In many cases, the Family Advocacy Unit can provide representation and support for incarcerated parents. In addition to representing incarcerated parents in dependency court, the FAU can provide advice and advocacy for incarcerated parents dealing with DHS. Through the Family Advocacy Hotline, the FAU conducts intake for possible representation and also provides referrals and advice.
Attorneys and social workers from the FAU conduct regular community education classes at Philadelphia jails to educate incarcerated parents about their legal rights when dealing with the child welfare system.
The Family Advocacy Unit has also developed an informative guide for incarcerated parents dealing with the child welfare system, which is regularly distributed at Philadelphia jails and is available below.
Additionally, the FAU collaborates with leaders in the child welfare and corrections communities to establish policies to better serve incarcerated parents and foster the maintenance of the family bond during incarceration.
PA Prison Locator (find prisoner and PP# for prisoners anywhere in Pennsylvania)
Rules for Visitation for all PA Prisons (click on facility)
PA Dept. of Corrections Programs
Philadelphia Prison System
PA Dept. of Corrections
Pennsylvania Prison Society: A social justice organization that advocates on behalf of prisoners, formerly incarcerated individuals and their families.
Family & Corrections Network (info and resources for families with an incarcerated parent)
National Institute of Corrections: Provides training, technical assistance, information services, and policy/program development assistance to federal, state, and local corrections agencies.