My loved one is going to be released. What do I need to do?
- Make a Plan: It’s a good idea to start planning for the release of an incarcerated friend or family member well in advance of their release date. It’s ideal to start this process at least four months before they are set to be released from their facility.
- Housing & Documents: There are two things your loved one will need immediately after release. The first is housing, and the second is documentation.
- There are often resources and housing available for recently released individuals. Prison Fellowship has some suggested steps you can take and resources to look into. Additionally, you can check with a local non-profit or community support group to see what options may be available nearby for your loved one.
- Your loved one will need certain documents to begin reintegrating into society. This includes a valid state-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Having a copy of their Social Security Card will be necessary, too. Getting these forms takes time and costs money, so it’s important to start this process as soon as possible.
- Encourage your loved one to speak to in-facility, correctional staff who can help with their reentry preparation.
- Sub-Groups: If the incarcerated person is a member of a sub-group, like a veteran, LGBTQ+ person, or mother, additional resources may be available to them in your local community, or at the state or federal level. But it’s essential to reach out in advance to start the benefit process as supplemental paperwork and interviews may be required to obtain this sort of assistance.
- Parole Packet: If an incarcerated person is being released on parole, they will receive what is known as a “Parole Packet.” The packet includes a list of things that must be in place before their release, including housing and support. Ask your loved one about the details of this packet; you may be able to help arrange some of these things in advance.
What can I do on the day of release to help my loved one?
- Transportation:
- If they are in a facility that is not close to you, they will be provided a voucher for bus fare. Find out when and where they will be traveling to, and which bus station you will need to pick them up at.
- If they are in a facility you can drive to, you can help by picking them up in person. Check with your loved one’s facility’s website for details and any forms you may need to fill out before arriving at the facility.
- When picking someone up from a facility or a bus station, there are some essential things to bring with you to help ease the transition:
- Clothing that will fit (their size may have changed during incarceration, so check with them in advance)
- A new backpack for their clothes, records of release, personal items, etc.
- Some food and snacks (the release process starts as early as 3am and they may not have eaten on the day of their release)
- A pillow (they may be tired and it will increase their comfort during a long ride)
- Patience. This is a big transition for them. Be patient and allow your loved one to readjust to their new situation.
- Parole: Make a plan to report to a parole office, if this is required.
- Housing: Have a specific plan for housing or a shelter for your loved one. If they are not living at the home of a family member or friends, they may need documentation to find a place to stay. The three most common housing options are:
- Family or Friend: Staying with a close family member or friend is a common option for someone post-incarceration. But it is also a big commitment for a family or friend to take on. Make sure you consider your ability to support a formerly incarcerated loved one before committing to housing them.
- Group Home/Transitional Housing: This option is helpful for reentry, but only if there is a strong program in place where they will be staying. To determine if a location is the right choice, check to see if it:
- Has staff on-site 24/7
- Has regularly scheduled programs residents must attend daily
- Is a well-maintained facility (you can visit beforehand to check)
- Offers support services (transportation, career training, computers, etc.)
- Boarding House/Shelter. This can be a good temporary option if there is a wait for a Group/Transitional Home.
- Health Care: After release, it’s very important to try and arrange for a visit to a local clinic for health care services to check on both their physical and mental health.
- If your loved one has been prescribed medication for chronic conditions while in a correctional facility, it’s very important to make sure that their prescription continues.
- It’s ideal to get a complete physical and mental health evaluation after a period of incarceration. So if possible, get full blood work done and also an EKG/stress test.
- While cost can be an issue, there are often local community health clinics supported by city, county, or state governments that can offer these services for free. Additionally, these vital health screenings can also be free for some sub-groups, such as veterans, with services provided by the Veterans Administration. After completing the proper paperwork to determine eligibility, coverage may be provided by Medicare/Medicaid.
- Documentation: For many things to happen, a formerly incarcerated person will need to have the proper documentation. Sometimes the facility will provide this as part of the release process, but that is not guaranteed. Here’s what they will need:
- A birth certificate/school records. The family can help with this in advance, by filling out some paperwork and making calls. There are often fees involved for this as well.
- A Social Security number. The incarcerated person has to arrange for this themselves by filling out proper paperwork, either in advance of their release if possible or right afterwards.
- A state ID card or driver license. Sometimes this will be provided by the facility, but often they will have to obtain this after release.
How can I prepare emotionally for my loved one to return home?
- You may be very excited to see your loved one released. But you should also have reasonable expectations about the reentry process, which can be slow and have its ups and downs as well.
- A good rule of thumb is to take things easy and not push your loved one too hard in the reentry process.
- Friends and family members need to understand that this is a big adjustment for the formerly incarcerated. They will need time and patience to adjust to their new surroundings and situation.
- More ideas and tips are available on Prison Fellowship’s website.
