The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) is proud to announce the release of the newly updated Friends and Family Handbook: Staying Connected and Staying Strong, a vital resource designed to support families and friends of individuals incarcerated in Minnesota’s state correctional facilities.

Funding provided by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023 created the Family Supports Unit in DOC to foster more meaningful connections between incarcerated individuals and their families, and the DOC partnered with the Wilder Foundation to reimagine and enhance the handbook. The result is a more accessible, user-friendly guide that reflects the real questions, concerns, and experiences of justice-impacted families.

The Wilder Foundation worked closely with individuals who have incarcerated loved ones to understand the barriers they face when navigating the system once their loved one is incarcerated. Their insights, combined with the expertise of DOC staff, led to a handbook that is clearer, more compassionate, and easier to navigate. The new edition is available in English, Somali, Hmong, and Spanish, ensuring broader access for Minnesota’s diverse communities.

“This handbook is more than just a guide—it’s a bridge between families and their loved ones,” said Kelly Mitchell, Assistant Commissioner of Community Services and Reentry. “We heard from families that they needed clearer information and more support. This new version delivers on that promise.”

The handbook includes practical information on staying in contact, visiting procedures, transportation options, facility rules, financial systems, and available programs. It also features a glossary of common DOC terms and a directory of facility locations.

“This project was deeply informed by the voices of those most affected,” said Julie Atella, a research manager with the Wilder Foundation. “We are honored to have partnered with the DOC to create a tool that helps families feel seen, supported, and empowered.”

Commissioner Paul Schnell added, “We are committed to strengthening family connections, which are essential to successful reentry and rehabilitation. This handbook is a reflection of that commitment and a step toward a more responsive and humane corrections system.”

The Friends and Family Handbook is available for download on the DOC website at https://mn.gov/doc/family-visitor/family-friends-handbook/.