FAMILY PARTICIPATION PROGRAM
EMPOWERING JUSICE IMPACTED FAMILIES
A CPR INITIATIVE
Families should never have to navigate the prison system alone.
The Family Participation Program (FPP) operates under Citizens for Prison Reform (CPR) to provide trauma-informed, family-to-family advocacy across Michigan. Our posters hang in every Michigan prison so families and incarcerated individuals know there is someone on the outside who understands and is here to support them. Families should never have to navigate the prison system alone.
We help justice-impacted families with:
- Guidance on prison policies and processes
- Advocacy planning and support
- Crisis response during medical, mental health, visitation, and emergency situations
- Parole preparation and reentry resources
- Virtual support meetings and advocacy workshops
- Creating pathways for families to influence positive change
In addition to advocacy and education, FPP hosts community-centered events that bring families together in spaces of support, healing, and connection.
From virtual gatherings to in-person workshops and family-focused events, we create opportunities for families to build relationships, access resources, and strengthen their sense of community beyond moments of crisis.
Through advocacy, education, and community, FPP advances CPR’s mission to engage, educate, and empower families.
Families in need of Assistance
Start Here
Please fill out the FPP questionnaire online if you are in need of assistance or need support from one of our family advocates.
Upcoming Meeting
MONTHLY VIA ZOOM
We invite families who have an incarcerated loved one or who support a returning citizen to join us for our FPP Advocacy Meeting. We hold a virtual meeting on the third Wednesday of every month.
Prison Food & Nutrition
We are asking families to help us gather information about the food and nutrition your loved one receives in Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) facilities.
have you already worked with FPP?
Please fill out the FPP Exit Survey if you have received services from the Family Participation Program so we can gauge how helpful the program has been and what we can improve. Thank you!
The Family Participation Program aims to make an impact! FPP nurtures positive life outcomes by supporting families impacted by incarceration.
HOW TO JOIN
VIRTUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
Virtual Family Participation Program meetings are held on the Third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 PM.
Please register below.
VIRTUAL SUPPORT MEETINGS
We hold special monthly meeting for families affected by visitation restrictions.
First Wednesday of every month at 6:30PM.
WEBINARS
DON’T TAKE A PLEA DEAL… until you know these 5 things!
Michigan Criminal Court Process – What to Expect; Arrest to Sentencing
Understanding Courtroom Language & Terminology
DON’T TAKE A PLEA DEAL… until you know these 5 things!
Michigan Criminal Court Process – What to Expect; Arrest to Sentencing
*webinar production spondored by the State Bar of Michigan
We Need Your Feedback on MDOC Visitation!
For more than a decade, visitation has been one of Citizens for Prison Reform’s highest priorities. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, visitation opportunities in Michigan prisons have been significantly reduced and have never been fully restored.
We believe strong family relationships are essential to rehabilitation, successful reentry, and safer communities.
The National Lifers of America has collected visitation surveys from incarcerated individuals across Michigan, and we’re now asking families and loved ones on the outside to share their experiences as well.
Citizens for Prison Reform is currently developing visitation policy recommendations for the Michigan Department of Corrections, and your feedback will help ensure families have a voice in that process.
If you’ve visited a loved one in an MDOC facility, we’d greatly appreciate you taking a few minutes to complete our survey.
You do not have to answer every question, and you may complete the survey anonymously if you choose. If you provide your contact information, it will remain confidential and will only be used by Citizens for Prison Reform if we need to follow up or if you would like assistance from our Family Participation Program.
Although MDOC is not currently planning to expand visitation opportunities, Citizens for Prison Reform will never stop advocating for stronger visitation policies and greater opportunities for families to stay connected. We will continue listening to families, elevating their voices, and proposing solutions because meaningful family connection should be recognized as an essential component of rehabilitation and successful reentry.
Have you ever been separated from a loved one because they were incarcerated far from home?
Researchers at Kent State University are looking to hear from individuals and families impacted by long-distance incarceration, where visiting isn’t possible in a single day.
This voluntary study includes an online survey and/or interview and aims to understand how distance affects families, connections, and support.
Your voice can help inform future advocacy and awareness.
We'd love to hear from you!
Contact Us
Use the provided form if you have questions about CPR’s Family Participation Program. If you need assistance, please fill out the FPP Questionnaire.