Ongoing Support

We know that families often "do the time" with the offender. This is reflected in the lack of attention, earning power, and support from the incarcerated individual. This is also evident in all the missed events and "moments" in the lives of loved ones, most especially the children. Listed below are helpful information, resources, and links to assist families while your loved one is incarcerated, and when they return home.

Resources During Tough Financial Times

The normal events of the week can be enough of a struggle—getting the kids off to school, paying the bills, making sure you have dinner on the table, and lots of things in between. But when times are tough or you’re facing unexpected expenses, caring for your family’s needs can seem overwhelming. Use these tips from USA.gov’s special Help for Difficult Financial Times section to find resources from the government that can make things a little easier:

If you’re having trouble with housing expenses, it’s important to be able to spot scams and know how you can avoid foreclosure before it happens. There are also a variety of programs to help you stay in your home or find a temporary place to live.
We all want healthy and happy families, but emergencies can come out of nowhere. Even if you don’t have insurance, your family can still get medical care, including healthcare options in your local community.
It can be hard to leave your little ones at daycare while you go off to work or are job hunting. USA.gov has resources to help make this tough decision easier, helping you decide what type of child care you can afford and what kind of environment is best for your children.

SPOUSE/PARTNER

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PARENTING

Promoting Responsible Fatherhood (U.S. Department of Health-Human Services)

All-Pro Dad (Fathering) and iMOM (Mothering) of the Family First organization.

Parental Rights of the Incarcerated (Reentry Mythbusters, Council of State Governments)

U.S. Dept. HHS/Administration for Children and Families (Region 4)

As a new school year approaches, check out USA.gov's Back to School page for important resources and tips, including information on:

Immunizations
Low-cost meal programs
Free or low-cost health coverage
Helping your child with homework
The importance of good nutrition

CHILDREN OF PRISONERS

Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Tennessee As a donor-supported volunteer youth mentoring organization, our program has been placing caring adults in the lives of children in one-to-one mentoring relationships since 1927. Through the positive impact of those friendships, children with a Big Brother or Big Sister are more likely to graduate from high school and are less likely to begin using drugs, using alcohol, or engaging in negative conflict.

Administration for Children and Families (U.S. Department of Health-Human Services)

National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated

Allofusornone.org (National)