Family support: what it means to male inmates

Abstract

Family support for incarcerated individuals is an important issue that receives little consideration in society even though it may be one of the greatest factors for change in the jail system for combating recidivism rates. This study investigated the attitudes of 44 male inmates regarding family support while incarcerated in a Midwestern Wisconsin jail. It was hypothesized that increased family support of inmates while incarcerated would have a positive effect on the inmates and their behavior. Survey data was analyzed using frequencies and a reliability analysis. Results indicated that family support had significant effects on inmates while incarcerated. It was also found that overall conditions of the family interactions for the individuals that are incarcerated were unsatisfactory. Based on these findings, it is important for people to recognize that incarcerated individuals benefit from support from their family and jail environment while incarcerated. Implications for practitioners and future researchers include a need for greater efforts towards awareness and education of family involvement with inmates. It would also be helpful to improve the incorporation of family support for jail systems.