A curated collection of helpful resources, phone numbers, websites, and organizations that can assist you. All resources listed here are well-established and commonly used. Rules, availability, and information may change, so always verify details directly when possible.
This site provides general information and resource links only. It is not legal advice. Rules and services vary by facility and can change without notice. Always confirm details directly with the facility or organization involved.
Children Impacted by Incarceration
Sesame Workshop – Incarceration Resources for Families and Children (Seasame Street)
Age-appropriate videos, activities, and guidance from Sesame Workshop to help children understand incarceration, express their feelings, and feel supported. Designed for caregivers, educators, and families navigating these conversations with young children.
Supporting Children When A Parent Is In Prison (HealthyChildren.org)
Guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on supporting children emotionally when a parent is incarcerated. Focuses on honest communication, maintaining routines, building resilience, and meeting children where they are developmentally.
The National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated (NRCCFI)
Research-based resources, toolkits, and guidance focused on supporting children and families impacted by incarceration. Includes materials for caregivers, educators, and community organizations, with an emphasis on stability, connection, and child development.
Emergency & Crisis Support
If you or someone you care about is in immediate emotional distress, these resources can help right now.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call or text 988 – 24/7 crisis support
SAMHSA National Helpline
Call 1-800-662-4357 – Treatment and mental health referrals
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 – Free, confidential text support
Finding Your Facility
Tools to locate someone held in jail, prison, or federal custody.
Find people held in federal prison
State Department of Corrections
Links to inmate search tools for all 50 states
Immigration (ICE) Detention
Resources for locating someone detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Immigration detention is a civil process and separate from the criminal jail and prison system, even though people may be held in similar facilities.
Find out where someone is being held in ICE custody
Know Your Rights in Immigration Detention
Plain-language information about detention procedures and rights
Find Immigration Legal Help
Directories for free or low-cost immigration legal assistance
Be cautious of unverified services that charge fees or make guarantees. Use official government or nonprofit resources whenever possible.
Legal Resources
General legal support and information. Availability varies by location. Not all programs accept every case, and many have limited capacity. Rejections are common and are not a reflection of the case’s importance or merit.
Legal Aid Societies & Low-Cost Legal Help
Free legal help by state
Legal Services Corporation (LSC) – Find Legal Help
A search tool for finding free legal assistance through nonprofit organizations, pro bono programs, law school clinics, and community legal services. Availability and case types vary by provider.
Public Defender Offices
Start with your state’s Public Defender office website. They usually list local offices or explain how representation is assigned.
How to find it:
- Google: “[State] Public Defender Office”
- Or: “[State] indigent defense”
Pro Bono Legal Services
American Bar Association – Find Free Legal Help Directory
A nationwide directory of free and low-cost legal help, including pro bono programs, volunteer attorney panels, court-based help centers, and nonprofit legal organizations. Searchable by location and type of legal issue.
Law School Legal Clinics Directory (FindLaw)
A directory of law school clinics that provide free or low-cost legal services under the supervision of licensed attorneys. Some clinics handle criminal appeals, post-conviction relief, expungement, or reentry-related legal issues.
Support Organizations
Optional support for emotional and mental health needs.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Mental health education and support
Al-Anon / Nar-Anon
Support for families affected by addiction
Prison Fellowship
Faith-based prison and family support programs
Reentry & Coming Home
Reentry can be one of the hardest parts of the process. Release doesn’t mean things immediately get easier. Housing, employment, healthcare, supervision requirements, and rebuilding relationships all take time. The resources below focus on practical support and long-term stability for people returning home and the people supporting them.
National Reentry Resource Center (Council of State Governments)
National clearinghouse of reentry resources focused on housing, employment, health care, and community support. Includes state-specific programs and guidance for families and supporters.
A directory of reentry services, including housing, employment assistance, legal help, and support programs, searchable by location.
Note: Not every resource will be a fit, and not every door will open right away. That doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. These systems are complex and often slow. Take what’s useful, leave what isn’t, and come back when you’re ready.