This study examined inmate perceptions on what is important in appropriately communicating concepts covering the American criminal justice system to children of incarcerated parents. Inmates interviewed at two facilities in Arkansas claimed that they knew little about meanings or consequences of their actions before and after indictment. Intervention into these families is necessary to break the cyclic nature of incarceration patterns. Thematic analysis of open-ended interviews with inmates provided a list of topics appropriate to teach children to avoid being incarcerated. Education of concepts of the American criminal justice system provides children with the tools and means necessary to understand the system. The findings emphasize inmate involvement in communicating knowledge about the prison system in order to reduce future crime. (Contains 2 figures and 6 endnotes.)