1 in 14 U.S. children have had a parent who lives with them go to jail or prison.
That is more than 1 million children.
About Us
The CIP Initiative seeks to improve the quality of supports for children with incarcerated parents by using the various data and knowledge it gains to inform public policy and practice.
Children
Having a parent or other loved one in prison can be really hard and confusing. On the Kids’ Page, you will find information on prison, definitions to words you may have heard or seen, and answers to questions you might have.
Adults
Friends and family can play a vital role in easing the strain of having a loved one in prison. On the Adults pages, we provide information that may support you, as you seek to support them.
CCSU Collaborations
Help for Hard Times
Suggestions for families and friends when a loved one is imprisoned. Read More
Read MoreTips from Caregivers for Caregivers
Caregivers tips on how to interact and give advice to children with incarcerated parent. Read More
Read MoreQuestions from Caregivers
Most frequently asked caregivers questions from visitation to discussing about parent’s crime. Read More
Read MoreCaring for Children of Incarcerated Parents
Discusses challenges for children at each stage of their development (infancy-Adolescence). Read More
Read MoreCommon Stress Points for Children
A parent’s involvement in the criminal justice system often creates unexpected emotions that challenge established coping strategies. Read More
Read MoreWhat Do Children of Incarcerated Parents and their Caregivers Need?
From interviews with caregivers. Read More
Read MoreTelling the Children
A variety of scenarios and methods to assist with addressing the matter of parental incarcerated with children. Read More
Read MoreQuestions Children Ask
There are 4 main questions that children ask or want to ask their incarcerated parents. Read More
Read MoreWhat to Tell Children When a Parent or Family Member Goes to Prison
Connecticut-based organization, Families in Crisis, offers helpful suggestions for this difficult question. Read More
Read MoreVisiting Mom or Dad
A developmental guide for preparing children for prison visits (Infants-Schools Age). Read More
Read MorePreparing a Child for a Prison Visit
Find some suggested strategies for an incarcerated parent and/or caregiver to prepare a child for visitation. Read More
Read MoreWhy Maintain Relationships?
Potential benefits of visitation for children and the incarcerated parent. Read More
Read MoreTips on How to Work With Your Lawyer
10 helpful tips on how to work with your Lawyer. Read More
Read MoreTips From a Father in Prison
A list of suggestions from an incarcerated father on how to maintain “the attachment to your children from inside a prison.” Tips are helpful for moms, too! Read More
Read MoreFamily Law Handbook: A Resource for People in Connecticut’s Prison
This handbook addresses how family law impacts people in prison. It is divided into four sections: 1) children; 2) child; 3) marriage and divorce; and 4) wills. Read More
Read More