Supporting Your Child Through Incarceration: A Parent’s Guide
Your Starter Kit for the Journey Behind the Wall
Having a child incarcerated can be an overwhelming and emotional experience, filled with uncertainty, fear, and countless questions. This guide is here to help you navigate the process with clarity and support. From understanding your rights as a parent or guardian to knowing what steps to take early on, we aim to equip you with the tools, resources, and encouragement you need. Whether you’re facing this for the first time or have been walking this journey for a while, you are not alone. This section offers practical information and heartfelt guidance to help you advocate for your child, care for yourself, and find hope in the midst of difficulty.
Your Rights as a Parent or Guardian
Access to Information (Limited): Know where your child is housed and request facility policies, but personal details require your child's permission.
Communication Rights: Write letters and receive communication. Calls often go through paid vendors (e.g., GTL, Securus).
Visitation Rights: You can apply for visitation, but approval depends on background checks and facility policies.
Advocacy & Complaint Filing: File complaints about mistreatment or poor conditions with the warden, ombudsman, or DOC.
Right to Be Heard: You can advocate to judges, parole boards, and lawmakers on behalf of your child.
What You Need to Know First
Inmate number and full name (as booked).
Where they are being held (jail vs. prison; local, state, or federal).
Facility visitation rules (in-person, virtual, dress code).
Mailing instructions (specific formatting, no stickers, etc.).
Phone call vendor/system (e.g., GTL, Securus).
How to send money (e.g., Western Union, JPay, Access Corrections).- Commissary schedule (when and what they can buy).
Medical/mental health protocols (how they request help).
Grievance procedures (how they report mistreatment).
Parole or legal status (check with lawyer or public database).
What to Do Right Away
Get a notebook or journal to track calls, receipts, and records.
Download the app for inmate calls to save money.
Build a support circle (join A Mother's Cry or similar groups).
Create a budget for commissary, calls, and travel.
Keep communication consistent - every message counts.
Encourage your child to document grievances and medical requests. Create a digital/physical folder for legal papers and DOC info (If needed, appoint a Power of Attorney to advocate effectively).
Know who to contact (the prison ombudsman, legal aid, etc.).
Prepare for Parole & Re-entry - Prepare Parole https://prepare-parole.org/
Pray, rest, and give yourself grace - you are not alone.
Speak Up: Testify on Maryland Bills
Make Your Voice Heard
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Families impacted by incarceration often know the system best—but are rarely heard.
Through Maryland’s General Assembly (MGA), you can submit written testimony or speak directly to lawmakers about bills that affect your loved ones.
This information, provided in partnership with Interfaith Action for Human Rights, will help you navigate the process with confidence.
Follow the steps below or download our easy-to-follow PDF guide to learn how to participate.
Guided by Love: Advocacy Resources for Parents and Guardians
This guide is designed to empower parents and guardians with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to advocate effectively for the children in their care. Whether you’re navigating the justice system, advocating in schools, or seeking community support services, this resource offers clear, practical guidance to help you understand your rights, speak up with purpose, and ensure your child’s needs are met. You don’t have to do this alone—this guide is here to walk with you, every step of the way.