Family & Emotional Support Resources for Justice-Impacted Families
Children Affected by Parental Incarceration – Columbus, OH
Offers parenting programs, developmental assessments, a free pantry for critical needs, clinical services for children, and reunification activities.
Eligibility: FChildren whose parents are justice-system-involved or struggling with substance abuse.
Ohio Children of Incarcerated Parents (CIP) Initiative
Provides resources, training, and guidance to organizations, professionals, and individuals working with children of incarcerated parents.
Eligibility: Families impacted by parental incarceration and professionals working with these families.
Directions for Youth & Families (DFYF)
Offers trauma-informed, culturally sensitive counseling and programming to promote hope, healing, and resilience for families.
Eligibility: Youth and families in Franklin County seeking counseling and educational services.
LEAF Support Groups – Catholic Diocese of Columbus
Provides faith-based, peer-led support groups to address the emotional and spiritual needs of families of incarcerated individuals.
Eligibility: Families and loved ones of the incarcerated seeking emotional support.
I Am Boundless – Comprehensive Support Services
Offers a wide range of services, including primary care, behavioral health, autism services, residential support, and family support.
Eligibility: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and behavioral health challenges in Ohio.
OhioKAN (Kinship and Adoption Navigator Program)
Provides mentorship, peer navigation, financial assistance, and crisis support for families stepping in to care for children of incarcerated parents.
Eligibility: Kinship and adoptive families needing guidance, resources, and support to create stable homes.
Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities (FCBDD)
Provides early childhood services, school-age services, adult services, service coordination, and support services.
Eligibility: Residents of Franklin County with developmental disabilities.
ADAMH Board of Franklin County – Adult Mental Health Services
Connects individuals to a network of mental health service providers offering counseling, case management, and crisis intervention.
Eligibility: Adults in Franklin County seeking mental health services.
Sesame Workshop – Incarceration Resources
Provides bilingual, age-appropriate materials (videos, storybooks, and activities) to help children process parental incarceration in a safe and supportive way.
Eligibility: Parents, caregivers, teachers, and support professionals working with children impacted by incarceration.
Alvis, Inc. – Recovery Choices and Amethyst Programs
Provides integrated behavioral health care, including outpatient programs and long-term holistic treatment for women.
Eligibility: Individuals seeking behavioral health treatment, including those with co-occurring disorders.
Kairos Outside (Kairos Prison Ministry)
Offers free weekend retreats that provide a safe, judgment-free community for women to share their experiences and receive support.
Eligibility: Women impacted by the incarceration of a loved one.
Prison Fellowship – Family Ministry
Provides spiritual resources, mentoring programs, and community support to help families navigate the emotional challenges of incarceration.
Eligibility: Families with incarcerated loved ones looking for faith-based support.
Justice for Families – Family Leadership Training
Offers family leadership programs, peer navigation training, and workshops to help families advocate for policy changes and better systems.
Eligibility: Families navigating the criminal justice system who want to become advocates and leaders.
Extended Family – Support for Families of the Incarcerated
Provides local and virtual support groups, educational programs, and advocacy resources to help families adjust to life during and after incarceration.
Eligibility: Families of incarcerated individuals looking for community support and practical resources.
The National Resource Center on Children & Families of the Incarcerated (NRCCFI)
A leading national clearinghouse that provides research, best practices, and advocacy for families impacted by incarceration.
Eligibility: Families, caregivers, and professionals working with children of incarcerated parents.