NCJ Number
95358
Date Published
1983
Length
26 pages
Annotation
Through its programs, Women in Crisis, Inc., enables families to cope with the crisis brought about by the incarceration of a loved one.
Abstract
By matching families experiencing both short-term and long-term crises with trained volunteers and staff who provide objective caring support and resources, Women in Crisis has helped these special victims of crime, while also having a positive impact on Connecticut's criminal justice system. The Court Outreach and Family Support Project provides services and support on a matched, one-to-one basis to families during the first 6 to 8 weeks of adjustment, although followup contact can continue until the offender is released from prison if the family so desires. The Visitor Information Project provides assistance to people visiting the Somers and Cheshire Youth Institutions. Trained volunteers provide information on institutional rules and regulations, as well as available community services. The Return to Community Project provides counseling to offenders and their families throughout the period from pretrial to release. Special emphasis is placed on the needs of inmates and families just prior to release. Counselors also provide inservice training and seminars to civic, religious, social, and inmate groups throughout the State. The Sesame Street Playgroup Project at the Connecticut Correctional Institution makes the possibly frightening experience of visiting an incarcerated family member a learning experience. Children 2 to 10-years-old have fun, educational experiences, and an opportunity to work through their anxieties under the guidance of trained inmate caregivers and an early childhood specialist. Evaluations of some of these services have indicated that they are doing an excellent job in providing services to this target population.