A Voice
Beyond
the wall
Thousands of Americans are locked away from the world — many of them sentenced before the law ever considered how young they truly were. Back Against the Bars is here to change that.
We are a platform for human connection, advocacy, and truth. Whether you want to write to an incarcerated individual, find a meaningful relationship, share your story with the world, or learn about your rights — you have found the right place.
Amplifying Voices. Rebuilding Connections. Beyond the Bars.
Back Against the Bars was founded on a simple but radical belief: incarcerated people are human beings whose voices, hearts, and stories deserve to be heard.
We focus especially on individuals who were sentenced as children — teenagers tried as adults and handed life sentences without parole — when their age was never meaningfully considered by the court. Many of them are now in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. They have spent their entire adult lives behind bars, growing into entirely different people than who they were as teenagers.
The law is changing. The understanding of juvenile brain development has evolved. And these individuals deserve a chance to be seen — not just for what they did decades ago, but for who they are today.
We bridge that gap. Through pen pal programs, matchmaking, storytelling platforms, and advocacy resources, we create pathways for connection, dignity, and reform.
Why Connection Behind Bars Matters
Isolation is one of the most devastating aspects of incarceration. Research consistently shows that maintaining meaningful relationships reduces recidivism, improves mental health, and supports successful reentry into society.
- Over 10,000 individuals are currently serving juvenile life without parole sentences across the United States.
- Michigan alone has had more children sentenced to life without parole than any other state in the country.
- 70% of those sentenced to life without parole as juveniles in Michigan are Black — despite Black children making up only 16% of the state's youth population.
- Many of these individuals have had no meaningful outside contact for decades.
What We Offer
Pen Pal Service
Matchmaking Service
Fighting for Those Sentenced Before the Law Saw Their Youth
In landmark rulings, the U.S. Supreme Court has held that mandatory life without parole sentences for children are unconstitutional. Courts are now required to consider youth as a mitigating factor before handing down a life sentence.
But for many — people now in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who have spent their entire lives incarcerated — that change in the law came decades too late. Back Against the Bars stands with them.
We provide information, raise awareness, and amplify the voices of those still waiting for courts to recognize what the law has long ignored: they were children.
A VOICE
BEYOND
THE WALL
Back Against The Bars is a trusted prison pen pal and inmate matchmaking platform designed to help people connect beyond prison walls. Whether you're looking to write to inmates for friendship, emotional support, or romantic connection, our platform makes the process simple, respectful, and meaningful.
—— OUR SERVICES – COMING JULY 1ST ——
Pre-subscribe now for
early access to our
connection and story-sharing services.
Pen Pal Service
Connect beyond the walls. We share inmate profiles online and on social media to build real connections.
- Priority placement with pre-subscription.
- Annual Fee: $50/year
Matchmaking Service
Real love, real chances. Connect with free-world partners through casting calls.
- Priority placement with pre-subscription.
- Annual Fee: $150/year
Podcast & TV Features
Share your story on Love Through the Bars or Everybody Got a Story to Tell.
- Podcast: $25
- TV: $35–$250, depending on feature type
K2 Class Action Lawsuit
K2 Second-Hand Smoke Class Action
This section allows you to contribute on behalf of an inmate seeking to participate in an ongoing class action concerning second-hand smoke exposure within state and federal correctional facilities. To submit a request, please complete the form below with the inmate’s details and your selected contribution amount.
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Elevate Every Voice Behind the Bars
The Bar Street Journal
Choose Your Subscription Plan
Set it once and never miss an issue. Our recurring subscriptions deliver The Bar Street Journal directly to your loved one’s facility on a regular schedule — no need to reorder. Pick the plan that fits you below.
Note below the cards:
All subscriptions renew automatically at the listed price until cancelled. You can cancel or manage your plan anytime from your account or by contacting us. See our Refund & Cancellation Policy for full details.
Prefer a one-time order? You can also purchase a single issue for $25.
Meaningful Connections
Back Against the Bars
Every profile tells a story of resilience, hope, and humanity.
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