Few things in life are more stressful than seeing a loved one go to jail. The criminal justice system is obviously tough on incarcerated people, but their families suffer too– especially young children. Without proper support, it’s easy to slip into despair and confusion.
Unfortunately, Texas has an exceptionally high incarceration rate of 891 per 100,000 people. Many of these inmates’ families are negatively affected. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to help inmates’ families to help them navigate these trying times.
If you’re not familiar with how the Texas criminal justice system works, it’s best to start with the government’s official guide for the families of offenders. Here are some other resources that can help you cope with the incarceration of a loved one.
Texas Inmate Families Association (TIFA)
Texas Inmate Families Association (TIFA) is one of the best resources for the families and friends of inmates. It’s a large organization with numerous chapters throughout the state, which provides support on many levels. The organization provides advocacy and education, numerous workshops and programs, legislation updates, and much more.
Texas Jail Project
The Texas Jail Project helps empower people in the county jail system and their families. They provide information, advocate for fair treatment and adequate health care for the incarcerated, raise awareness in the community, and more. They can help families find solutions and create strategies to best support their loved ones in jail.
Sesame Street
Having a parent in prison can be extremely hard on children, and parents and caregivers have the difficult task of helping them understand the situation and cope. That’s why Sesame Street Incarceration is a great toolkit for anyone trying to support children of incarcerated parents. It provides bilingual tools (articles, games, videos, etc.) for children and families of people in prison to explore.
Inside Books Project
Inside Books Project is a community-based volunteer organization that collects and shares books and educational material with inmates and their families. They have an exhaustive resource guide divided into subtopics, such as family resources and legal resources, which you can explore online or download in PDF for free.
Children of Incarcerated Parents
The National Institute of Corrections’ Children of Incarcerated Parents Project provides many great resources for caregivers. You can find insights into research on the effects of a parent’s incarceration, programs that can help you cope, resources on how to talk to children, and more.
ABC Bail Bonds Can Help Your Loved One Out of Jail
If your family member is in jail, there’s no need to despair. We can get them out in no time! When the judge sets their bail, just contact us, and we’ll pay it and allow them to walk free and stay with their family. ABC Bail Bonds is one of the most reputable bail bonds companies in Houston and the surrounding area. So don’t hesitate and reach out to us now!