BOP Program Statement 5355.04 § 2

The following Bureau components are responsible for ensuring consistent establishment of the

programs, services, and resource allocations necessary for parenting and family services.

a. Central Office

(1) The Women and Special Populations Branch (WASPB) oversees the agency’s national

parenting program and services related to children and families. The Branch is responsible for

the following functions:

■ Ensuring the Bureau offers appropriate services to inmates who are parents or require

assistance with maintaining parent-child connections. This includes overseeing, reviewing,

or approving any new agency proposals for parent or family programs or events.

■ Preparing budgetary requests to deliver national and pilot programs or services affecting

parents, children, and families and providing national oversight of any pilot or initiative on

these populations/topics.

■ Providing guidance and direction to Regional staff and institution leadership related to

parent, children, or family programs and services.

■ Developing and implementing staff training related to family engagement.

■ Monitoring institutional events focused on families and developing reports on these

programs.

■ Issuing an annual report on parent and family services within the agency.

■ Advising agency leadership on the needs of incarcerated parents and families.

■ Engaging with stakeholders and serving as the primary point of contact on issues related to

parenting and children of incarcerated parents.

■ Developing resources for staff on parenting, children and families, and making them

available on the WASPB intranet page.

(2) The Psychology Services Branch, Chaplaincy Services Branch, and Health Services

Division provide feedback to the WASPB, at least annually, on service needs within their areas

of responsibility.

P5355.04 4/14/2022 3

b. Regions

■ Ensure resources and funding are allocated to institutions for the purposes of parenting and

family engagement.

c. Institutions

■ Offer established programs and services for parents, children, and families. Seek review from

the WASPB prior to implementing new programs on this topic.

■ Document participation in programs by updating SENTRY and other databases as

appropriate.

■ Make and document efforts to secure institution volunteers to assist with family engagement

events in accordance with guidelines provided by the WASPB.

■ Seek guidance from the WASPB prior to implementing children and family events.

■ Discuss family issues with inmates and document this discussion during team meetings.