About Us

The National Parole Transformation Project (NPTP) aims to bring parole transformation through legal and grassroots advocacy to reduce the number of people returning to prison for parole violations. NPTP works with community organizations to investigate parole structures across the nation and to launch class-action litigation to hold systems accountable for violating people’s civil rights. NPTP aims to challenge the denial of due process, systemic oppression and anti-Blackness, failures to provide accommodations for people with disabilities, and denial of access for parole hearings. Our goal is to decarcerate prisons and fight for the rights of people currently and formerly experiencing incarceration

Why parole transformation is needed

27 of 29 states with available data have released fewer people between 2019 and 2024

1 in 4 state prison admissions are due to technical violations of parole conditions

Parole systems are failing people who are currently incarcerated and those who’ve been released on supervision. Parole officials have the authority to disregard long-established laws guaranteeing fair parole proceedings for people behind prison walls. Parole boards also have the discretion to approve or deny individuals based on subjective factors that can be beyond the incarcerated person’s control, leading to low grant rates. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, 27 of 29 states with available data have released fewer people between 2019 and 2024.

Once released from prison, the nearly 663,000 adults on parole are subject to an ever-increasing set of stringent conditions aimed at surveilling and reincarcerating them rather than supporting and empowering them as they return to their communities. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, 23% of state prison admissions are due to technical violations of parole conditions, not new offenses. Parole and other post-conviction supervisions are drivers of mass incarceration in the United States. The time to transform parole is now.

How NPTP works

NPTP works in partnership with community organizations and other law firms to investigate parole systems nationwide. Building on the MacArthur Justice Center’s history of successful impact litigation, NPTP holds systems accountable for failing to enforce existing parole policies and other civil rights violations.

Advocacy and education

NPTP hosts public education events to raise awareness about post-conviction supervision systems in collaboration with community groups and justice-impacted people and their families.

Network building

NPTP aims to build coalitions with parole advocates and justice-impacted individuals at the forefront. Realizing Release, NPTP’s biannual convening, expands existing networks and builds new bridges for advocates looking to connect on a national level.

Who we work with

System-impacted people and their families

Are you or someone you know on parole or seeking release? Access Know Your Rights and other parole guides on our Resources page, and join our coalition working towards parole transformation by viewing our upcoming virtual and in-person events.

Lawyers and litigators

Are you an attorney with an interest in parole? Legal advocates read about our current litigation and view filings on our Cases page. NPTP collaborates with community organizations and law firms to investigate and file cases; see a list of our partners below.

Organizers and advocates

Let’s build a movement for parole transformation! The Principles for Parole Reform is the ideology that guides our litigation and advocacy work. Check out our upcoming events and access resources for you and your community.