CJM OUTSIDE CONNECTION OPERATES UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE MINISTRY OF THE CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANS. IN ADDITION TO HELPING THE FAMILIES OF PERSONS INCARCERATED IN STATE PENAL INSTITUTIONS, IT ALSO PROVIDES CONSULTATIVE SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE TO CITIZEN GROUPS AND VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS WISHING TO ESTABLISH DIRECT SOCIAL SERVICES FOR INMATES FAMILIES. TRADITIONALLY, SOCIAL SERVICES HAVE FOCUSED ON THE PRISONERS AND HAVE IGNORED THE FAMILIES, EVEN THOUGH RESEARCH HAS FOUND THAT STRONG FAMILY TIES INCREASE THE CHANCES OF REHABILITATION. THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PROGRAM HAS CONSISTED OF IDENTIFYING FAMILIES NEEDING AND WISHING HELP AND ORGANIZATIONS WHICH CAN MEET THOSE NEEDS. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION PROGRAM, A PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT PHASE, AND AN EVALUATION. A CORE OF AT LEAST 20 VOLUNTEERS IS BEING TRAINED TO WORK WITH THE FAMILIES AND A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS IS BEING CONDUCTED DURING 1979. THE PROGRAM'S OBJECTIVE IS TO IDENTIFY AND SERVE A MINIMUM OF 60 FAMILIES BY MARCH 1, 1980. (GLR)