Family Justice Program

Expanding the Use of Family-Based Case Management

Case management tools and methods designed by the Family Justice Program seek to help service providers tailor their assistance in ways that engage families and other key individuals as a source of support. Program staff are currently training corrections personnel and parole officers in Oklahoma and New Mexico to use these tools and methods. They are also partnering with local jurisdictions to adapt the approach for jail facilities. Both initiatives are funded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance.

In addition, the program recently piloted a new Juvenile Relational Inquiry Tool in Arizona, Ohio, and Michigan. Modeled after a similar tool for adults in prison, the Juvenile Relational Inquiry Tool helps juvenile justice case managers build on incarcerated youths’ strengths and social connections. It also helps staff build rapport with youth and collect information that can enhance reentry planning. This project was funded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

Why We Need This Program

Juvenile and adult justice agencies are increasingly aware of the role that families and social networks play in the lives of incarcerated individuals or people under justice supervision. Yet these agencies often do not know how to tap families as a resource. The Family Justice Program provides tools, training, and technical assistance to help governments and agencies overcome obstacles to implementing family focused, strength-based policies and planning. All Family Justice Program initiatives are customized according to input from the people involved with the justice system and their families and agency staff.

For more information about this program, contact program director Margaret diZerega.