Considerations:

Only include carceral status if relevant to the case/education.
Use non-judgmental, destigmatizing and humanizing language. For example:
· Juvenile who was incarcerated
· Person who is currently incarcerated
· Person formally convicted of…
· Person who was arrested for selling drugs
· Youth involved with the justice system

Cautions:

Avoid judgmental, stigmatizing and dehumanizing language. For example:
· Juvenile delinquent
· Prisoner
· Convict/Ex-Con
· Drug Lord
· Felon

Considerations:

Acknowledge that a disproportionate number of youth/adults from economically disadvantaged communities are incarcerated. Consider all contributors, such as socioeconomic status, grief, loss, trauma, etc.

Acknowledge and respect the humanity of people who are/have been incarcerated. Everyone has a family; everyone has a story. When describing a person, be sure to include more than their relationship with the justice system.

Consider possible outcomes of incarceration, such as family disconnection, violence/sexual violence, impact on mental health, etc.

Cautions:

Do not assume guilt of those charged with or convicted of crimes, as wrongful convictions can and do occur. In health education our commitment to excellence requires that we approach all individuals with fairness, dignity and a focus on their well-being.

www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/graphs.aspx

Considerations:

Acknowledge that all individuals regardless of carceral status are deserving of quality healthcare.

Cautions:

Avoid using image tropes, such as metal bars, barbed wire, handcuffs, etc.

Avoid statements that suggest that formerly incarcerated individuals are dangerous or violent.