Mass Incarceration Mission Statement

Introduction: In the United States today, state and federal prisons house over 1.5 million prisoners. Families of incarcerated individuals share in their time of confinement, including their children, who become indirect victims of crime. Approximately 1.7 million children under eighteen in the U.S. have at least one parent behind bars, constituting 2.3 percent of the 74 million minor children (Russell-Brown, 2015). Numerous children encounter the challenging reality of having a parent behind bars. Casey (2016) reports, "Now more than 5 million children have had a parent incarcerated at some point in their lives, including 503,000 in California, 477,000 in Texas, and 312,000 in Florida. The situation is even worse in many other states" (p.1).

Through holistic programs, personalized care, and community partnerships, we aim to nurture their emotional well-being, foster educational success, and empower them to break the cycle of adversity. We envision creating a world where every child impacted by incarceration finds healing, resilience, and a pathway to a bright and hopeful future. Vision Statement: Empowering Every Child Impacted by Incarceration to Thrive and Flourish. Background: Mass incarceration affects millions of children in contemporary American society, yet little is known about this invisible population. Children of incarcerated parents often face significant emotional, social, and economic challenges. They may experience stigma, trauma, and instability, which can impact their well-being and prospects. Miller, K. (2006) stated, "Children of inmates are often referred to as the "hidden victim" of crime because they traditionally have been underserved and understudied" (p 472). The failure to recognize the needs of these children in the United States is a tragedy for the

Young and Smith (2000) write, "Children of imprisoned mothers are growing but an understudied group who have experienced significant disruptions" (p. 131). The effects of parental incarceration on children are multidimensional, and often the absence of a parent due to incarceration is only one issue faced by this population. The restructuring of love and belonging will need to develop if the physiological and safety needs are substantially met. Children with unique circumstances who have a parent in jail may contend with feelings such as anxiety, shame, sadness, grief, and guilt. Crucial to this endeavor is to help children through this stage before they look for love and belonging by engaging in risky behaviors, such as developing negative relationships or joining a gang. Hagan et al. (2005) stated, "Children fare better when they are embedded in an effective social network of caregivers, teachers, and friends who can and do offer appropriate support and guidance" (p.