Impact of Incarceration on Kids

It is widely reported that children with parents who’ve been to prison are much more likely to be incarcerated themselves.  For this reason, it can be a good idea to seek out intervention and prevention services.  There are programs around the country that offer mentoring programs for at-risk youth.  An organization based in Memphis, called Families of Incarcerated Individuals states that mentoring can:

•    Improve a child’s self esteem
•    Help improve academic skills
•    Lead young people to resources they may not find on their own
•    Provide support for new behaviors, attitudes and ambitions
•    Enhance parenting

There’s another group in California that provides children and youth who’ve been impacted by incarceration with tools to interrupt the cycle of incarceration and violence.  It’s called Project What! and it uses the arts to build self-esteem and help kids to find their personal voice.  Click here to check out the project’s website.

Also, check out this video about Project What!