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BOP Support Coordinators Keep You Informed and Connected

Here to listen, respond, and provide clarity. A resource for families, advocacy groups, and community partners committed to addressing concerns with compassion.

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Launched in 2023, the Support Coordinator Program is a public information and community engagement office within the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Reentry Services Division.

Purpose and Role

Support Coordinators serve in a role similar to correctional quasi ombuds, promoting responsiveness, transparency, and accountability across the agency. Acting as liaisons between Central Office, Regional Offices, and institution staff and stakeholders, including inmate families and advocacy organizations; they provide a central point of contact for inquiries and concerns. Their responsibilities include:

Risk Management

  • Addressing questions and concerns from families, friends, employees, inmates, and advocacy groups.
  • Referring allegations of misconduct for investigation.
  • Collecting and analyzing data to identify and collaboratively resolve life, safety, and systemic issues.
  • Conducting observational site visits based on trending data.
  • Keeping families, advocacy organizations, and the public informed of agency announcements, updates, and reentry opportunities.

Community Engagement: Support Coordinators organize and host engagement events, both in person and virtual, at the local, state, regional, and national levels. These efforts build public trust, expand partnerships, and strengthen resources. They also participate in Community Relations Board Meetings at institutions and Residential Reentry Centers.

Public Response

Feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. Families and community partners have expressed gratitude for the program’s responsiveness and clarity:

  • “Thank you for your reply. It gives me and our family some hope.” ~ Family of the Incarcerated
  • “Thank you for your detailed response regarding the application of earned time credits under the First Step Act [18 U.S.C. § 3632(d)(4)] and the Second Chance Act [18 U.S.C. § 3624(c)]. I appreciate the overview of policy...” ~ Family of the Incarcerated
  • “Y’all made a huge impression! These are things we have all wanted to see in the facilities…it is invaluable to be able to meet with those who are already doing it and learning from them. I am so energized after our meeting today!” ~ Correctional Community Partners

Guiding Values

The Support Coordinator team describes their mission simply:

“At the Bureau of Prisons, we believe transparency and accountability are cornerstones of trust. Our Support Coordinator Program is built on those values. We want those who care to know they have a voice, and this is a safe, responsive place to reach out with questions, concerns, or for help. You deserve clarity, you deserve answers, and we are here to deliver.”

Program Structure

The program consists of four dedicated employees who provide nationwide coverage for public inquiries and regional support services. Their work is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a commitment to addressing both individual and systemic concerns—while highlighting areas for improvement and desired outcomes.

Learn More

For more information, please visit the Support Coordinator Program webpage on bop.gov. Support Coordinators are available to assist and serve as a helpful resource.

If you have inquiries or concerns, you may contact the Support Coordinators directly by email at: BOP-RSD-SupportandAdvocacy-S@bop.gov