Jail time can be especially devastating to those who have family members in jail.
Whether it’s a sibling, parent, child, or spouse, coping with a jailed loved one can be hard. But fortunately, there are steps that you can take to make things easier for you and them.
In this article, we will go over what you need to know about coping with a jailed family member.
Find a Support Group
Coping with all of the stress and emotions associated with this situation can be a difficult task. Seeking support and guidance through this process helps to make managing a family member’s incarceration manageable.
One of the best ways to connect with those who understand one’s experience is to find a local support group. These groups created by or coordinated with organizations such as churches or non-profits are key components of recovery. You can also find groups from social media platforms who share the same sentiments.
From providing emotional support to offering practical advice, joining a support group will enable members to build relationships with others who are also dealing with a family member’s incarceration. Moreover, those in the support group can offer one another comfort, affirmation, and understanding as they navigate the situation together.
Engage with Your Incarcerated Loved One
It is important to stay in contact with your loved one. Send letters and cards, schedule video visits, or even phone calls- communication is key to staying connected. Write encouraging letters and share good news from home to help keep your loved one in touch with the outside world.
Keep up to date on their court dates and any potential parole hearings. Even if you cannot attend, knowing the dates and times can help alleviate any confusion or unnecessary stress.
Lastly, discuss ways to help your incarcerated family member. Their case and living arrangements are something you have the potential to help with.
Make a Plan and a Budget
It is never easy to cope with having a family member in jail. Make a plan and budget to ensure that you can provide for your family. First, determine what financial costs you are going to be responsible for. Review the amount they need to be able to make their payments for legal costs, court fines, and other related costs.
You also need to get ready to make the necessary adjustments in your budget so that you can afford the payments for your family member. Next, talk to your family about different ways to help, such as selling items or finding additional work. Lastly, establish a support system for your family.
Decide How Often Can You Visit
Deciding how often you can visit can be tough, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Consider the distance between you and the jail; if it is a long drive, you might need to determine if you can visit on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis.
Consider your schedule as well; if work or school makes it difficult to visit regularly, you may need to reevaluate. It is important to remain in contact with your family member, so trying to visit when you can is important.
Keeping an open dialogue and understanding that you can’t be there all the time can help you cope with the situation.
Find Out the Rules for Visiting
To cope with having a family member in jail, it’s important to find out the rules for visiting. Different correctional facilities have different policies, so it’s important to understand the regulations to ensure successful visits.
Contact the jail or prison to find out what the visiting hours are as well as what items are allowed.
You may also need to obtain a visitor’s permit or pass. Additionally, it’s important to call ahead or do an inmate search to make sure the family member hasn’t been transferred to another facility. You can also contact a lawyer to make sure all aspects of the prison sentence and legal proceedings are being followed.
Create a New Normal
The reality of having a jailed loved one can leave many emotions, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. It is important to focus on yourself and create a new normal.
Take time to practice self-care; explore activities that make you feel better such as journaling, meditation, reading, and getting outdoors. Engaging in community and other activities like therapy can help in the process of rebuilding a strong and healthy relationship
Whatever you do to cope with your new situation, remember that you are not alone. It is possible to adjust to this change and move forward with a positive mindset. It is not easy, but actively working to create a new normal can significantly help.
Make a Plan for Telling Others
Making a plan for telling others about a family member’s arrest can be difficult. First, it is important to decide who needs to be in the loop and who doesn’t. This may include close relatives, professionals, such as counselors or therapists, and school administrators.
Once people are identified, it might be helpful to write out a plan. This could include what to tell people, who will deliver the information, how to answer questions about the situation, and how to provide emotional support.
Finally, it is important to remember that it is ok to take a break from talking about the situation to give oneself some space from difficult emotions.
Caring and Supporting Your Jailed Family Member
Coping with a jailed family member can be difficult. But remember that support is key and you are not alone. Find a peer network, seek out resources available from social service organizations, and talk to a mental health professional if needed.
Keeping informed and connected are important steps to take as you cope with this difficult period. Take action now to start finding the best way to help yourself and your family during this challenging time.
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