Who is FamilySearch?
FamilySearch is an international nonprofit organization and is the largest genealogical organization in the world, dedicated to connecting families across generations. Millions of people use the free FamilySearch.org website to access records, resources, and services each year to learn more about their family history. FamilySearch is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Why is FamilySearch working with correctional facilities?
FamilySearch depends on volunteers to help make billions of historical records available to the public. Indexing provides an opportunity for inmates to benefit society through highly valuable community service. Indexing is a productive use of time that can encourage bonding with family and healing of familial relationships.
How does the indexing program help correctional facilities?
Indexing gives inmates a productive use of time and improves the quality of life for both inmates and staff! FamilySearch indexing services can complement the goals of the correctional facility by providing a calm environment, encouraging good behavior, providing opportunities for rehabilitation and skill building, and allowing the inmate to be an integral part of a meaningful worldwide effort.
Who runs the indexing program in the facility?
Community volunteers (typically 2 per session) help run the indexing service unless the correctional facility chooses to staff the indexing sessions internally. Hardware is provided by FamilySearch. The correctional facility oversees the safety of the inmates and the volunteers.
How much space is required?
Typically, FamilySearch indexing uses a shared programming room and some space for storing the computers. If a dedicated space is available, FamilySearch can provide a more permanent hardware installation.
What is the frequency requirement for a facility to participate in FamilySearch indexing?
To help inmates retain indexing knowledge, FamilySearch typically suggests a minimum time commitment of at least 1 session per week. An indexing session typically lasts for 2 hours or more. Some facilities may choose to allow additional sessions per week, as time allows. For example, some facilities with dedicated space are open 7 days per week.
How do you avoid revictimization or identity theft?
The historical records used are sufficiently dated and randomly assigned to prevent revictimization and identity theft. Internationally, FamilySearch may restrict records to even earlier dates according to the country’s privacy laws. There are no known instances of identity theft by those participating in FamilySearch indexing from correctional facilities.
Will the indexed records performed by the inmates be used for commercial purposes?
Published indexes are available free of charge at FamilySearch.org.
FamilySearch uses acquired information to collaborate or exchange records with other genealogical institutions, including some paid genealogical sites that may charge for their services to expand the scope and quality of the data, services, and tools they provide their users. But FamilySearch does not and will not charge for use of the site, indexes, or databases.
How much does FamilySearch compensate inmates to participate?
FamilySearch indexing is a volunteer opportunity. Inmates request to participate in the service and are approved by facility staff. Inmates involved in the service are not financially compensated for participating.
Are the inmates allowed to use the computers for anything other than approved programs?
The computers provided by FamilySearch contain multiple levels of security and are locked down to only allow the customized FamilySearch-approved programs. No other internet sites are permitted. Other programs may be made available for the inmates to participate in when agreed upon by the correctional facility.