The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) is committed to helping people to be better through its mission and operations that fosters a healing environment and promotes family reintegration in intensive reentry programs and throughout the Department. The VADOC has numerous programs and services that have been developed to assist in the successful reintegration of offenders with their families and particularly, their children. The VADOC recognizes that family reintegration enhances the quality of life for offenders prior to release and once the returning citizen has transitioned to the community. There is also a direct correlation between family reintegration, a decrease in recidivism, and crime victimization.

Beyond the impact on public safety, the Department acknowledges the positive impact on the lives of the spouses and most particularly, the offender’s children. Reestablishing healthy family relationships, helps prevent the next generation from following in their parent’s footsteps into a life of criminal activity. The following describes the programs and curriculum VADOC has implemented for successful family reintegration. Each of these programs offers elements that support healthy family reunification.