FAMILIES Act

The FAMILIES Act creates a program to divert parents, expectant parents, and caregivers (including those responsible for minor children, elderly family members, or individuals with disabilities) from incarceration into community-based supervision. Instead of prison or probation, eligible individuals would participate in the FAMILIES Program, which provides education, job training, substance abuse treatment, parenting programs, and other services tailored to family needs. The bill prohibits user fees or financial barriers without considering an individual's ability to pay, and allows for pre-judgment sentencing where individuals complete the program without a criminal conviction. It also establishes expungement procedures for individuals under 21 at the time of the offense who successfully complete the program. Judges must consider factors like caregiver responsibilities, community ties, and the impact on families before determining if diversion is appropriate.