​When someone is incarcerated, the impact reaches far beyond prison walls. Children, spouses, parents, grandparents, and entire families often carry unseen emotional wounds that linger long after the separation begins. Preparing for a loved one's release is important—but preparing hearts for healing is essential.


 

Written by Mark Anthony Johnson, founder of Life to the Brim, Inc. and creator of TICC (Trauma-Informed Correctional Care), Before They Come Home is more than a book—it is the beginning of a movement to transform how families, correctional professionals, educators, faith communities, and reentry organizations understand and respond to trauma.

 

Written for readers ages 10 through adult, this trauma-informed guide, together with its companion workbook, translates complex concepts into practical, easy-to-understand language. Through powerful storytelling, relatable examples, and meaningful exercises, families gain the tools to move from confusion to understanding, from pain to healing, and from separation to restoration.

 

Using the powerful illustration of "Invisible Backpacks," the book reveals the emotional burdens children and adults often carry—guilt, shame, fear, regret, sadness, and unanswered questions that quietly shape behavior, relationships, and family dynamics. Readers learn how awareness, honest conversation, accountability, and compassion create a stronger foundation for successful reunification.

Inside You'll Discover
•  Understand trauma and its impact on children, families, and returning citizens.

•  Recognize the "Invisible Backpacks" of guilt, fear, shame, grief, and regret.

•  Learn how trauma affects behavior, communication, parenting, and relationships.

•  Gain practical tools that encourage healing conversations and stronger family connections. 

•  Build empathy, resilience, accountability, and trust.

•  Prepare emotionally for healthier reunification and long-term restoration.

 

Who This Resource Is For
•  Families preparing for a loved one's return home

•  Returning citizens rebuilding relationships

•  Children, parents, grandparents, and caregivers

•  Educators and school professionals

•  Correctional staff and reentry practitioners

•  Faith leaders and community organizations

•  Peer facilitators and credible messengers

•  Anyone committed to breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma

 

More Than a Book—The Foundation of TICC
Before They Come Home introduces the TICC (Trauma-Informed Correctional Care) framework developed by Mark Anthony Johnson. It is the first step in a growing initiative that equips correctional agencies, schools, churches, nonprofits, reentry programs, and community leaders with trauma-informed tools that strengthen families, improve communication, reduce recidivism, and support lasting restoration.

Your preorder is more than a purchase—it's an investment in a healthier future for families and communities.

 

Ideal For:
•  Correctional agencies

•  Reentry organizations

•  Churches and faith-based ministries

•  Schools and educational programs

•  Counseling centers

•  Community organizations

•  Nonprofits

•  Book studies and support groups

•  Institutional packages are available, including facilitator bundles, group study guides, curriculum packages, and ministry or reentry resources.

 

Take the Next Step
Whether you're ordering for your family, your church, your classroom, or your organization, this is where the journey begins.

 

•  Preorder your copy of the book

•  Add the companion workbook to your order

•  Request discounted bulk pricing

•  Request a custom institutional quote

•  Schedule a TICC training or speaking engagement