You are on this page: Children of Incarcerated Parents
It is estimated that there are more than 105,000 children with a parent serving time in prison or jail in New York State alone.
Childen need help coping with such a life-changing circumstance and their caregivers need guidance in handling these changes and conveying age-appropriate information to the child.
The following are links to several resources available to provide both adults and children with coping strategies and additional emotional resources can help them feel comforted and secure throughout this difficult time.
- The New York Initiative for Children of Incarcerated Parents works in partnership with government agencies and community- and faith-based organizations to advocate for and support policies and practices that meet the needs and respect the rights of children and youth whose parents are involved in the criminal justice system. This project is coordinated by the Osbourne Association.
- Children of Promise, NYC (CPNYC) is a community-based, non-profit organization based in Brooklyn, New York whose mission is to embrace the children of incarcerated parents and empower them to break the cycle of intergenerational involvement in the criminal justice system. CPNYC offers an innovative and unique after-school program and summer day camp, the only one of its kind in New York City, specifically designed to meet the needs, interests and concerns of children left behind by parents serving time in prison.
- Echoes of Incarceration: is an award-winning documentary initiative produced by youth with incarcerated parents. The project explores the issue of mass incarceration and its effects on families, and creates documentary films told from the life experiences of the filmmakers themselves.
- See Us Support Us Flyer and Creating Safe Spaces for Children of Incarcerated Parents I and II
- The Sesame Street Workshop has created a resiliency initiative called Little Children, Big Challenges: Incarceration that is specifically designed for young children ages three to eight. It contains free educational resources including a children’s story book, a guide for parents and caregivers, and a tip sheet for parents.