The Family Justice Program develops creative initiatives with a wide range of partners, including government, community-based, and faith-based organizations. Research shows that the program’s strength-based, family-focused approach results in better outcomes for people who are involved in the justice system and for their families.

The Family Justice Program’s approach to family case management (originally called The Bodega Model^®) reflects the following guiding principles and values: 

• Respect for all individuals and families 
• A broad, inclusive definition of family
• Recognition of family members as experts on their own lives who set their own goals
• Promotion of families’ and communities’ strengths 
• Consideration of people in the context of their relationships and social networks
• Acknowledgement of existing services as resources (and efforts to avoid duplication)

The program uses a broad definition of family that includes friends, significant others, clergy, co-workers, and other important individuals in a social network. Research shows that, even though they have limited ability to fulfill their roles as caregivers, providers, parents, and companions, people in jail or prison benefit from maintaining contact with supportive family members. Juvenile justice, corrections, probation, and parole personnel often overlook the valuable roles that family members can play during incarceration and the transition home.

How do family members contribute?

• A man brings his niece and nephew to visit their mother in jail.
• A mother participates in a conference call with a facility case manager in preparation for her son’s release.
• A woman provides housing to her brother after his release and helps with child care, transportation, or financial support. 
• A close friend can talk things over and be a shoulder to lean on. 
• An uncle or pastor lends computer skills, helps fill out an application, or knows a small-business owner who can offer a job.
• A young man checks in to make sure his grandmother is taking her medication.

When a person is involved in the juvenile or criminal justice system, the whole family is affected—and strong family support is critical to the individual’s success.

The Family Justice Program uses several tools and methods that help staff identify the strengths of individuals and families.