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FAMILIES Program: Incarceration Alternative for Parents and Caregivers

This act introduces the FAMILIES Program, aiming to divert parents, expectant parents, and caregivers from incarceration into comprehensive support programs. Instead of imprisonment, these individuals can participate in educational, vocational, and therapeutic programs, helping them reintegrate into society and maintain family ties. Courts will consider the impact of incarceration on families and will not impose fees that could hinder program participation.
Key points
Individuals with caregiving responsibilities may be diverted to the FAMILIES Program instead of prison, aiming to keep families together.
The program offers support in education, job seeking, substance abuse and mental health treatment, and assistance with basic family needs like healthcare and housing.
Courts must consider the impact of sentencing on the family and cannot impose program fees if they hinder successful completion.
In some cases, successful completion of the program may lead to expungement of arrest and criminal proceedings records, especially for individuals under 21 at the time of the offense.
The act provides funding for states to replicate similar programs and for studies on the effects of parental incarceration on children.
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_4709
Sponsor: Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]
Process start date: 2021-07-27
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

FAMILIES Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_4709.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-07-27.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Individuals with caregiving responsibilities may be diverted to the FAMILIES Program instead of prison, aiming to keep families together.
  • The program offers support in education, job seeking, substance abuse and mental health treatment, and assistance with basic family needs like healthcare and housing.
  • Courts must consider the impact of sentencing on the family and cannot impose program fees if they hinder successful completion.
  • In some cases, successful completion of the program may lead to expungement of arrest and criminal proceedings records, especially for individuals under 21 at the time of the offense.
  • The act provides funding for states to replicate similar programs and for studies on the effects of parental incarceration on children.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-28.

CATEGORIES

Family Courts and Law Benefits