YES Summit

JANUARY 24, 2014BY: LORENZO HENDERSON

BELOIT POLICE DEPARTMENT

What is the single greatest threat to a child's welfare today in America?

According to an International Human Rights Organization…

What is the scope of this problem?

2.7 million children have a parent in prison Roughly 1 in 9 African American children have a

parent in state or federal prison Approximately 1 in 28 Latino children have a

parent serving time compared to 1 in 57 Caucasian children.

What other challenges do children of incarcerated parents face?

Adverse childhood experiences associated with an incarcerated parent

Children of incarcerated parents experience similar pain as other children whose parents are also not in the home.

Greater risk of poverty and instability in the home

Although the call to arms on this issue is finally gaining momentum…

Two unlikely advocates have tried to spotlight this tragedy

President Bush 2003 State of the Union speechhttp://c-spanvideo.org/clip/4480554 Nylo's Story http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE7kaY7tdh0

What can be done to change this…

Being in prison should not stop you from parenting

We have to encourage and support parents in prison to maintain and strengthen relationships with their children

Just because a parent has failed as a citizen does not mean you have to fail as a parent

Bonding Beyond BarsPhase 1

Pilot project enhancing parental relationships for the (5) Rock County Families selected to participate in the program

The incarcerated parent must be willing to play an active role in their child’s life

The prison sentence has to be greater than 12 months

Bonding Beyond BarsPhase 2

The project will align county service agencies for targeted service delivery for the families selected to participate in this initiative.

Reducing the risk factors

Objectives of Bonding Beyond Bars

Forge parental relationships between incarcerated parents and their children

lessen the adverse childhood experiences associated with having a parent in prison

Reduce intergenerational recidivism Encourage families toward breaking the cycle of

governmental dependency

Resources

211.idaho.gov/pdf/COIP_Factsheet.pdfCenter for child and Family well being-UW MadisonUrban Institute

Thank you for your time

Questions? For further questions, feel free to reach me at

henderson_Lorenzo@yahoo.com