and present evidence.

  • For further legal assistance, please contact the following organizations:

    • Legal Aid Society, Prisoners’ Rights Project
      199 Water Street
      New York, NY 10038

    Prisoners’ Legal Services, office list, and contact information are available here

    Additionally, to order a copy of the Jailhouse Lawyer’s Manual, which provides in-depth information about legal issues and how individuals can best advocate on their own behalves, please contact:

    • Columbia Human Rights Law Review
      435 W. 116th Street
      New York, NY 10027

  • To find your elected representatives, please visit this website.

    To contact the Governor and his/her/their relevant senior staff, please use the addresses below:

    • The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor
      NYS State Capitol Building, Albany, NY 12224

    • Counsel to the Governor, Jeffrey H. Pearlman
      NYS Capitol Building, Albany, NY 12224

  • In collaboration with the Center for Urban Pedagogy's Public Access Design program, we have created this guide that explains how to stay connected with loved ones who are incarcerated in New York State prisons.

    Please email us at info@correctionalassociation.org to request physical copies of the Keep in Touch guide.