Having a loved one in prison can be tough on families. But there are things that you can do to help them. For example, encourage your loved one to explore educational opportunities and job training programs. They can use these to build their resume and become independent. In addition, they can also help them connect to their community and family members.
Get Involved
Getting involved with the prison system can benefit your loved one. They may experience recurring issues after they get out, such as anxiety, hypervigilance or depression. These are normal reactions to their abnormal living conditions in state and federal prisons. Please encourage them to participate in volunteer activities and join support groups.
These will help them regain their sense of purpose. Keep them updated on filing deadlines for legal documents like motions and appeals. Also, help them complete forms and applications to boost their chances of early release and pardons.
Bail bonds reduce some of the strain this process causes. Bail bonds ensure a defendant’s freedom between court appearances by covering the cost of bail, which leaves money in the pockets of close friends and family.
It’s critical to be aware of the availability of bail bonds so that you can save a loved one from spending unnecessary time in jail and avoid having to pay for their release out of pocket. A surety bond for the defendant’s release is then provided to the court by the bond agent once the bail bonding company has been paid its fee.
Be Patient
It may take a while for your loved one to adjust to life outside prison or jail. They may have trouble adjusting to a normal routine, and they may have difficulty finding a job. Be patient with them and encourage them to pursue educational opportunities, seek job training, and attend support groups.
These things will help them become self-sufficient and give them the confidence they need to succeed. It’s also important to let them know you are there for them if they need emotional support.
Get a Lawyer
Getting a lawyer is one of the best things you can do for your loved one. It will help them fight for their freedom. A lawyer can also help them discover various procedures to aid their release. It includes commutations, compassionate releases, pardons, and more.
You can also get them in touch with a mental health court program. These programs link offenders who would otherwise be prison-bound to long-term community-based treatment. They can offer resources for financial support, housing and employment assistance, child care, education, training and family therapy.
Get a Job
When a loved one is released from prison, it can be overwhelming. They may need to find a place to live, get a job, and enroll in healthcare. Helping them with these practical needs can be beneficial for your loved one.
Another helpful thing you can do is help them get re-acquainted with their hobbies, such as reading or working out. It will help them stay productive and give them something to look forward to. You can also help them join support groups with other former inmates.
Get a Place to Stay
Getting out of prison is an overwhelming and emotional experience for anyone. It’s important to help them adjust by providing assistance and support. It can include helping them find a place to live, finding employment, and identifying available resources.
It’s also important to stay in communication with them. Email, letters, and phone calls are all good ways to do this. Encouraging them to develop new habits and hobbies is also a good idea. It can help them resist returning to old behaviors that may lead to further incarceration.
Be Vulnerable
When your loved one is in prison or jail, they only have limited options for their day-to-day life. It can be overwhelming and confusing when they first get out, with many decisions to make.
Please encourage them to pursue educational opportunities and help them through the application process. It can be beneficial for their long-term goals and career success. It can also help them develop a sense of stability and give them something to look forward to.
Be Positive
Reminding your incarcerated loved one that their stay in jail or prison will be short and that they have so much to look forward to is important. It can be done through visits, phone calls, and letters.
Helping them to set goals, learn new habits, and find hobbies is also beneficial. These will help them with their transition and may assist with depression. Additionally, finding groups that assist with job searches for those with criminal records is very helpful.