A simple, age-appropriate story about a young teddy bear on visiting day helps young children overcome feelings of abandonment by helping them understand why people are in prison, giving them ways to stay connected with their parent, and assuring them that incarceration is not their fault.
Brief
The Amachi initiative was implemented in Philadelphia to reduce risks for children of incarcerated men and women. Research has found that these children are vulnerable because of the instability of their living situation as well as the feelings associated with having a parent in prison. Depression, poor academic achievement, substance abuse, and juvenile delinquency are more likely among the children of incarcerated parents than in the general population. Amachi seeks to provide a positive influence in these children's lives with adults recruited from faith-based communities. Big Brothers Big…