NCJ Number
166619
Date Published
1994
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This videotape focuses on the experiences and needs of children of inmates and urges corrections decisionmakers to establish policies that support families and avoid making these children hidden victims of criminal justice policies.
Abstract
The film presents the perspectives of the children of inmates, correctional personnel, mental health professionals, and representatives of advocacy and service organizations. They note that several million children have a father or mother in jail or prison. Research has demonstrated a strong relationship between parental incarceration and a child's future delinquency, as well as depression, learning problems, and poverty. Children of offenders feel anxiety and guilt. Their peers often stigmatize the children of inmates and are forbidden by their parents to play with them. The children of inmates may decide to lie about where the parent is and what the parent is doing. Many of these children have to change schools or go to foster care. Long distances from the correctional institution may also prevent contact with inmate parents. The Osborne Association hosted a conference on the issue. It also sponsored a program called Family Works. The program aims to maintain communication and contact between inmates and their children and to teach parenting skills to inmates. It thereby reduces children's trauma and enhances parenting from prison.