The story of what happened to Bernie's family after he confessed is pretty tragic. Definitely appears as if they were just as surprised as everyone else, and struggled to cope with the dishonesty and destruction caused by a close family member.
One of his sons, Mark, committed suicide on the 2 year anniversary of Bernie's arrest. It was his second attempt. The suicide note he left (his first attempt) read in part: "Now you know how you have destroyed the lives of your sons by your life of deceit. F*ck you"
When the scam fell apart he even confessed to them so they could immediatelly report him to the FBI.
After all they didnt know anything!
He definitely did everything on his own and definitely didnt make this move to save his children.
The fact that Madoff is the only one in prison while his innocent children and innocent employees are free shows that the justice system works!