Working in a correctional facility can be very stressful on an officer's family and friends. Family members often are stressed because they worry that their loved one will be hurt on the job. Working irregular shifts can also get in the way of family activities and cause problems. Often officers are not home to help take care of the children which can put pressure on partners. Because an officer has to always be tough and alert on the job, they may stay that way even when they go home after work. This is not good for the family. Using bad language, being over-controlling, and not believing people are telling the truth can sometimes cause the family to feel angry and sad.

There are agencies in Michigan that can help officers and their families with these problems. One such place is the Office for Young Children (OYC). OYC helps families with childcare and other services in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton and Shiawassee counties. If you would like to learn more about the services this agency offers, visit www.ingham.org/hd/oyc.

Parenting Awareness Michigan is a program that offers advice to parents about raising children. Their Web site features articles on Working Parents and the Time Crunch; A Dozen Ways to Strengthen Your Family; and Infant, Toddler, Child, and Adolescent Development. If you would like to read any of these articles, please visit www.preventionnetwork.org.

The MI Parent Resources directory provides state employees, families, and parents information about all of the benefits and help available to them through the State of Michigan. This directory includes information about health insurance, beneficiary changes, paid and unpaid leave time usage, work schedule options, fitness, nutrition, parenting, adoption, paying for college, and so much more. The MI Parent Resources directory is located at www.michigan.gov/miparentresources.

The Parents, The Anti-Drug. Web site helps parents learn what the signs of drug and alcohol abuse are in their children, and offers help in how to deal with it. Parents who think that their teen is using drugs or drinking and would like help, may visit www.theantidrug.com.  You may also find the latest article on "Girls and Drugs" on this site as well as sign up for THE PARENTING TIPS newsletter.