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Crisis Intervention for Families of the Incarcerated

Sr. Juanita Ujcik OSF - Rev. Morris Smith - Rev. Wayne Leys

Center for Correctional Concerns 1550 Plainfield Road

Joliet, IL 60435

815-729-2662

When a person is incarcerated many others including spouses, significant others, children, parents, siblings, extended family and friends feel the impact. Some are even victims or implicated in the crime by association. Many problems surface. Emotions such as shame, fear, anger, etc. are seen. Denial of realities is common. Practical assistance, advice, referral for professional assistance, counseling and emotional support may be needed.

Initial questions include whether to hire a LAWYER and/or provide BOND. The first advice is to GO SLOWLY, legal procedures take a long time. Additional information may help make good decisions. For monetary decisions, the person the money belongs to should decide if and how it is used. Bond money could be lost if the person fails to appear or the court costs use it up. Sometimes jail time is later used as part of the sentence. For all legal issues ALWAYS ASK THE LAWYER!

Immediate issues such as care for CHILDREN must be addressed. Who will care for them? What will they be told? Who we tell them? Will they visit? Is a legal paper for temporary guardianship needed?

Who in the family needs to be informed? The MEDIA may be involved. People must be careful what they say. Seek advice if appropriate. Don't alienate the media as later they may be needed to help.

Family members may choose to address the PRACTICAL REALITIES such as housing, car, belongings, pets, utilities, bills, etc. The person left behind may need shelter and other assistance. Local social service agencies provide services and referrals.

Denial, disbelief, betrayal, fear, shame, anxiety, guilt, loneliness, grief, loss, frustration and a multitude of other emotions may affect persons on the inside and on the outside. Someone to talk to and/or COUNSELING may be wise. Clergy persons, school counselors, mental health professionals, Alanon groups and others will help.

INCARCERATED PERSONS are frantic and want to get out. They want instant results. They may get twisted views from other inmates. Those addicted to drugs and alcohol are in physical pain. Sometimes they lie, stretch tile truth or even believe unrealistic schemes. If in doubt, it is best to confirm the truth. If there are real safety problems contact agencies such as John Howard in Illinois, the chaplain, the warden or the counselor in the institution to ascertain the truth.

If the person does PRISON time, each institution has its own rules. Learn and follow them for even if they sound strange there are good reasons behind them. Find out emergency procedures. Be patient, institutions always move slowly.

The more that is known about the situation, the better advice and assistance you can give. Help people help themselves. Help people take responsibility. Be a good listener.

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