Service update (from August 2026)
CRC no longer provides a dedicated family counselling or casework service. Our Telephone Information and Referral Service (TIRS) continues to offer information, advice and referrals for anyone affected by the criminal legal system, including family members and friends.
Support for families and friends
When a person goes to prison, their family and friends often need to navigate significant changes. This can include understanding legal and custodial systems, managing practical responsibilities, and adjusting to changes in relationships and family roles. Many people also experience practical, financial and emotional challenges such as separation from a loved one or suddenly becoming a sole parent.
Families and friends can be left feeling scared, anxious, angry or embarrassed, as well as trying to understand complex systems they may know little about. Families may feel socially isolated yet reluctant to seek support because of the stigma often attached to imprisonment. Counselling is often helpful in supporting families through the stressful process of incarceration and assist in planning for release and family reintegration following a period of imprisonment.
Options for counselling and other support
Although there are no dedicated specialist services in NSW specifically for adult family members of people in prison, other counselling, family support and community services may be able to provide appropriate support. This may include support with grief and loss, sudden or unwanted separation from a loved one, financial pressure, changes in family roles and responsibilities, and other practical or personal challenges that can arise during difficult life circumstances.
A significant amount of the distress experienced by the families of people in prison is due to the difficulties in understanding how the prison and broader legal systems surrounding it work. CRC’s Telephone Information and Referral Service (TIRS) is available to answer your questions about prison, courts, parole and other related processes. Access to accurate information can support people to make informed decisions and seek appropriate assistance.
We can also help you identify suitable counselling, family support and community services in your area that may be able to assist with practical, financial and personal challenges.
For services and professionals
Counsellors and family support services may find it useful to read CRC’s Families and Imprisonment factsheet developed by the Advocacy, Policy and Research Unit (ARPU), which outlines key issues and guidance for supporting families of people in prison.
CRC’s Telephone Information and Referral Service (TIRS) can support external services and practitioners working with individuals affected by imprisonment by:
- Providing information about the criminal legal system
- Sharing relevant factsheets and resources
- Assisting with referral pathways
Practitioner Factsheet: Families and Imprisonment
Contact
For information, advice or referrals, please contact CRC’s Telephone Information and Referral Service (TIRS):
Phone: (02) 9288 8700
Email: info@crcnsw.org.au
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
Please note: TIRS provides information and referrals only. It does not offer ongoing counselling or casework.
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