BOP Program Statement 5355.04 § 1

To ensure the Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) provides programs, services, and policies that meet the

needs of incarcerated parents and those who serve as caregivers to inmate families in the

community. This policy also sets standards for institution events involving children and for

services related to family engagement.

Definitions:

■ Child – includes any person, who identifies as an inmate’s offspring or is verified as being a

biological, adoptive, foster, or stepchild of an inmate. In limited circumstances, and only

based on sufficient evidence, the Warden may acknowledge under this definition persons

other than biological, adoptive, foster, or stepchildren.

■ Parent –biological, adoptive, foster, step-parent, caregiver, or legal guardian. In limited

circumstances, and only based on sufficient evidence, the Warden may acknowledge under

this definition persons other than a biological parent, adoptive parent, foster parent, step-parent, caregiver, or legal guardian.

a. Summary of Changes

Policy Rescinded

P5355.03 Parenting Program Standards (1/20/1995)

This policy has been extensively updated and expanded to reference child and family services.

b. Program Objectives. Expected results of this program are:

■ Sufficient resources/staffing are allocated to deliver appropriate programs and services to

incarcerated parents.

■ Inmates have knowledge of strategies to remain involved with their children while

incarcerated.

■ Staff will receive appropriate relevant training on the importance of maintaining family ties

and the needs of children of incarcerated parents.

■ The basic parenting program is standardized, allowing for it to operate consistently across

institutions and reach the maximum number of inmates.

■ Inmates with enhanced needs for family support (e.g., inmates with mental illness or with

disabilities) have access to specialized programs that facilitate healthy connections,

especially as they transition to the community.

c. Institution Supplement. None required. Should local facilities make any changes outside

changes required in national policy or establish any additional local procedures to implement

national policy, the local Union may invoke to negotiate procedures or appropriate arrangements.

P5355.04 4/14/2022 2

Section 1. POLICIES AND APPLICABILITY

1. APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all Bureau institutions. Guidance that does not apply or differs for pretrial,

holdover, or detainee inmates or units that have special security concerns is noted. Activities and

services outlined in this policy refer to those who are under 18 years of age, unless otherwise

noted.