Family & Corrections Network

Reading Room

An invitation to self assessment

2.000,000 Americans are behind bars...

what is happening to their families and their children?

Since 1983 Family and Corrections Network (FCN) has been a national information resource and advocate for families of prisoners. FCN is seeking partners in the fight for these forgotten families and children.

We invite you use this instrument to get a quick reading of your agency's readiness to work with families of offenders and their children. If, having done this self assessment, you see a need for action, let's discuss how we can work together.

Self Assessment for Agencies Serving Children and Families

A. Needs Assessment1. Does agency's assessment procedure seek to determine if the family has experienced or is experiencing the incarceration of one of its members?

2. Does the assessment address children's emotional trauma associated with incarceration?

3. Is family stress due to arrest, trial, incarceration and/or release addressed in the assessment?

4. Does the assessment identify specific family needs resulting from incarceration of a family member?

B. Treatment Planning

1. Do treatment plans respond specifically to the impact of incarceration of a member of the family?

2. Has the agency identified strategies and methods for responding to:

a.children with incarcerated parents?

b.their caregivers?

c.custody issues?

C. Resources

1. Does agency provide staff with publications on working with children with incarcerated parents?

2. Has the agency identified and networked with agencies having useful expertise or experience in helping children with incarcerated parents?

D. Training

1. Are agency staff trained to identify and respond to family stress due to incarceration of a member of the family?

To discuss your findings contact: Jim Mustin, President, Family and Corrections Network, 32 Oak Grove Road, Palmyra, VA 22963, (804) 589-3036, (804) 589-6520 FAX, e-mail: fcn@fcnetwork.org