• What is FamilyNet

• Little Angels

• FamilyNet Alternatives for County Jails or Prisons (Saturdays and/or Sundays-During Visitation)

• The Importance of this Ministry

• The Children's Edition

• FamilyNet Follow-up in Communities

• Family Assistance

• Special FamilyNet Saturdays

• FamilyNet Goals

• An Ongoing Program

• Guidelines

• FamilyNet Objectives

• The FamilyNet Course

• Sample Schedule for a FamilyNet Weekend

The Importance of this Ministry

"You can never do anything for people - you have to do it with people." - Marianna Burt (Legal Counsel, Criminal Justice System of Maryland)

"Findings indicate that many parolees want to change life-styles and are motivated when released. Community and individual factors affect community adjustment." - Harvey McMurray (Journal of Offender Rehabilitation)

"If a correction program does not include after-care, you are kidding yourself!" - Cheryl Clark (New York Department of Corrections)

An Ongoing Program

Rehabilitation cannot simply be the act of becoming a former offender by being released from prison. We cannot merely send parolees back to dysfunctional families and environments and expect them to survive, let alone thrive.

Any real and lasting change must be spiritual in nature. The gospel of Jesus, with His teachings lived out by God's people in the community (in local congregational involvement), is a great force for positive change in any individual's life.

FamilyNet is here to help. We strive to eliminate the revolving door syndrome. We provide former offenders with a way to succeed - to become productive - to become vibrant members of society.

Little Angels

"Little Angels" is an important aspect of our FamilyNet effort to wisely and gently minister to small children (from birth to about age twelve) who have been negatively impacted by incarceration. This benefits every member of the family. We call these children "Little Angels" because we believe-as Jesus taught-that heaven itself consists of such innocent little ones. Also, they have not done anything to "ask for" their current circumstances.

While we can and do many other things to help, FamilyNet collects funds to purchase gift cards from WalMart. They are then used to benefit our "Little Angels". This is not just a Christmas program. It is active throughout the year (although activity obviously does increase from about Thanksgiving through the end of the year). Most of these children do not need another toy. Some need food, others need medicine, and still others need clothing.

Some children do need toys. One mother told recently of how her daughter received a small doll while her dad was incarcerated. It came at a critical time in that child's life. Today, that child is an adult and a mother of three little angels of her own but she fondly recalls the doll she received when her father was in prison. Thus, we collect toys, dolls, and games but they must be carefully selected so as not to present a danger to the child or fellow playmates.

In addition to the families of offenders, FamilyNet seeks to minister to ex-offenders-those on probation or parole in the community. When possible, we try to work through the officers that are supervising these clients. The officers are acutely aware of families in distress and the genuineness of their clients.

Finally, we try to encourage the families of employees within the criminal justice system. Many of them have been impacted negatively. None are overpaid for putting their lives "on the line" daily. Illness, injuries and even deaths occur. Again, children most often suffer quietly and alone. We try to assist them individually as well as collectively through annual get-togethers, picnics, play-days, etc. We may provide gift cards, food (including ice cream and cookies), clothing, furniture, appliances, or other special needs.

The extent of what FamilyNet through the Little Angels program can do is limited only by the resources available (such as the gift cards). The majority of contributions come from interested individuals. Some gifts come through congregations or groups within the church such as ladies' classes, youth groups, senior adults, etc. Occasionally, businesses will make donations-in goods or financially.

We do not use the old "bait and switch" trick. We do not offer help in exchange for people coming to "our" church, enrolling in a certain Bible course, etc. However, we do want to make a loud statement to these families and children-"You are deeply loved by God who wants only good things for you!"

Obviously, we know that some number will eventually want to get to know
us better. In time, deeper and lasting personal relationships will develop. Galatians 6:10 issues our "marching orders" . . . do good to all men!

Special FamilyNet Saturdays

How It Works

• The FamilyNet weekend is available to inmates whose spouses, or children (Ages 6-12) live in the area of the prison. We recruit students from the inmate population, first from NLB classes, and then from the rest of the unit.
• Obviously, this event requires the endorsement and cooperation of prison officials. Adjustments will reflect the attitude/latitude of those in charge.
• We mail an information letter and application form to the family members.
• The classes meet for ten consecutive Saturdays from 11:00 - 3:00 in the unit chapel. See schedule. We use NLB Courses III ("Parenting Matters"), V ("Christian Marriages Skills"), and/or IX ("FamilyNet") as curriculum.
• Following lunch in the prison dining hall, we have a devotional with the family together, and the fathers leading as they will.
• Following the last class, the wives are given a sack of groceries each week to take home.
• Twice a month, we also sponsor (in the community) class and support groups for the wives.
• At the end of the series, we have a special graduation. We cater a meal, invite the inmate's parents and all the children. We award certificates, and Bibles, and give the family a time to offer testimonies of the effectiveness of the program.

Sample Schedule for a FamilyNet Weekend

FamilyNet Follow-Up in Communities

• Utilizing the National Directory of Churches of Christ and Interested Individual Christians Involved in Jail and Prison Ministries, and the "Contact List" of Texas Prisons. . . FamilyNet seeks to notify Christian leaders in local communities to which ex-offenders are going.
• In our immediate area, we do this with our own volunteers. Ex-offenders will be urged to attend services, attend CASA meetings, other support meetings and special events, etc.
• In the case of married couples or those planning on getting married, offer Christian marriage counseling.
• Those with small children may be candidates for our "Little Angels" program, VBS, Summer Youth Camps, etc.
• Assistance may be needed with food, clothing or special required items/tools for employment.
• Make a file on each contact, gaining as much information as possible without being "pushy."

FamilyNet Objectives

• To obtain more adequate funding, expanding prison NewLife Behavior classes and programs.
• To increase the distribution of the NLB newsletter.
• To insure that each offender upon release is introduced to a contact person in a local congregation.
• To insure that each family member develops appropriate life skills for abundant living.
• To develop a stronger tie between FamilyNet and all the various agencies within the criminal justice system to more effectively minister to all.