Model Practices for Parents in Prisons and Jails: Reducing Barriers to Family Connections

Second Chance Month
April 2023

Written
Topic:
Family Engagement

Model Practices for Parents in Prisons and Jails: Reducing Barriers to Family Connections

Model Practices for Parents in Prisons and Jails: Reducing Barriers to Family Connections


The objective of this report from Urban Institute and the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is to detail a set of practices that correctional administrators can implement to remove barriers that inhibit children from cultivating or maintaining relationships with their incarcerated parents during and immediately after incarceration.

To accomplish this objective, correctional administrators should:

  • Consider that children need and want to have a relationship with their incarcerated parents and vice versa
  • Allow incarcerated parents to take responsibility for their children
  • Provide opportunities for families to communicate, interact, and bond

By implementing the practices outlined in this document, administrators will reduce the stress and confusion children experience when their parent is incarcerated while sustaining or maximizing safety and security in the facility.

Access the report