Please note that some resources can be used both by those inside and advocates outside of prison. These are sorted in the "inside" category. See the Additional Resource section of this page for resources sorted by topic.

for those on the inside:

For those on the outside:
  • CDCR 7421 Advance Directive is a document that allows you to write your wishes about end-of-life care. It allows you to say what you want so that family, friends, doctors, nurses, and other health care staff will know for sure what you want if you can no longer speak for yourself (for example: “I don’t want CPR (to be revived) or a breathing machine if my heart stops or I cannot breathe on my own. If I cannot eat on my own, a feeding tube is okay.”). It also allows you to name someone as your Medical Decision-Maker to make health care choices for you if there comes a time when you cannot physically advocate for yourself.  They can tell others about your wishes for treatment at the end of life and make sure they are followed.
    • The Advance Directive is NOT a “Will” and has NOTHING to do with your possessions or assets inside or outside of prison
    • Please note: PAN/your PAN advocate cannot serve as a Medical Decision-Maker on your behalf. 
  • CDCR 7465 POLST is short for Physicians Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment. This form is in addition to form CDCR 7421 Advance Directive form. The POLST is a form used by all hospitals in California (and other states) and is used to write a patient’s wishes about end-of-life care.  Ask your counselor or health care provider for one.
  • Jailhouse Lawyer’s Handbook This Handbook explains how a prisoner can start a lawsuit in federal court, to fight against mistreatment and bad conditions in prison.
  • CDCR Forms 
  • CDCR New Grievance Program ​​

Additional Resources:

Coronavirus COVID-19 Legal Trackers: Court Cases, Judicial Orders, Policies California COVID-19 Prison Release Cases to Follow
CDCR Forms For Person Inside to File and Send Copy To Advocates
  • Health Record Authorization Release Form 7385 (Spanish) authorizes CDCR to share information with people outside.
  • CDCR 1019/1021 custody records release authorizes CDCR to share information with people outside.
  • CDCR 7421 Advance Directive documents wishes about end-of-life care and names the person outside chosen to be a Medical Decision-Maker. 
  • CDCR 7465 POLST is short for Physicians Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment: documents wishes about end-of-life care. ​

CDCR Form For People Outside to Fill Out
Court & Commutation Forms
California Self Help Legal Guides 
Legal Institution Contact Information: 
Resources for Federal Prisoners 
Other ​

PAN Issue-Based Handouts

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