The study is assessing the Prison Department's provisions for maintaining family ties for male and female sentenced offenders. This includes a review of policy; rules; procedures; and facilities relating to visits, letters, and telephone contact with inmates' children. A second objective of the study is to determine the effect of the imprisonment of a parent on the family, with particular attention to the educational and behavioral development of the children. The sample of inmates (both male and female) used in this portion of the research consists of all residents of the United Kingdom serving sentences of over 6 months but not life and within 2 months of their release date. Information will be obtained from the inmates, from those caring for the children, and from some of the children's schools. The third aim of the study is to describe the situation for and problems experienced by women inmates who are not residents of the United Kingdom in maintaining contact with their families while in prison. The plan is to conduct interviews with approximately 60 women. The study is currently underway, and the status of the attainment of each of its objectives is indicated. Some problems encountered in the study are noted.