IN DISCUSSING WORK WITH THE FAMILIES OF OFFENDERS, INTENSIVE LIAISON WORK BETWEEN THE OFFENDER AND HIS FAMILY DURING THE INCARCERATION PERIOD IS STRESSED. IT IS INDICATED THAT THE HELPING PROFESSIONAL SHOULD STIMULATE THE EXPRESSION OF FEELINGS, COMMUNICATION WITHIN THE FAMILY, DEVELOP OUTSIDE SUPPORT, AND FACILITATE ANY NECESSARY ALTERATIONS IN FAMILY ROLES. WHEN FAMILY LIFE WAS REASONABLY INTACT PRIOR TO INCARCERATION, IT IS BELIEVED INTERVENTION HAS PROVEN CRUCIAL IN KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER DURING A CRITICAL PERIOD. SUPPORTING CASE HISTORIES ARE PROVIDED. ALSO IT IS REPORTED THAT CONCENTRATION ON FAMILY NEEDS HAS HELPED TO CREATE A WORKING ENVIRONMENT THAT CONTINUES TO FUNCTION WITH THE RETURN OF THE OFFENDER. THE SKILLS LEARNED BY THE FAMILY DURING THE INCARCERATION PERIOD HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO HELP FAMILY ADJUSTMENT AND OFFENDER REENTRY UPON RELEASE. THE CHARACTER AND SUCCESS OF SOME COUNSELING PROGRAMS ARE DESCRIBED. REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (RCB)