Incarceration RESOURCES

The effects on children of incarcerated parents are complex and the children are at risk of being substantially and negatively affected.

Every child responds differently when a parent gets incarcerated. However, research shows that a parent being incarcerated negatively affects a child’s emotional, physical, educational, and financial well-being.

This page provides an evolving list of resources about children of incarcerated parents that the public can use to help educate, spread awareness, and provide support. The children deserve it.

Statistics About Children of Incarcerated Parents

• Family unity and stability are critical to a child’s lifelong health and well-being. People who are incarcerated face many barriers to employment. In the year after an incarcerated father is released, family income drops by approximately 15% from what it was before incarceration.
• Black children are 7x, and Latino children are 2.5x more likely to have a parent in prison than white children. Nationally, 1 in 4 black children has had an incarcerated parent.
• Having an incarcerated parent is a form of trauma, and children of an incarcerated parent are vulnerable to health problems and struggles.

Sources for Statistics: National Institute of Justice | Eric Martin, “Hidden Consequences: The Impact of Incarceration on Dependent Children,” March 1, 2017 and Schools not Prisons Children and Families #SchoolsNotPrisons is contributing to a growing movement for shifting public spending from punishment to education and creating solidarity among communities on the frontlines of ending mass incarceration.

The Silent Epidemic Statistics: Incarceration in the United States

• Almost 1 in 2 Americans have had a family member incarcerated
• The United States accounts for less than 5% of the world’s population, but almost 25% of the world’s incarcerated prisoners
• In 40 years, the U.S. incarcerated population increased by almost 500%
• Over half of the US incarcerated population are parents of minors (children under age 18)
• 5.3 million American children (under age 18) have had an incarcerated parent

Prison Fellowship Angel Tree

Prison Fellowship Angel Tree™ equips churches to strengthen relationships between incarcerated parents and their children and support the families of prisoners year-round.

Incarceration can strain family ties to the breaking point. As a solution, Prison Fellowship Angel Tree provides an opportunity for local congregations to extend the hope of the Gospel and enfold Angel Tree families into church life. This is done through delivering Christmas gifts on behalf of incarcerated parents, sending kids to summer camp, facilitating one-day sports camps, and more.

Most importantly, Angel Tree invites and equips churches to enfold Angel Tree families into church life, resulting in mutually beneficial relationships of encouragement, growth, and support.

Here are a couple stories about Texas families who have experienced the gifts of Angel Tree.

A Texas Miracle

Going the Extra Mile at Christmas

“Society says that most prisoners are coming back. But I know what’s inside of me, and I can confidently tell somebody, ‘I’m not coming back to prison.’ ” — Jonathan

Youth.gov

Helping Youth With Incarcerated Parents Attend College and Succeed.

Yasmine is 24 years old. She founded and currently leads ScholarCHIPS to provide support to youth who have an incarcerated parent. Additionally, through these efforts she believes it also helps reduce the shame and stigma. Furthermore, as the child of an incarcerated parent, she believes in empowering youth to reach their potential through mentorship and guidance.

In their Words: 4 Young People Share Experiences with Having an Incarcerated Parent.

1 in 28 kids currently has an incarcerated parent. This video shares the stories of four young women who are dealing with having a parent behind bars.

The Benefits and Importance of Using YPAR with Youth with Incarcerated Parents

This webinar goes over the variety of roles of youth and the importance of leveraging developmental relationships. Furthermore, you will hear directly from youth about her experiences. This webinar is beneficial for researchers who conduct YPAR working with youth who have or have had an incarcerated parent.

Tip Sheet for Prison Jail Staff and Volunteers of Children of Incarcerated Parents (download)

Prison and jail staff and volunteers play an important role in making visits a positive experience for children with incarcerated parents. Staff and volunteers are the first and last individuals that children see; their support of family visits can set an important tone that parent-child relationships are valued.