arrow_back Back to App

New Alternatives to Incarceration for Parents and Caregivers (FAMILIES Act).

This law establishes the FAMILIES Program, allowing federal courts to divert parents, expectant parents, and caregivers into comprehensive community support programs instead of sentencing them to prison or standard probation. The goal is to keep families intact, providing access to education, employment, substance abuse treatment, and housing assistance while minimizing financial penalties. For young adults, successful completion can lead to the expungement of their criminal record.
Key points
Courts must consider diverting eligible caregivers into the FAMILIES Program instead of prison to preserve family unity and stability.
The program offers extensive support, including job training, education, mental health/addiction treatment, and connection to basic needs services (housing, SNAP, WIC).
Participants cannot be penalized solely for a substance use disorder relapse, and financial burdens (fines, fees) must not hinder their success in the program.
Individuals under 21 may have their arrest and conviction records expunged upon successful completion of the program.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_3272
Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Process start date: 2023-11-09
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

FAMILIES Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_3272.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-11-09.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Courts must consider diverting eligible caregivers into the FAMILIES Program instead of prison to preserve family unity and stability.
  • The program offers extensive support, including job training, education, mental health/addiction treatment, and connection to basic needs services (housing, SNAP, WIC).
  • Participants cannot be penalized solely for a substance use disorder relapse, and financial burdens (fines, fees) must not hinder their success in the program.
  • Individuals under 21 may have their arrest and conviction records expunged upon successful completion of the program.
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 Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Courts and Law Family