Over 2.7 million children in the United States have an incarcerated parent. Fathers make up 92% of incarcerated parents. Children of incarcerated parents are twice as likely to have learning disabilities and higher rates of depression. They also exhibit more antisocial behaviors, academic issues, and problems with developmental milestones. Teachers can support these children by being sensitive to triggers related to incarceration, talking to children about their feelings, and using books and resources to help children feel less alone.

1. Incarcerated Parents
By: Shelby Pendleton-Weathers
Course: Positive Classroom Management

2. What does it mean?
oWebster's
dictionary defines
incarceration as
to put in prison or
to subject to
confinement

3. Prevalence
o2.7 million children had an
incarcerated parent
o92% of incarcerated parents
are fathers
oIn Wisconsin 88,000 children
have been separated from
parents due to incarceration
o One in 28 children have at
least one parent behind bars
Ages of Children With Parent
Incarcerated
15-17 years old 10-14 yr old 5-9 yr old
1-4 yr old less than 1 yr old

4. Impact on Child
• Twice as likely to have learning disabilities
• Higher rates of depression
• Bullies themselves (or be bullied)
• Antisocial
• Regression
• Academic skills
• Behaviors
• Developmental milestones

5. Support
http://youth.gov/youth-topics/children-of-incarcerated-parents
http://www.sesamestreet.org/toolkits/incarceration#

6. Useful Strategies
• Be aware of stereotyping
• Tendencies to assume thoughts about behavior, motivation, and academic abilities
• Be sensitive to triggers
• Children may be more sensitive to current events or the police
• Be aware of asking for “parent’s permission” on activities
• Talk to the children about their feelings
• Communicate with the caregiver
• Books in the classroom on the topic
• A non-threatening way to let children know they are not along

7. Sources
o https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incarcerate
o http://www.fatherhood.org/fatherhood/fathers-behind-bars-the-problem-and-solution-for-americas-children-
infographichttp://www.wccf.org/pressroom/5328-2/
o http://host.madison.com/ct/report-nearly-wisconsin-kids-have-had-a-parent-behind-bars/article_cf059ac2-f7a4-596f-9853-9e67e5f60cd6.html
o https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/10/27/report-one-14-children-have-had-incarcerated-parent/74663774/
o http://youth.gov/sites/default/files/COIPInfographic_508.pdf
o http://youth.gov/sites/default/files/COIP_TipSheet-Teachers_508.pdf
o https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/hdfs/fii/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/s_mifis05c03.pdf
o http://www.spac.k12.pa.us/2010conference/2010%20spac%20conference%20workshop%20handouts/6%20Mona%20Fleeger%20STARS/5%20what%20
educators%20and%20schools%20need%20to%20know%20when.pdf
o http://www.projectavary.org/top-ten/
o http://www.sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/incarceration/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=incarceratedparentsstatist
ics&utm_content=IncarcerationStatistics&utm_campaign=SSIC2017
o http://youth.gov/youth-topics/children-of-incarcerated-parents
o http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2013/06/21/sesame-street-reaches-out-to-2-7-million-american-children-with-an-incarcerated-parent/