Children of Promise

There are over 2 million children with an incarcerated parent in the U.S.; three quarters of incarcerated women are mothers. There is also a disparate impact on families of color with African-American children nine times more likely and Hispanic children three times more likely than white children to have a parent in prison.

Children of incarcerated parents face multiple challenges that must be identified and addressed to assure the children’s optimal development and adjustment.

In response to a local need for more information on how to help children, Children’s Institute offers “Children of Promise:  Understanding and Supporting Children Impacted by Parental Incarceration.”

Audience:

• Teachers, social workers, child care providers, and community members who are involved in the lives of children under age 18 who have an incarcerated parent

Goals:

• To increase knowledge and understanding of the impact of parental incarceration on child development
• To increase developmentally appropriate knowledge of strategies for supporting the children
• To increase knowledge of services and supports for children and families facing parental incarceration

Benefits:

• The presentation is developed by skilled and knowledgeable staff
• Offers a chance to receive and share information
• Learn strategies on supporting children and families
• Obtain accurate information on jail and prison visits
• Learn how to address and overcome biases and barriers
• Acquire listings of local, state and national resources

How it Works:

• A two-hour presentation in a group setting allows participants to hear information that they can use
• Group discussion allows for participants to share their experiences
• Current research on risk and resiliency factors and how to address concerns and challenges is presented