Providing Support to Adolescent Children with Incarcerated Parents

At a time when adolescents most need support - while dealing with parental incarceration - many report that people seem to withdraw, become judgmental, or express difficulty understanding their feelings.This article begins by exploring the effects of parental incarceration on adolescents. Typical feelings youth with incarcerated parents experience are explored to provide an understanding of how they may cope.

Finally, effective ways to respond to and support these youth are provided, including examining our own individual biases and perspectives; building trust with the youth; promoting education and awareness among those adults who live and work with children of incarcerated parents; honoring the significance of the relationships between the youth and their incarcerated parent; empowering youth; and the effects of policies and practices.