Family Transition Circles

Family Transition Circles

Family Transition Circles provide a restorative response to incarceration by creating a facilitated space in which an incarcerated or formerly incarcerated parent, his/her children, and the children’s caretaker(s) meet together to discuss:

  • the harm that was created by the behaviors that led to incarceration, and by the incarceration itself
  • the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs that have arisen because of that harm
  • what needs to be done to help heal the harm
  • how to plan for a future in which the parent may be more present in the lives of their children

 

Prisoners often walk out the gates with a powerful sense that they owe a debt to their families.  This restorative impulse is too often thwarted by the barriers and restrictions that make it virtually impossible for many returning prisoners to fulfill their obligations to family and community.  Nourished, it can prove a powerful force for personal and community recovery.

Nell Berstein

From All Alone In the World: Children of the Incarcerated

 

The Family Transition Circle is an opportunity for the parent to be held accountable directly to his/her family members for the harm that was done surrounding the incarceration and his/her absence. It empowers the family to communicate with one another about the harm that was done and about what they can do as a family unit to help heal the harm.  It also serves as a space for the family to discuss the transition of the parent back into the lives of the children and family members.

 

Participants include the incarcerated parent, his/her children, the caregiver responsible for the children during the absence of the parent, and other affected family members and friends.

 

Why Hold an FTC?

  • Children are more likely to have a voice as decisions are being made about them and their parent.
  • Children are more likely to feel supported as they face the reentry of their parent.
  • Families may foster stronger and healthier relationships and have open communication.
  • Participants have an opportunity to share about the effects of the incarceration and be heard.
  • The family is better able to plan for the transition time that occurs upon release of the parent.
  • Provides the family with a communication tool which can be used as the family moves forward.
  • Families are offered a space to discuss how issues that may arise upon release, such as economic situation, joblessness, role changes, restructuring of responsibilities, and school or house relocations, may impact relationships.

 

Process Overview

Step One: The facilitator meets with all of the parties individually to explain the process and determine if they would like to participate.

Step Two: The Family Transition Circle meets two to three times for about two hours each.  When possible, the first circle is held inside the jail.

Step Three: After the meetings, the group can be reconvened as needed for follow-up, help with troubleshooting issues that arise, or a time of celebration.

Family Transition Circles work to strengthen communication and relationships between incarcerated parents, their children and caretakers during the parents’ transition back into their family and the community.

For more information, please contact Jenna Preheim, Community Works Restorative Justice Coordinator, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 510-486-2340  

 

Related Links:

Transitional Conferencing (Minnesota) 

http://www.transitionalconferencing.org/