From Stigma to Strength: Changing the Narrative Around Children of Incarcerated Parents
- Karen hecksher
- Apr 1, 2024
- 5 min read
In a society where incarceration rates have soared, the unseen victims of this systemic issue are often the children left behind. The United States, home to the largest prison population globally, sees more than 2.9 million children[i] with an incarcerated parent at any given time. This represents approximately 1 in 28 children, a number that has more than doubled in the past two decades. These children face a unique set of challenges, shrouded not only in the pain of separation but also in the stigma attached to their parent's incarceration.
The Unseen Challenges
Children of incarcerated parents navigate a world that is often indifferent to their struggles. The immediate emotional impact—shame, guilt, anxiety, and sadness—is just the tip of the iceberg. These children are at a higher risk of facing poverty, instability in housing, and disruptions in their education. They are more likely to encounter the juvenile and criminal justice systems themselves, perpetuating a cycle that seems designed to ensure failure rather than offer support.
Yet, it is not just the tangible impacts that weigh heavily on these young shoulders. The stigma associated with incarceration can lead to social isolation, as peers and adults alike may unfairly judge them for their parent's actions. This stigma can silence children, making them hesitant to seek the support they desperately need.
Changing the Narrative
The narrative around children of incarcerated parents needs a drastic shift. From viewing them as statistics of a failing system, we must begin to see them as resilient individuals capable of overcoming the odds stacked against them. Programs and policies must be reevaluated and redesigned with the understanding that supporting these children means investing in the future of our communities.
Educational Support and Stability
Schools play a critical role in providing stability for children affected by parental incarceration. Educators need training to recognize and address the unique needs of these students, ensuring they receive the emotional support necessary to succeed. Programs that foster a sense of belonging and community within schools can significantly mitigate feelings of isolation and stigma.
Here are three educational support programs in the U.S. designed for children of incarcerated parents:
The National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated (NRCCFI): As the oldest and largest organization in the U.S. focused on the issue, NRCCFI offers a wealth of resources. Their work includes disseminating information, guiding policy and practice development, and providing training. They also have a comprehensive directory of programs for children of the incarcerated, their parents, and their families. More information and resources can be found on their website: NRCCFI[ii].
Children of Inmates: This organization focuses on reconnecting children with their incarcerated parents to create positive memories and moments. They emphasize building a lasting bond that supports a child’s development. Their staff and network include professionals from a variety of backgrounds, all working together to support these children in becoming happy, healthy, and productive citizens. For more about their programs and how they help, visit Children of Inmates.
Children of Incarcerated Parents (COIP) – National Center for Homeless Education: While primarily addressing the educational needs of homeless children, the NCHE[iii] also provides resources and support for children of incarcerated parents. They offer materials for service providers and families to help navigate the challenges faced by these children, aiming to support their educational journey and overall well-being. Their resources can be accessed through their main website[iv].
Community Support Systems
Communities can create support systems that offer a safe space for these children to share their experiences. Mentorship programs can play a pivotal role in providing positive role models and guiding them towards a path of resilience and success. By fostering an environment that encourages open dialogue, communities can break down the stigma and empower these children to reach their full potential.
Some examples of community support programs include:
Advocates for Children of Incarcerated Parents (AFCOIP): This organization focuses on advocating for positive policy changes and providing a comprehensive resource guide for children of incarcerated parents and those impacted by parental incarceration. They aim to facilitate children's relationships with incarcerated parents and improve societal outcomes through research and advocacy. More information is available on their website: AFCOIP[v].
Save Kids of Incarcerated Parents (SKIP): SKIP offers a range of programs designed to support children of incarcerated parents (CIPs) and their caregivers. Their offerings include monthly Saturday morning programs, after-school remediation, acceleration programs, and a summer week of socio-academic skills development. They aim to enhance the development of socio-academic and decision-making skills for CIPs and their adult caregivers. Details about their programs can be found here: SKIP[vi].
Northwest Family Services: Children of Incarcerated Parents Program: This program empowers young lives through mentorship, aiming to develop pro-social behavior and foster peer relationships. It provides resources, advocacy, awareness, and education to youth and families impacted by the justice system, offering support through small group settings for children affected by parental incarceration. Learn more about their mission and services: Northwest Family Services[vii].
Strengthening Family Bonds
Maintaining the parent-child bond during incarceration is crucial for the emotional well-being of the child. Policies that facilitate communication and visits, considering the best interest of the child, can help sustain this relationship. Programs that provide counseling and support for both the parent and child can aid in healing and preparing for a future reunion.
Here are a couple of organizations focused on strengthening family bonds between incarcerated parents and their children:
ASPE's Parenting from Prison Program: This program[viii] offers various programs aimed at supporting incarcerated fathers, helping them develop the necessary attitudes, knowledge, and skills to stay involved with their children. Programs like "InsideOut Dad" and "Long Distance Dads" are specifically designed for incarcerated fathers to connect with their families in preparation for release, focusing on communication, emotional self-management, and fathering from a distance.
Children's Institute's Nurturing Healthy Attachments Program: Based at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, this innovative program aims to strengthen the bonds between incarcerated mothers and their young children. It combines an on-site Head Start program with "Circle of Security," an eight-week group therapy session designed to promote the formation of healthy bonds. The initiative includes parent coaching and innovative classroom tools to manage parenting challenges, highlighting the importance of developing stable, healthy attachments for young children.
These programs acknowledge the critical role of maintaining and strengthening family ties for the well-being of both incarcerated parents and their children, potentially aiding reintegration and reducing intergenerational crime.
The Road Ahead
The journey from stigma to strength is not a quick one, nor is it easy. It requires a collective effort from policymakers, educators, community leaders, and society at large. By changing the narrative, we can begin to dismantle the barriers these children face, offering them a chance to rewrite their futures.
As we move forward, let us remember that the strength of a society lies not in how it treats its most powerful members, but in how it supports its most vulnerable. In changing the narrative around children of incarcerated parents, we have the opportunity to build a more compassionate, understanding, and resilient society.
Let this be a call to action—to move from stigma to strength, from judgment to support, and from isolation to community. For in each of these children lies the potential for greatness, if only we are willing to help them uncover it.
[i] https://www.pewtrusts.org/-/media/3975EB366428437FADA60843AA02C2FC.ashx#:~:text=2.7%20million%20children%20have%20a,incarcerated%20for%20non%2Dviolent%20offenses
[viii] https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/parenting-prison-innovative-programs-support-incarcerated-reentering-fathers-0
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