DOC launches Family and Friends Handbook

Dover, DE - The Delaware Department of Correction today launched its Friends and Family Handbook, a new resource developed to provide information for families and friends of incarcerated individuals and help them navigate Delaware's correctional system. This publication is aimed at providing information on demand in one easy to access document, answer common questions, and open channels of communication between members of the community and the DOC.

"Incarceration doesn't just affect individuals in Department of Correction custody, it also impacts their families and community connections," Governor Matt Meyer said. "By working proactively to get information in their hands and taking steps to deliver responsive service, we can help them better support individuals under DOC supervision and also achieve our shared mission of rehabilitation and creating second chances."

The Friends and Family Handbook was developed by DOC's Community Relations Unit with input from leaders and program administrators across the Department and is presented in English and Spanish language versions. It was designed to be an accessible and user-friendly guide that provides practical information, such as locating and communicating with incarcerated loved ones, in-person and virtual visitation, depositing funds, and commissary. It features a guide to how Delaware's correctional system works, from intake and orientation to classification, Good Time, work opportunities, programming and education, medical and behavioral healthcare, the discipline and grievance system, reentry supports, and much more. The 20-page Handbook also includes quick links to detailed information about visitation, tablet and mail communications, family services, and victim services, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

"There's a well-known saying that "knowledge is power." We want to empower families and friends by providing knowledge and resources to be informed, to advocate, and to be engaged," Department of Correction Commissioner Terra Taylor said. "They are vital partners in our shared mission to help justice-involved individuals achieve personal growth and long-term reentry success. We encourage families and friends to support their loved ones by maintaining active and positive communication, motivating them to participate fully in treatment, programming, and work opportunities, and encouraging them to use their time under DOC supervision to prepare for success when they return to the community."

Download the Friends and Family Handbook on the DOC website at https://doc.delaware.gov/assets/documents/doc_familyhandbook_ENG.pdf. A Spanish language version is available at https://doc.delaware.gov/assets/documents/doc_familyhandbook_SPA.pdf

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