This report examines the civil consequences of criminal records on ex-offender parents and their long-term ability to reintegrate into the community, resume parental responsibilities, and be productive members of the society. Many of the barriers described in this report are the results of policies intended to reduce crime, yet they have the effect of creating unemployment and homelessness, and guaranteeing failure. After an introduction by Amy E. Hirsch, the six chapters are: (1) "Criminal Records and Employment: Ex-Offenders Thwarted in Attempts to Earn a Living for Their Families" (Sharon M. Dietrich); (2) "Parents with Criminal Records and Public Benefits: `Welfare Helps Us Stay in Touch with Society'" (Amy E. Hirsch); (3) "Criminal Records and Subsidized Housing: Families Losing the Opportunity for Decent Shelter" (Rue Landau); (4) "Criminal Convictions, Incarceration, and Child Welfare: Ex-Offenders Lose Their Children" (Peter D Schneider); (5) "Student Loans and Criminal Records: Parents with Past Drug Convictions Lose Access to Higher Education" (Irv Ackelsberg and Amy E. Hirsch); and (6) "Divided Families: Immigration Consequences of Contact with the Criminal Justice System" (Judith Bernstein-Baker and Joe Hohenstein). (Chapters contain endnotes.) (SM)