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The National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated

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The National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated

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NRCCFI is the oldest and largest organization in the U.S. focused on children and families of the incarcerated and programs that serve them.

Disseminating accurate and relevant information

Guiding the development of family strengthening policy and practice

Training, preparing, and inspiring those working in the field

Including the families in defining the issues and designing solutions

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On any given day, an estimated 2.7 million children in America have at least one parent in prison or jail.

NRCCFI is the oldest and largest organization in the U.S. focused on children and families of the incarcerated and programs that serve them.

Disseminating accurate and relevant information

Guiding the development of family strengthening policy and practice

Training, preparing, and inspiring those working in the field

Including the families in defining the issues and designing solutions

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The National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated

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On any given day, an estimated 2.7 million children in America have at least one parent in prison or jail. NRCCFI is the oldest and largest organization in the U.S. focused on children and families of the incarcerated and programs that serve them.

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Incarceration Toolkit for Children (English & Español)

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Incarceration Toolkit for Children (English & Español)

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The incarceration of a loved one can be very overwhelming for both children and caregivers. It can bring about big changes and transitions. In simple everyday ways, you can comfort your child and guide them through these tough moments. With your love and support they can get through anything that comes their way. Here are some tools to help you with the changes your child is going through.

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Help little ones build the skills they need to tackle any challenge with confidence.

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Important information and resources on/for children of incarcerated parents for:

Parents and Caregivers

Law Enforcement and Corrections Personnel

School Administration and Teachers

Child Welfare/Social Work and Clinical Professionals

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On June 28-29, HHS, DOJ, and the FIRC Subgroup on Children of Incarcerated Parents hosted a listening session with 19 young people who have or have had an incarcerated parent. Participants' ideas and feedback from the session were used to inform two tip sheets and a video.

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Toolkit - "Parents Behind Bars: Answers to Children's Difficult Questions"

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Toolkit - "Parents Behind Bars: Answers to Children's Difficult Questions"

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This toolkit for educators and caregivers, developed by the Idaho Criminal Justice Commission, provides information on how to respond to children's toughest questions about the incarceration of their parent from arrest to release.

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Workbook - "Empowering Children of Incarcerated Parents" by Stacey Burgess

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Workbook - "Empowering Children of Incarcerated Parents" by Stacey Burgess

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This book is for counselors, social workers, psychologists and teachers who work with children ages 7-12 who have a parent who is in jail or prison. It is designed so that work can be done individually or in small groups.
(Amazon: http://a.co/d/9A3EI4w)

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Workbook - "Help For Kids! Understanding Your Feelings About Having A Parent in Prison or Jail" by Carol Gesme

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Workbook - "Help For Kids! Understanding Your Feelings About Having A Parent in Prison or Jail" by Carol Gesme

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An activity workbook that explores the many mixed-up feelings that accompany the absence of a parent due to incarceration. It teaches peer pressure responses, provides tools for problem-solving, and helps students accept their feelings.
(Amazon: http://a.co/d/7DOqJos)

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Be sensitive to certain trigger issues. 

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Be sensitive to certain trigger issues. 

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When having conversations about current events, crime, criminals, or the police, be mindful of how children with a parent who has been arrested or incarcerated may feel. Children love their parents, even if a parent did something illegal.

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Across all school settings, pay particular attention to children of incarcerated parents being bullied by peers, and help ensure that they are not subjected to biases or stereotypes.

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Making assumptions about behavior, motivation, academic ability, and potential.

Creating stereotypes and subconscious negative assumptions. People sometimes assume children with an incarcerated parent will engage in criminal or negative activity like their parent.

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Be aware of what researchers call the “conspiracy of silence" and if necessary, become a confidant. 

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Be aware of what researchers call the “conspiracy of silence" and if necessary, become a confidant. 

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For children who know their parent is incarcerated, their caregiver may have instructed them to not discuss the situation with anyone, for fear of the stigma and shame associated with incarceration. The child, too, may worry about people judging their parent. However, not understanding the situation or not being able to talk about it can also be a source of stress for children. Sometimes the silence around the situation can become an inadvertent cause of shame. It is important for teachers to understand this dynamic. If a teacher knows that a child has an incarcerated parent, the teacher should be careful not to discuss that information with the child unless confident the child has already been informed. If it appears the child understands the situation and would like to confide in someone, it is important for teachers to signal that they can be trusted, will not judge the parent or the child for loving their parent, and will keep the information the child chooses to disclose confidential.

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Teachers can advocate for children with an incarcerated parent and educate their colleagues on ways to address the specific needs of students who have an incarcerated parent by :

Establishing themselves as trusted and caring adults, serving as role models and challenging the stigma and shame that can be associated with parental incarceration.

Working with other support staff (i.e., art teacher, classroom aide, reading specialist, administrators) to provide one-on-one opportunities for students with a parent in prison to express feelings openly and freely through art, writing, or any other form of free expression. (For example, the children could write a letter, draw a picture, or write a poem to share with their parent)

Collaborating with school-based mental health professionals (i.e., school psychologists, counselors, or social workers) who understand the developmentally-sensitive implications of parental incarceration and family stress on child well-being.

Asking librarians to offer books/pamphlets about parental incarceration and encourage ALL students to read them, rather than singling out students with an incarcerated parent.

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Teachers can collaborate with the child’s other parent, family member, or caregiver to create a positive school setting for children of incarcerated parents. Collaboration may include:

Sharing relevant information with caregivers concerning successes and struggles, as well as emotional and behavioral concerns

Becoming aware of community organizations and services available to meet the specialized needs of children with a parent in prison, especially mental health resources.

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Teachers can assist children who have an incarcerated parent in reaching their potential and achieving academic and social success by:

Implementing behavioral and academic supports that enhance the teaching-learning process.

Engaging in classroom methods and approaches that help students with an incarcerated parent increase their capacities to self-regulate behaviors and develop their academic promise.

Challenging students with a parent in prison to do their very best academically by providing support and establishing and promoting high expectations for them.

Identifying areas of vulnerability and understanding that negative behaviors and absenteeism may be masking anxiety and depression, which can result from childhood trauma.

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Having an incarcerated parent is recognized as an “adverse childhood experience” (ACE). Exposure to multiple ACEs significantly increases the likelihood of long-term negative behavioral and physical health outcomes. Although it is not always the case, trauma often affects a child’s physiological and emotional responses; ability to think, learn, and concentrate; impulse control; self-image; and relationships with others.

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You may not know this, but 1 in 28 children currently have an incarcerated parent. This could be a student in your classroom or at least one at your school. Studies of parents arrested indicated that 67% were handcuffed in front of their children, 27% reported weapons drawn in front of their children, and 4.3% reported a physical struggle.

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Resources for Children of Prisoners - Books (All Ages)

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Resources for Children of Prisoners - Books (All Ages)

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By opening a dialogue not only between children and adults but also children with other children, these problems can be alleviated through understanding and support. Prison Fellowship hopes to follow our mission of restoring not only the child but also the entire family by providing a list of books for children with an incarcerated parent.

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Resources for Children of Prisoners - Prison Fellowship

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Resources for children of prisoners that help foster important conversations, and provide hope and understanding during difficult situations.