Brief
What happens to children when their parent is released from jail or prison? The answers vary. It depends in part, on the quality of the attachment to that parent before and during incarceration.(Adalist-Estrin, 1993) Another factor is the extent of the trauma created by the parent’s offense, arrest, and imprisonment. (Johnston, 1992)
The child’s adjustment to a parent’s parole is also significantly related to the presence and quality of protective factors and support systems that were available during the incarceration period and upon release. (Gaynes, 1994, Johnston, 1993) Finally…
Brief
Taking risks is fairly common in adolescence. Risky behaviors can be associated with serious, long-term, and -- in some cases -- life-threatening consequences. This is especially the case when adolescents engage in more than one harmful behavior. The tendency for risky behaviors to co-occur has been well-studied. Yet prevention efforts traditionally have taken a targeted approach, seeking to prevent a single risky behavior. A more powerful and cost-effective approach may be to employ strategies designed to address factors associated with multiple risky behaviors. This Research Brief brings…
Brief
Understanding the community and family challenges that create conditions that disproportionately subject some youth to the juvenile justice system is critical to developing community-based interventions that offer a holistic approach to both preventing youth justice system involvement and setting justice-system-involved youth on a more positive path.
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Training Materials Despite growing interest and investment in mentoring as a component of reentry, there is only a small body of research to support the value of adult mentoring services in reducing recidivism among criminal justice populations. The research related to adult reentry mentoring that does exist rarely addresses participants’ criminogenic risk levels and other factors that are known to be important in recidivism-reduction strategies. In the absence of research, reentry programs and corrections agencies are looking for guidance on how mentoring and correctional evidence-based practices (EBPs) can be…
Brief
This brief explains the importance of father engagement in child welfare services. It begins by discussing the rising number of children being raised by single mothers and the disengagement of fathers from their children’s lives. Federal efforts towards nationwide programs that strengthen two-parent families, promote healthy marriage, encourage responsible fatherhood and increase father engagement are noted, and the benefits of paternal engagement are explained. Following sections review effects associated with poor parental engagement, causes of low engagement, and promising interventions to…
Brief
This brief contributes to our knowledge of the challenges faced by children with incarcerated fathers by examining the effect of paternal incarceration on child homelessness. Specifically, it explores three mechanisms by which father incarceration may lead to child homelessness, including weakening family finances, limiting children's access to institutional and informal supports, and reducing mothers' capacities and capabilities. It also examines the extent to which this relationship is concentrated among black children and tests concerns of spuriousness, the possibility that both…
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Training Materials Unfortunately, many men behind bars are fathers in name only. This workbook will help to change this. Being a parent is a huge responsibility and this workbook aims to help incarcerated fathers understand this fact and to give them the guidance they need to meet the challenges that accompany being a dad. The job of a father is constantly changing. The author examines the differences of being a father of a small child as opposed to a teenager. This practical workbook looks at such topics as communication, discipline, reunification and more. This is a hands-on resource that should be given to…
Training Materials, Book
It is your job to help the offender prepare themselves for life on the outside. You may think this means helping them find a job or avoiding substance abuse issues. It certainly does, but another important area that needs to be addressed is the offender's family life. More specifically, they must take responsibility for their children. This manual, along with the workbook, will help you to prepare fathers for the tremendous responsibility that accompanies parenthood. This manual includes several reproducible worksheets and a participant certificate that can be given to all participants upon…
Brief
Consistent emotional bonds between families and adolescents have been found to be a significant protective factor for young people and a necessary component to achieve positive outcomes. That being said, it is estimated that there are 2,473,300 children of male prisoners and 319,718 children of female prisoners in U.S. correctional facilities. Our nation's high rate of incarceration takes a heavy toll socially and economically on children, their families and communities. Supports are needed because they make communities more resilient to the effects of incarceration and serve to prevent…
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…
