Approximately 2.7 million children currently have an incarcerated parent.1 Parental incarceration has a profound impact on families, particularly children. These children are at a higher risk of experiencing negative effects on their well-being and development. Additionally, they are more likely to be exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
Research has shown that the harmful effects on children with incarcerated parents can be reduced by maintaining parent-child connection, through video chats, phone calls, or in-person visits. There are programs in jails and prisons that aim to support and strengthen familial relationships during a parent’s incarceration.
In this module, we will explore the causes and risk factors for incarceration, the impacts of parental incarceration on families and children, and examples of programs and policies that can better support families and children impacted by parental incarceration.
