NCJ Number
236421
Date Published
November 2010
Length
40 pages
Annotation
This report presents results of a qualitative assessment of five pilot sites involved in the Look Up and Hope (LUH) initiative of the Volunteers of America, an initiative to strengthen and support families affected by a mother's incarceration.
Abstract
Some of the supportive services currently being offered to LUH participants include substance abuse and mental health counseling, vocational training and employment services, rapid re-housing assistance, parenting classes, individual and family therapy, case management services, family group conferencing, after-school and summer programming for youth, and practical supports. The purpose of this study was to better understand the needs of the specific families being served at the pilot sites; assess the extent to which their needs match those described in the literature on families affected by maternal incarceration; and recommend any modifications to the LUH program model that might be necessary. The study found that the children whose mothers had just returned home from incarceration were overwhelmingly hopeful about their mothers' releases, with more than 80 percent expressing optimism, excitement, and happiness related to reunification with their mothers. The returning mothers with whom the research team spoke generally needed substance abuse and mental health counseling, parenting education programs, and assistance finding and retaining employment and housing after their release; the caregivers generally required support and assistance in meeting many basic household needs; and the children generally needed increased contact with their incarcerated parents, as well as ongoing counseling and support to help them deal with the trauma and disruptions associated with losing a parent to the criminal justice system. The findings suggest that the LUH model is an appropriate approach to serving the needs of the target population. Illustrative photos and 13 references