Mission

Dauphin County Bail Fund is a non-profit community organization dedicated to freeing our community members from cages and ending the practice of cash bail.

Partners

Consideration

DCBF will use the following interactive factors to evaluate whether we will assist someone who applies for our help paying bail:

  • Inability to pay bail required, including lack of access to family or community resources;
  • Amount of bail to be paid;
  • Existing support system, such as a family member or case manager who has committed to providing assistance making court dates and/or other forms of support;
  • Risk of victimization in the jail, including but not limited to: gender identity and expression (namely transgender, gender non-conforming or LGBQI people), people with disabilities, and youth or elder status;
  • Special health needs such as pregnancy, chronic medical conditions, HIV-positive status, or ongoing mental health treatment;
  • Dependents or other family members who may be harmed by applicant’s detention, including risk of custody loss or Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) involvement;
  • Immigration status and potential immigration consequences of a criminal conviction.
  • Referral through or connection to established partner organization;
  • Anticipated impact of detention on applicant’s employment, housing, educational attainment, and/or custodial rights;
  • Position in relation to structural violence, community disinvestment, systemic racism, survival, and resistance; and
  • Willingness to assist with raising money to cover any anticipated court costs, fines, or fees that will not be refunded to the bail fund.

DCBF will also act in collaboration with the National Bail Fund Network and our regional partners to assist those arrested protesting on behalf of BIPOC in central Pennsylvania.