Please participate in the Family Needs Assessment Survey.
Family to Family Gathering of Loved Ones of the Incarcerated
Future gatherings may be held in your community once funding is obtained to continue these family trainings. If you have interest in learning more please contact the Family Participation Program at [email protected].
CONTINUATION OF THE FAMILY PARTICIPATION PROGRAM 1/2020
The Family Participation Program is currently operating on a volunteer basis. The program was a pilot beginning in 2014 at four Michigan prisons. Further funding was not secured. CPR's hope is to fully fund this much needed program that provides Family to Family support and assistance, teaching other families to become strong advocates for their loved ones inside the Michigan prison system. Families will still receive assistance through volunteers who have worked with the Family Participation Program and Citizens for Prison Reform. Citizens for Prison Reform has begun to hold educational webinars, which can be found on the video tab on this website. We hope to resume in-person meetings here in Lansing and elsewhere, once it is safe to do so. Citizens for Prison Reform has a very active and informative Facebook Page as well.
Funding to provide full-time support to families is being sought for Citizens for Prison Reform, and efforts to expand the Family Participation Program are planned after funding is obtained. Please keep in mind that those assisting families are currently all working on a volunteer basis and we may not be able to respond immediately. If you know of possible funding please feel free to contact us.
CONTINUATION OF THE FAMILY PARTICIPATION PROGRAM 1/2020
The Family Participation Program is currently operating on a volunteer basis. The program was a pilot beginning in 2014 at four Michigan prisons. Further funding was not secured. CPR's hope is to fully fund this much needed program that provides Family to Family support and assistance, teaching other families to become strong advocates for their loved ones inside the Michigan prison system. Families will still receive assistance through volunteers who have worked with the Family Participation Program and Citizens for Prison Reform. Citizens for Prison Reform has begun to hold educational webinars, which can be found on the video tab on this website. We hope to resume in-person meetings here in Lansing and elsewhere, once it is safe to do so. Citizens for Prison Reform has a very active and informative Facebook Page as well.
Funding to provide full-time support to families is being sought for Citizens for Prison Reform, and efforts to expand the Family Participation Program are planned after funding is obtained. Please keep in mind that those assisting families are currently all working on a volunteer basis and we may not be able to respond immediately. If you know of possible funding please feel free to contact us.
Every day, loved ones of incarcerated individuals must find their way through the prison system in Michigan and are left with unanswered questions and concerns. The stigma, shame and trauma from the experience is overwhelming. Families often feel alone, unsupported and unsure where to turn. Tools and information necessary to navigate the system are not always easy to find. Learning how to become the best advocate for a prisoner is crucial.
Evaluation of the Family Participation Program
If you have been assisted by the Family Participation Program, please click on the button below to complete the evaluation. This will assist us in further work and obtaining funding. Thank you.
The History of the Family Participation Program
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The Family Participation Program was launched in three pilot prisons in Michigan that were selected by the Michigan Department of Corrections. Family advocates/liaisons will be working with families at the pilot sites, as well as any families or loved ones referred to us via email or phone. Workshops were held within various communities throughout Michigan, reaching out to those who are dealing with incarceration or for individuals who would like to assist those who are incarcerated. Creating a space where families feel supported, can be given the tools necessary to have a more positive experience, and in turn lowering the stress on staff within facilities ultimately should create an overall safer, more positive environment.
Pilot sites selected by the Michigan Department of Corrections: Ernest C. Brooks Correctional Facility and West Shoreline Correctional Facility in Muskegon, Macomb Correctional Facility in New Haven, and Central Michigan Correctional Facility in St. Louis.
Citizens for Prison Reform continues to assist and support families and loved ones of prisoners today.
Pilot sites selected by the Michigan Department of Corrections: Ernest C. Brooks Correctional Facility and West Shoreline Correctional Facility in Muskegon, Macomb Correctional Facility in New Haven, and Central Michigan Correctional Facility in St. Louis.
Citizens for Prison Reform continues to assist and support families and loved ones of prisoners today.