NCJ Number
242309
Editor(s)
Robin Campbell
Date Published
May 2011
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Results are reported from a roundtable of national experts in a variety of fields convened by the Vera Institute of Justice to standardize the characteristics of a "family-focused" approach for adults and juveniles involved in the justice system.
Abstract
There was a consensus that a family-focused approach in a justice system consists of four key components: it is multidisciplinary; it adopts a broad definition of "family;" it is strength-based; and it is applicable along the continuum of a person's involvement with the justice system. Roundtable participants also recommended actions that organizations can perform in leveraging the positive influence of families and communities in their support of people involved in the justice system. Based on the roundtable proceedings, this report presents an agenda for family-focused justice reform. Seven guidelines are offered for designing and implementing a family-focused approach in the justice system. First, emphasize safety and security in every phase and component of a family-focused approach. Second, family-focused programs and services should be borrowed and adapted from proven best practices. Third, encourage and facilitate more contact between incarcerated individuals and their supportive family members. Fourth, involve family members in shaping practice and policy. Fifth, continue to conduct data collection and analysis on program operations in order to determine their effectiveness and how they can be improved. Sixth, reinforce a family focused culture in practice, policy, and legislation related to the management of justice systems. Seventh, prioritize a family-focused approach when making budget decisions. A listing of 15 resources and 17 endnotes