Supporting Your Loved One

If someone you care about is navigating reentry, you might be wondering how to help. Here's what we've learned from community members about what actually helps.

What Your Loved One Might Need

    • Listen without judgment

    • Believe them about what they're experiencing

    • Respect their identity and pronouns

    • Be patient. Reentry takes time

    • Celebrate small wins

    • Housing (even temporary)

    • Help with applications and paperwork

    • Transportation to appointments

    • Basic necessities (clothing, toiletries, food)

    • Phone access

    • Childcare while they handle reentry tasks

    • Sometimes the best help is space

    • Respect if they need distance

    • Don't force them to share before they're ready

    • Support their connections outside family

What Often Doesn’t Help

  • Constant monitoring or checking in

  • Ultimatums or conditions

  • Trying to "fix" them

  • Comparing them to others

  • Bringing up past mistakes repeatedly

  • Forcing them to explain or justify themselves

Resources for Families