Having a parent in prison can have a significant impact on a child’s mental and behavioral health. These children often face challenges, including changes in family structure, financial instability, shame and social stigma. To help reduce the risk for negative outcomes, such as depression, substance use and criminal behavior, it is important for communities to wrap around children with incarcerated parents.
Contact your local United Way office for help caring for a child with incarcerated parents. A referral specialist will assess your need and provide recommendations for public benefits, social services, counseling and/or financial assistance.
Find support for parents, teachers, law enforcement, case workers, clinical professionals and more as they care for children with incarcerated parents.
Learn strategies to reduce negative outcomes for children with a parent in prison, including poverty, poor academic performance, aggression, depression, delinquency and substance use.
The incarceration of a loved one can be overwhelming for children and caregivers. It takes special effort to start important conversations and answer kids’ questions. This toolkit can help you comfort children through these difficult moments.