FamilyWorks
FamilyWorks addresses the needs of fathers in prison and their children by providing parenting education to inmates, a Children's Center for children who visit their incarcerated fathers, and counseling and related services for families affected by incarceration.
Founded in 1986, FamilyWorks now operates at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility and the Woodbourne Correctional Facility, two men's state prisons located in Westchester and Sullivan counties, respectively.
Strong family relationships are a primary reason why former prisoners are able to successfully adjust to a crime-free life after release. FamilyWorks attempts to build family bonds that are often broken during the time of a father's imprisonment.
In addition to the Children's Center and Parenting Program at the prison, FamilyWorks provides social service support in New York City where the majority of the families of the incarcerated fathers live. Services such as counseling, crisis intervention, and support groups open to families are available at the Osborne Association's offices.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why do inmates and their families need help in maintaining their relationships during or after incarceration?
Maintaining a stable family unit or parent-child relationship during incarceration, or resuming a nurturing family life after release, is extremely difficult. In many cases, lack of financial resources, long distances to travel, and poor communication between inmates and their children's caretakers make it impossible to maintain these relationships without significant support. Prisons are often located far from inmates' families, and many of the issues that lead to incarceration also lead to stresses on families.
Why do inmates fathers need parenting programs?
More than three quarters of the nearly 2,000,000 individuals incarcerated in America are parents. In fact, on any given day there are 2,000,000 children who have a parent locked up. Whether they live at home with their children, or are separated from their children for any reason (including divorce or incarceration), fathers influence the development of their children.
What issues are covered in the parenting education program?
FamilyWorks offers Basic Parenting Education at Sing Sing and Woodbourne, and an Advanced Parenting Course at Sing Sing for graduates of the basic program.
The FamilyWorks basic program is a 16-week course that deals with parenting issues like child development, discipline, and parenting from prison. Through readings, discussion, role plays, lectures and other exercises, inmates are challenged to examine and improve their parenting styles. The course is both informational and transformational, designed to impart ideas and change behaviors A certificate is given to those inmates who successfully complete the program.
Why do children of prisoners need special services?
The children of incarcerated parents are a large, hidden, frightened, and innocent population who generally receive no support services designed to meet their special needs. Little attention is given to them, or to learning about the effects of having a parent forcibly removed from their lives for an indefinite period of time. We do know, however, that these children are at risk of being abused or breaking the law in far greater proportions than other children in similar socio-economic circumstances. Separation from a parent, and witnessing a parent being placed under arrest or in a prison setting, are likely to set off powerful responses in a child. These responses often occur at a time when the child's parents may be most under pressure to resolve their own problems, and least able to consider the needs of the child.
What services does FamilyWorks offer to children at the prison?
FamilyWorks operate Children's Centers adjoining the prison visiting rooms at Woodborne and Sing Sing. These centers provide a child-oriented, supportive environment where children can visit with their fathers with the encouragement and guidance of early childhood professionals, as well as trained inmate staff. The center is equipped with toys, games, and activities for children up to age 17.
Who is eligible for FamilyWorks?
All inmates are eligible to participate in FamilyWorks, which includes use of the Children's Center and Enrollment in the parenting course.
Who funds FamilyWorks?
FamilyWorks is funded by the New York State Department of Correctional Services, the New York State Department of Social Services, and the Open Society Institute Center on Crime, Communities and Culture.
What are the hours of the Children's Centers?
The Children's Center at Sing Sing is open 8:30 - 2:30, Thursday through Tuesday, and during school breaks and holidays.
At Woodborne, the center is open Saturday, Sunday and Holidays from 8:30 - 2:30
How do I contact FamilyWorks?
Tom Alexander
Program Director
FamilyWorks
809 Westchester Avenue
Bronx, New York 10455
Phone: (718) 842-0500
talexander@osborneny.org
FamilyWorks
Sing Sing Correctional Facility
354 Hunter Street
Ossining, NY 10562-5442
Woodbourne Correctional Facility
Pouch #1
Woodbourne, NY 12788