The stress on a child when a parent is imprisoned has been compared to the death of a loved one. While society understands and accepts the mourning that accompanies death, imprisonment carries a social stigma. Because the offender has committed a criminal act, family members including innocent children, also suffer.
Children of offenders have received little attention from professionals or the public. The escalating number of affected children and the results of many recent studies show that they are a special, at-risk population with distinct needs. For example, research indicates that children of prisoners are several times more likely than their peers to become delinquent.
Program Description
Family Ties assists children who have a parent in prison (and other members of the family) who live in Hartford. The Program offers a comprehensive range of services to children, their community caregivers and their imprisoned parents. The Agency works collaboratively with other social service organizations to provide:
- Counseling (individual, family therapy)
- Weekly peer support groups for children that builds emotional health and social competency
- Case management and referrals to needed services for child/family members
- Educational support
- Parent education and support services (in the community and at correctional settings)
- Recreational and leisure activities that create positive social connections
- Mentoring
Key Features
- Master’s level staff provide services in the community and at correctional centers
- Comprehensive home-based support for families
Results
- Improves the quality of daily living for children of prisoners
- Promotes family reunification upon release (if appropriate)
- Prevents delinquency of prisoner’s children
