Family Assistance

FAMILY ASSISTANCE:

Offenders are encouraged to attempt problem resolution informally with unit administration.

If informal resolution is not reached, the offender has the option of using the Offender Grievance Process. If the offender has exhausted all administrative remedies and there still appears to be questions or concerns, friends and family members may contact the unit directly to inquire about the issue.

Staff at TDCJ units are encouraged to handle questions from offenders’ families whenever possible.

Each unit has a Family Liaison Officer, available during visitation hours, who answers questions and concerns of families and friends of offenders.

The process above is recommended initially as the easiest and quickest way to obtain resolution for most issues.

If no resolution can be reached through interaction with the unit, individuals may then contact a TDCJ Ombudsman.

The TDCJ Ombudsman Program ensures that TDCJ is responsive to the public, elected officials and other state agencies; helps offenders’ families understand TDCJ policies and procedures; and attempts facilitating conflict resolution between TDCJ and the public.

Ombudsmen gather information from many sources within TDCJ to provide clear, correct answers.

TDCJ Ombudsmen are the contact points for members of the general public.

These offices do not answer questions from incarcerated offenders.

HOW TO CONTACT A TDCJ OMBUDSMAN
(Please submit inquiries in writing)
For expediency,
it is best to attempt to resolve issues and
obtain information at the unit or parole office level.
However, if this is not possible,
contact one of the following:

Ombudsman Coordinator
General issues concerning the agency’s
operation and policy and procedures.
P.O. Box 99,
Huntsville, TX 77342-0099
Office: (936) 437-8035
Fax: (936)437-8067
E-mail: ombudsman@tdcj.state.tx.us
**Bilingual Staff Available – Se habla Espanol.**

TDCJ - Correctional Institutions Division Ombudsman Office
Issues relating to secure units
(prison units, state jails and substance abuse felony punishment facilities),
and any specific concerns regarding offenders confined in these types of facilities.
P.O. Box 99,
Huntsville, TX 77342-0099
Office: (936) 437-6791
Fax: (936) 437-6668
Email: ci.div@tdcj.state.tx.us
**Bilingual Staff Available – Se habla Espanol.**

TDCJ - Parole Division Ombudsman
Issues relating to the parole or mandatory release process and parole or mandatory supervision concerns.
May also respond to concerns from offenders on parole or mandatory supervision.
P.O. Box 13401,
Austin, TX 78711
Office: (512) 406-5795
Fax: (512) 406-5858
E-mail: parole.div@tdcj.state.tx.us
**Bilingual Staff Available –Se habla Espanol.**

General offender status information may be obtained at:
www.tdcj.state.tx.us
Agency Toll-Free Telephone Number
1-800-535-0283
Parole decision information may be obtained at:
www.tdcj.state.tx.us/bpp/

Other Agencies to contact:
When the families of offenders encounter difficulty, the following agencies may be able to assist:
Texas Department of Human Services (possible aid for dependent children and counseling in family self-support),
Texas Department of Health (immunization for children, and maternity and family planning);
and Texas Rehabilitation Commission (job training).
The telephone numbers for these agencies can be found in the local directory
under "Texas, State of" or in the state government pages.