The state Department of Correctional Services is trying to make the transition by inmates from prison to home smoother for all involved.

DOCS and the state Division of Parole announced this week that a newly designed brochure is meant to assist families and friends of offenders who are released from prison.

The recently printed documents will provide information and an important checklist of information that should be considered by a former inmate's support network, according to the DOCS.

Approximately 45,000 brochures titled “Coming Home: A Family's Guide to Reunification” have been printed and will be distributed at state correctional facilities.

Copies will also be distributed to community organizations that serve inmates' families and during home visits by parole officers, according to DOCS.

The 19-point brochure offers information about resources such as finding support services, housing and employment issues, financial aid and health benefits.

“Coming Home” also covers more personal topics that should be dealt with, such as facing experiences that occurred while the person was incarcerated, communication, role changes and expectations.

In a written release, Prison Families of New York Director Alison Coleman said the information in the document will better prepare families for the challenges that come with a friend or family member's transition from prison to home.

“Many families want to support their loved ones in all possible ways through the prison experience,” Coleman said in the release. “Knowing what to expect when someone re-enters society is of the utmost importance.”

Brochures are available in both English and Spanish, and have been posted online at the DOCS Web site's Family Guide section, www.docs.state.ny.us/FamilyGuide/FamilyHandbook.html. It is also available on the Division of Parole Web site, www.parole.state.ny.us.