Children with Incarcerated Parents: What Services are Available for Children with a Parent Releasing from Prison?

Abstract

Children with incarcerated parents are a growing "at risk" population in the United States. Upon parental release, many children will be reunited or have some form of contact with their parent. Currently, there is limited programming available for this population, specifically during the reunification process. The Reconnections Group's aim is to provide children and youth age appropriate education and support during their parent's transition back into the community. The mission of the Reconnections Group is to provide a supportive, encouraging, and positive atmosphere for children and youth with a parent releasing or recently released from prison, while fostering a positive parent child relationship and promoting current and future pro-social behaviors in children and youth.