Children of Incarcerated Parents.

This newsletter provides information on the number of children with incarcerated parents, the impact of the incarceration, and intervention strategies. It begins with statistics on the incidence of children with incarcerated parents and a discussion of the risks children face when their parents are incarcerated. Feelings children experience are described, as well as factors that promote resiliency. Information is then provided on goals for interventions and supports for children whose parents are incarcerated. Recommended practices are discussed for arrest practices, child placement, sentencing considerations, programs for incarcerated parents, and visitation programs. Programs for children in their communities are also spotlighted, including mentoring programs and children's groups. Stresses associated with reunification are explored and collaborative efforts between faith-based organizations and secular agencies to provide effective models and programs for inmates and their children are noted. The newsletter concludes with a summary of research findings that indicates interventions for children of incarcerated parents need to support the whole family. Additional information is provided on the All God's Children Camp provided by the Virginia Conference United Methodist Church for children of incarcerated parents, the Mothers Inside Loving Kids parenting education program, and other Virginia programs and initiatives to assist prisoners and their families.