The Problem

Each year, tens of thousands of individuals enter prison without knowing how different it is from society, how it functions, and how to adapt successfully. Many enter without prior gang or hate group affiliation and are recruited within weeks of arrival. Incarceration environments often strip away identity, safety, and autonomy. Vulnerable inmates seek protection, belonging, and access to resources—needs that gangs and hate groups exploit. This is where incarceration support for families can play a crucial role in providing guidance and resources.

Currently, 15% of inmates are gang-affiliated, with many more informally connected. The recruitment into gangs increases violence, trauma, and recidivism, while affiliation undermines rehabilitation and reentry support efforts. 

Those individuals who enter prison without understanding it often face more disciplinary infractions and have a harder time adjusting, which can have lasting effects on their participation in programs and the potential for early release. Programs like a prison preparation program can help mitigate these challenges, ensuring a smoother transition for inmates. Justice reform nonprofits are also essential in advocating for better conditions and resources that support parenting from prison, thereby fostering healthier connections for families affected by incarceration.