CPR RESOURCES
RESOURCE GUIDES
The Michigan Department of Corrections Family Orientation Packet is a resource designed to help families understand what to expect when a loved one enters the prison system. It explains the intake process, communication options like mail, phone, and visits, how to send funds, and the services and programs available inside. Citizens for Prison Reform advocated for the creation of this packet and worked in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Corrections to ensure families have clear, accessible information during this difficult transition.
Mental Health
For Individuals and Families Impacted by Substance Use Disorders
SMART Recovery uses techniques from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET, a non-confrontational approach to helping people change behaviors).
Parole & Re-Entry
Information PDF >>
Offers mentoring for parolees and their families, including life coaches, faith-based support groups, and structured family reconnection opportunities.
- (269) 969-9181
- website
- info@citylinc.org
- 70 Calhoun St., Battle Creek, MI 49017
Support Groups
Citizens for Prison Reform (CPR) and the Family Participation Program (FPP) offer support and resources to Michigan families affected by the criminal justice system across the state. Through virtual meetings, educational programs, and community-building activities, they provide a space for families to connect, share experiences, and gain guidance. The organization helps families navigate challenges, access resources, and build resilience while supporting their loved ones.
Prison Families Alliance (PFA) is a national nonprofit that supports adults and children with loved ones in the criminal justice system. They offer free monthly peer support groups—online and in person—for families to connect, share experiences, and build resilience. Their youth-focused activities also help children and teens cope with the challenges of having an incarcerated loved one.
Michigan Citizens for Justice (MCJ) offers peer-led support groups for individuals impacted by Michigan’s sex-offense laws and their families. Through in-person and online meetings, MCJ provides a safe space for emotional support, resource sharing, and connection with others who understand these unique challenges. The organization also promotes education and advocacy aimed at creating fair, evidence-based policies that support healing, dignity, and successful reintegration.
Rainbows provides free support groups for children and teens who are coping with the incarceration of a parent or other family challenges. Trained facilitators offer a safe space for youth to share their feelings, connect with peers, and learn healthy coping skills.
Resources FOR FAMILIES
Use this to locate your loved one's who are incarcerated in the Michigan Department of Corrections
Amazon Options: Shop and save with EBT
Use this to locate a loved one within the Federal Bureau of Prisons
Use this to locate a loved one in a Michigan jail
CPR Guide to Support Children Affected by Incarceration
Developed in collaboration with correctional institutions and family advocates to reduce trauma for children during visits
Families can use the Action for Happiness monthly calendar as a simple wellbeing tool, offering daily positive prompts that support hope, grounding, and emotional connection. It can also be printed and mailed to incarcerated loved ones to give them small, uplifting actions to focus on each day.
Offers mentoring for parolees and their families, including life coaches, faith-based support groups, and structured family reconnection opportunities.
Rx Kids supports mothers in Flint, Kalamazoo, Pontiac, Hazel Park, Royal Oak Township, Dearborn, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Melvindale, River Rouge, Ypsilanti, and communities in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. It provides cash assistance during pregnancy and early infancy, helping mothers impacted by incarceration meet basic needs and create more stability when returning home.
Motherly Intercession is a Flint-based nonprofit that supports children with an incarcerated parent. They offer tutoring and youth programs, caregiver support, case management, and parenting classes inside the Genesee County Jail. Their work focuses on strengthening families, building stability for children, and breaking cycles of incarceration.
The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) has enacted a Family Reunification Policy (03.02.102) to ensure incarcerated individuals can interact with their families throughout incarceration and that families understand MDOC operations and policies.
The Family Advisory Board is a group of family members, advocates, and formerly incarcerated people who meet with the Department of Corrections to share feedback and recommend improvements to policies that affect families. The board focuses on communication, visitation, family connection, and reentry support. They hold monthly meetings for members and a few public meetings each year so families can raise concerns and offer input. Anyone with a loved one in a Michigan prison can apply to serve on the board by completing the application form on the Michigan Department of Corrections website.
Families can email:
mdoc-visitingconcerns@michigan.gov
with concerns or suggestions related to visitation, and they can use mdoc-families@michigan.gov with all other family related concerns, ideas, and feedback.
Legal Guardianship
Grievances
Freedom of information act (FOIA) Requests
Segregation
Housing Resources - Detroit
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is distributing awards to support residents who have been impacted by the criminal legal system with finding and obtaining housing.Washtenaw, Calhoun, and St. Joseph Counties. DETAILS>>
Offers housing assistance for women in Detroit.
Contact Regional Director Diana Dupree at 248-694-9213
Additional Resources
(UV4SOR) is a national advocacy group offering support and resources for individuals and families impacted by sex offense laws, including those with loved ones in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). In addition to reform advocacy, UV4SOR provides general support for families navigating the federal system. Web: UV4SOR.org Email: sbleaf@uv4sor.org Phone: (231) 499-5027
CPR'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Prisoner Family Advocacy
101 WEBINAR
Join us for our Prisoner Family Advocacy 101 educational webinar series empowering families to become strong advocates.
This first webinar in our series shares important information for those who have a loved one entering the system or who want to learn more about becoming an advocate.
Parole process
Join us for our Prisoner Family Advocacy 101 educational webinar on how families can help their loved ones prepare for the parole process.