Friends Outside

Programs and Services

Family Liaison Services

About

Located within the walls of 16 California State Prisons, our Family Liasion Services (FLS) Specialists provide support and assistance, act as a liaison between the incarcerated and their families, and address a variety of needs and emergencies.

Services

Pre-Release Planning: FLS Specialists work with those incarcerated to create a release plan which addresses needs such as employment, health care, housing, education, and other community connections.

Communication with Support Systems: Research shows that strong support systems and a stable relationship with family and friends reduces the likelyhood that a person will re-offend. FLS Specialists facilitate communications with family and friends to help strengthen bonds and plan for a return to the community.

Parenting Classes: Incarcerated parents and others who are in a parent or caregiver role learn child development, health and safety, nutrition, and techniques of parent-child communication. Participants are shown ways to provide positive guidance discipline that encourages good behavior in place of punishment. Family relationship skills are taught and practiced. 

Anger Management Classes: Anger Management Skills Training is based upon the evidence-based Anderson and Anderson model of anger management, the world's most effective and widely recognized anger management curriculum.  The program focuses on enhanced emotional intelligence and assertive communication while introducing behavioral strategies to identify and manage anger and stress.

Creative Conflict Resolution: Following the successful Alternatives to Violence Quaker model, CCR is a strength-based, intensive, interactive group experience which addresses the special treatment needs of people with anger issues. 

Resource and Referral: FLS Specialists refer families to social supports within their communities to cope with and manage a variety of emergencies.