Family & Corrections Network

The Fourth North American Conference on the Family & Corrections

Table of Contents

October 10-12, 1993 Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

INTERVENTION STRATEGIES FOR FAMILIES OF OFFENDERS: THE PYRAMID MODEL

Des strategies d'intervention pour les familles et les delinquants: le modele pyramidal

Moureen Bish
Linda Denton
Lillian Gonzalez
Families in Crisis, INC
30 Arbor St., North Wing, Hartford, CT 6106
(203) 236-3593

Le Pyramid Model (modele pyramidal) aborde la hierarchie des besoins de la famille par les programmes coneus par l'organisme pour proceder aux interventions pouvant correspondre a la categorie de besoins presents. Ces interventions aident la famille en crise a atteindre trois objectifs: 1) Stabilisation, 2) Renforcement, 3) Maintien du fonctionnement.

I. Interventions de stabilisation: aider les familles a "se stabiliser" par l'application de programmes repondant a des besoins aigus sur le plan emotif et economique a la suite de l'arrestation, de la mise en accusation ou de la condamnation du delinquant (p. ex., depistage, intervention d'urgence, gestion des cas, counseling).

II. Interventions de maintien: donner a la famille le pouvoir de maintenir son etat de stabilite et de developpement en lui accordant le soutien necessaire au suivi en matiere de soins et les possibilites d'interactions importantes (p. ex., programmes d'aide a l'enfance, groupes de soutien, services de transport).

III. Interventions de renforcement: aider la famille a proceder a des changements importants par l'application de programmes portant sur le dysfonctionnement et a acquerir de nouvelles competences lui permettant de mener une vie normale et productive (p. ex., competences parentales, maitrise de la colere, programmes de reinsertion apres la liberation).

Families in Crisis Inc. est un organisme prive sans but lucratif, cree pour fournir des services de counseling et de soutien aux delinquants et a leurs familles, dans l'Etat du Connecticut. Les services ont pour objet d'aider chaque membre a faire face au changement, de promouvoir l'autonomie et d'assurer des relations d'aide solides dans la famille.

The Pyramid Model addresses the family's hierarchy of needs through Agency programs designed to provide the appropriate interventions corresponding with the presenting category of needs. These interventions help the family in crisis achieve three things: 1) Stabilization 2) Skills Enhancement 3) Maintenance of Functioning.

I. Stabilization Interventions: help families "stabilize" by providing programs that address acute emotional and economic needs that arise as a result of the offender's arrest, arraignment or sentencing (i.e., outreach, crisis intervention, case management, counseling).

II. Maintenance Interventions: empower families to maintain the stability and growth achieved by providing them with support for continued care and opportunities for meaningful interactions. (i.e., childcare programs, support groups, transportation services).

III. Enhancement Interventions: assist families to create meaningful change by providing programs that address dysfunction and teach new skills for healthy and productive living (i.e., parenting programs, anger management, post-release reentry programs).

Families in Crisis Inc., is a private, non-profit organization established to provide counseling and support services for offenders and their families in the state of Connecticut. Services are designed to help each member cope with change, promote independence, and ensure healthy supportive family relationships.

THE FOUR STAGES OF CRISIS FOR FAMILIES OF OFFENDERS

I. PRE SENTENCING

Emotional Distress (Denial, Anger, Confusion, Embarrassment, Guilt)

Criminal Justice System "Blues" (Complexities of legal, court and correctional systems)

Financial Concerns (Bail money, loss of second income, legal fees)

II. SENTENCING

Emotional Upheaval (Shock, Loss, Fear)

Unanswered Questions/Concerns About Inmate (Location of institution, visiting procedures, method of communication, well-being of inmate)

Unanswered Questions/Concerns About Family (Telling children and other family/friends, financial concerns, coping with the loss of a loved one)

III. INITIAL INCARCERATION

Emotional Trauma (Loneliness, Ambivalence)

Financial Hardship (Role of Overload, role reversals)

Stigma of Incarceration (Demoralization, lack of support/outlets for grieving)

Visiting Stressors (Transportation, travel money, quality of visiting)

Children's Issues (Disruption of parent-child bonding, telling children about incarceration)

IV. PRE-POST RELEASE

Emotional Stress (Anxiety, Fear, Ambivalence)

Unrealistic Expectations (Relationships, roles, society)