FAMILY….WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Presented by: Mary N. Ward, ACBSW, CSW Family Services Administrator NC Department of Correction, Division of Prisons

SOME FACTS ABOUT FAMILIES OF PRISONERS  One in 5 families has been touched by the criminal justice system.  There are more than 2 million people behind bars in the United States.  93% of prisoners are men, 7% are women.  About 20% of prisoners are married.  There are about 1.5 million children with a parent in prison, up from 500,000 in  Another 8 million children are estimated to have experienced parental incarceration at some time.  On any given day, approximately one million fathers are behind bars.

SOME FACTS ABOUT FAMILIES OF PRISONERS  55% of male prisoners are fathers of children under the age of 18.  Most incarcerated fathers reported regular contact with their children prior to imprisonment, even if they did not live with them at the time.  Approximately 75 percent of incarcerated women are mothers and two-thirds have children under the age of 18.  About 72 percent of women prisoners who are mothers of children under the age of 18 lived with those children before entering prison.  In North Carolina - March 2007 data reveals that of the over 37,000 offenders in prison 11,356 inmates claim to have at least one child. Note that 2,057 were female offenders and 9,290 were male offenders. Of the children born to those inmates, 13,673 were 18 years and younger and were 19 years and older. This indicates that at least 23,985 children have a mother or father in prison in North Carolina.

FAMILY…..WHAT DOES IT MEAN?  Webster’s Definition: Family – 1. a household 2. parents and children 3. relatives 4. all descended from a common ancestor; lineage. 5. a group of similar or related thing.  Every offender is a part of a family.  When a family member goes to prison, many dimensions of family functioning (structurally, emotionally, etc.) can significantly change for the adults and children including: -relationships -emotional support -income levels -anger -living arrangements -alienation/abandonment -alternative placement of children -fear -social stigma/embarrassment -sadness -alcohol/drug use -guilt -increased risk of abuse/neglect -shame -poor school performance -self-blame -fighting with peers -distrust

FAMILY.…WHAT DOES IT MEAN?  Some incarcerated parents were caring and involved prior to prison. Some were uninvolved and disconnected before and continue that pattern. Some begin to build a relationship with their family and children only when they are locked up. Others appear to be involved while incarcerated, but have difficulty maintaining their relationships on the street. Some men and women may distance themselves from their families when locked up, often so as a protective coping strategy, not just from a lack of interest.  Family members may be the best resource for an incarcerated individual during and after release. They have an understanding of both the family and individual’s strengths and deficits.  Recent research shows that in strengthening inmates’ ties to family are crucial to their successful reentry into society  Studies show that people with strong family ties during incarceration have a higher success rate for reentry and job employment and are less likely to repeat crimes and use drugs.  Each family is unique and many factors influence a family’s ability to cope with the incarceration and release of a family member.

CHALLENGES OF REUNIFICATION  Reentry is not simple and straight forward. Issues can be abundant and overwhelming.  In addition to a continuum of crisis for the family from arrest, to and during incarceration, the return of the family member can precipitate a renewed crisis and put a substantial strain on those left behind as well as those returning home.  Some offenders have already used up their family members’ good will and resources and/or are the perpetrators or victims of violence or both within the family.  Some families aren’t used to being asked to be a part of the offender’s transition.  Maintaining contact with family members during incarceration can be difficult. (While DOC recognizes the value of communication and encourages it, at the same time security mission often impedes the maintenance of family ties).

CHALLENGES OF REUNIFICATION  Some barriers that make it difficult for family members when the inmate returns home: -new relationships -structural changes – altered family relationships -relocation of family -feelings of resentment -limited finances -limited contact during incarceration -social stigma -offender obtaining employment -trust issues -parenting style issues  BOTH the family and offender need to be prepared for successful reentry and reunification.

RESPONDING TO FAMILY REUNIFICATION SOME CURRENT PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES  Visitation  Special visits  Parenting Programs – Motheread, F.a.t.h.e.r., Father Accountability, STEP (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting, PATCH (Papas and their Children), Fantastic Fathers, Family Enrichment, etc.  MATCH Center (Mothers and Their Children) at North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women  Home Leave Program  “Family Day”, “One Day with God” activities at some facilities  Division of Prisons Offender Family Services

CONCLUSION Family involvement can assist in preventing recurrence of criminal activity, help individuals become better parents, responsible partners, and productive members of their communities. While it is a challenge at the same time in maintaining security, we, as Department of Correction, are an important partner in facilitating the connection between inmates and their families. ?? WHAT MORE CAN WE DO??