August is Family Reentry Month: How You Can Prepare Together

National Reentry Awareness and What It Means for Families Like Yours

Reentry isn’t just about one person coming home—it’s about the whole family transitioning together.

Every August, National Reentry Awareness Month shines a light on the challenges and opportunities that come with leaving prison and returning to the community. But for families like ours, reentry isn’t just a policy issue—it’s personal, emotional, and life-changing.

Whether your loved one’s release is six months away or still a distant hope, now is the time to start preparing. Because reentry is not just a day—it’s a process.

What Is Family Reentry Month?

Family Reentry Month exists to raise awareness of the importance of support systems in successful reentry. It’s a time to spotlight resources, push for better services, and most importantly, empower families to plan ahead.

Reentry success rates increase dramatically when loved ones are involved early—helping with planning, structure, and emotional support.

How to Prepare as a Team

1. Start the Conversation Early
Ask questions like:

What do you want life to look like when you come home?
What worries you most about reentry?
What can I help with before that day arrives?

2. Create a Reentry Binder
Organize ID documents, resume drafts, job leads, housing info, and support letters in one place. It’s a great way to reduce overwhelm and feel prepared for that first critical week.

3. Talk About Expectations
Don’t wait until release to talk about boundaries, routines, and responsibilities. What does support look like? What’s negotiable and what isn’t? These conversations can prevent miscommunication down the road.

4. Work Through It Together
Use writing prompts, worksheets, or letters to plan your goals as a couple. This keeps you emotionally connected while also building a realistic, grounded plan.

Need Help Getting Organized?

Our Reentry Planning Worksheets Bundle is designed for families like yours. It includes:

Checklists for what to do before and after release
Guided journaling pages for both of you
Worksheets for job readiness, emotional preparation, and support planning
Tools to build your reentry binder step-by-step

This isn’t just about getting ready for day one. It’s about building a stable foundation for the weeks and months ahead.

You’re Not in This Alone

Family Reentry Month is a reminder that you don’t have to figure this out on your own. Every step you take now—every conversation, every plan—is a step toward stability, healing, and a future you’re building together.

Let this August be more than awareness. Let it be action.

💌 Because homecoming doesn’t start at the gate—it starts today.