Family Ministry

Help those struggling with the pain and loss of having a family member in prison. The resources on this page will equip you to reach out to hurting children and their caregivers. (Please click on the + to view more resources.)

Ministry Basics

FAQs About Children of Prisoners

Gain insight into the problems children face when a parent goes to prison.   To help family...

Impact of Incarceration on Children

Children with a parent in prison feel many confusing emotions. Learn more about what their experience is like.

Impact of Incarceration on Caregivers

Children aren't the only ones who suffer when mom or dad goes to prison.

Biblical Basis for Family Ministry

Scripture guides us on how and why to reach out to the families of the incarcerated.

Needs of Prisoners' Families

Find out more about the greatest needs of children and their caregivers.
Ministry Tools

Ready for Family Ministry?

Use this tool to evaluate your level of preparedness for helping families of the incarcerated. This...

What Is Angel Tree?

Use this tool to share the various programs, events, and resources available to Angel Tree families through Prison Fellowship Angel Tree. Churches may also gain ideas on how to enhance their own ministry to Angel Tree families in their community.
Short-Term Ministry

4 Ways You Can Minister to Children with Incarcerated Parents

Find Out How Your Church Can Meet the Needs of Angel Tree Families All Year Long There's...

6 Ways To Get Kids Involved in Your Church’s Angel Tree Christmas Party

Prison Fellowship Angel Tree® Christmas parties bring joy to the boys and girls receiving a gift ...

Help with Angel Tree Christmas

Show children that their parents in prison have not forgotten them.

Send a Kid to Camp

Sending a child with an incarcerated parent to a Christian summer camp is a great way to share God’s love.

Lead Weekend Marriage Seminars

Bring hope to couples trying to survive the challenges of incarceration.
Long-Term Ministry

Build a Year-Round Ministry

Continue to encourage and support prisoners’ families throughout the year.

Pray for Prisoners' Families

Lift up the needs of children and families as they struggle to rebuild their lives.

Reach Out to Families in Crisis

Create a welcoming atmosphere of healing for families of the incarcerated. When a person...

Mentor Children of Prisoners

A relationship with a caring adult helps build character, resolve painful emotions, and curb harmful behaviors.
Recommended Reading

Ministry with Prisoners and Families

Scholars, ministry practitioners, pastors, and formerly incarcerated individuals discuss ways to create authentic relational encounters with prisoners and their families.

A New Kind of Normal

After her only son was sentenced to life in prison, Carol Kent and her husband started a new ministry for prisoners and their families.

Learning to Sing in a Strange Land

A look at the experience of incarceration from the perspectives of prisoners and their families.