The rationale for studying families of offenders is based on the relationship between inmate family ties and parole success and on the recognition that families must deal with their own upheaval before they can be a source of support to the inmate. A literature review of 159 books, articles, reports, and other publications reveals the social, emotional, and economic impact of incarceration on the wives and children of offenders. Five crisis points are identifiable: the arrest, the pretrial period, sentencing, the initial incarceration, and the period of time immediately prior to and following the incarcerated person's release. The literature also indicates the effect of incarceration on the children of female offenders and suggests ways to preserve the mother-child relationship during the incarceration period. Seven service programs are presented as examples of the range of assistance being provided to the families. These include Friends Outside (California), Service League of San Mateo County (California), Women in Crisis (Connecticut), Terrell House (Florida), Alderson House (West Virginia), Prison Families Anonymous (New York), and the Mental Health Unit of the Kansas State Penitentiary. Their services involve a variety of help, such as emotional support and family counseling, transportation to and from the correctional institution for family visitors, child care during facility visiting hours, lodging for families visiting an incarcerated member, and financial assistance. A program directory briefly summarizes 188 programs offering specific services to offenders' families. Footnotes, the questionnaire form, and approximately 85 references are included. (Author abstract modified)