First, we must publicly acknowledge children with incarcerated parents as resilient. Understanding that these children are tremendously resilient should help us to craft interventions that uplift their most positive qualities, rather than reinforcing (in their minds and otherwise) the aspects of their lives that are in lack. Labeling matters, and in order to reduce the likelihood of these children internalizing negative ideas about their futures, we should publicly acknowledge and celebrate their resilience, not just their risk.
Second, we must respond to the real risks that threaten the wellbeing of children with incarcerated parents. Children with incarcerated parents continue to face very real obstacles to their mental and physical health and their socioeconomic status, which could be addressed through better linkages between schools, public health providers, employment specialists, and correctional institutions. An investment in maintaining family contact is also important to recognizing the importance of supportive, healthy bonding between parents and their children. (....)
Lastly, we must support Fair Chance Employment—it’s one of the most important things we can do for the children of incarcerated parents. Employment is a critical part of establishing the readiness for family reunification, but people—along the gender continuum—with a criminal conviction history often face blanket discrimination when they are trying to find work.
Read more at EBONY
Second, we must respond to the real risks that threaten the wellbeing of children with incarcerated parents. Children with incarcerated parents continue to face very real obstacles to their mental and physical health and their socioeconomic status, which could be addressed through better linkages between schools, public health providers, employment specialists, and correctional institutions. An investment in maintaining family contact is also important to recognizing the importance of supportive, healthy bonding between parents and their children. (....)
Lastly, we must support Fair Chance Employment—it’s one of the most important things we can do for the children of incarcerated parents. Employment is a critical part of establishing the readiness for family reunification, but people—along the gender continuum—with a criminal conviction history often face blanket discrimination when they are trying to find work.
Read more at EBONY
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