Research with 264 female inmates and 119 male inmates at the Cook County Jail (Illinois) explodes the myths that inmates and their families do not care about one another and that inmates' families have little positive to offer inmates during custody and reintegration. The literature and prior research suggests that families can benefit inmates in both the short-term and the long-term. Short-term benefits during custody include reduced disciplinary problems, increased self-esteem, marital stability, better custodial adjustment, higher motivation for change, and enhanced mental health. Long-term benefits after release include increased employment, reduced gang affiliation, enhanced self-control, a less stressful re-entry period, and family support for a lawabiding lifestyle. Some effective programs for inmates and their families are case management services, parenting skills training, referrals for family members, and family visitation. State and county correctional agencies should fund inmate family services and negotiate a performance contract that includes an evaluation component.