Department of Correction establishes Family Services programs
In its continued effort to provide assistance and support to family members and friends of those who are incarcerated, the Delaware Department of Correction has established some new family-based services.
A Family Services Coordinator position has been created within the Community Relations unit of the Office of the Commissioner, and the department has partnered with Sesame Street to provide on-line access to toolkits aimed at helping children understand incarceration.
These new services are intended to provide a structured and streamlined way to address issues and concerns of those impacted by someone’s incarceration.
“We understand that an individual’s incarceration affects more than just the person being held in custody; there is also an impact on that individual’s family and friends,” said DOC Commissioner Robert Coupe. “The creation of the Family Services Coordinator position provides a centralized point of contact for inquiries from offenders’ families and friends who have questions, concerns or need assistance in understanding the operation of the Department of Correction.
“Our partnership with Sesame Street provides resources specifically developed for children who have an incarcerated parent or relative. The website provides support and assistance to help address the oftentimes confusing situation that surrounds the incarceration of someone they know,” Coupe added. “We are pleased to be able to provide these services and resources as we continue to move the Department of Correction forward.”
The DOC is also working to improve existing Victim Services that are dedicated to helping victims and survivors, and will provide additional information when that process is completed.
Contact numbers:
• Family Services Coordinator - 302-857-5470
• Family Services Coordinator e-mail DOC_ASKDOC_Mail@state.de.us
• Victim Services phone: 302-857-5440
• Victim Services e-mail: DOC_VictimServices@state.de.us
The Sesame Street toolkit can be accessed from the DOC home page www.doc.delaware.gov under Children’s Resources.
