About Us

The National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated became a part of the Rutgers University–Camden campus in October 2013. NRCCFI began as the Family and Corrections Network (FCN), founded by Jim Mustin in 1983 as the first national organization in the United States focused on families of the incarcerated. In 2006, the Federal Resource Center on Children of Prisoners merged with FCN to create NRCCFI.

For over three decades, our organization has served as a resource for those working with families impacted by incarcerated. NRCCFI was led by Ann Adalist-Estrin until her passing in April 2024.

Mission Statement

The mission of the National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated at Rutgers Camden is to raise awareness about the needs and concerns of the children of the incarcerated and their families by:

• Disseminating accurate and relevant information and research
• Guide the development of family strengthening policy and practice
• Train, prepare, and inspire those working in the field and
• Include the families in defining the issues and designing solutions

Founder: Ann Adalist-Estrin

Current Staff:

Faculty affiliate – Laura Napolitano, PhD – Associate Professor of Sociology and Chair, Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, Rutgers University – Camden

Graduate Assistant – Josiah Carolina, Department of Childhood Studies, Rutgers University – Camden