Due to women’s distinct pathways to crime, they are often incarcerated for offenses related to drug and property crimes, usually stemming from experiencing poverty, abuse or trauma, mental illnesses, and/or substance use disorders. Most women who are incarcerated were the primary caregiver of their children, so incarceration removes them as a vital source of emotional and financial support.
This interactive webinar will provide attendees with an overview of data and research about mothers who experience incarceration and the effects of incarceration on children and family members. Presenters will share policy and practice strategies to meet the needs of children, parents, and family members and to overcome barriers to family engagement in reentry processes. Attendees will also learn about gender-responsive evidence-based programming and family therapy modalities that address women’s substance use and/or mental health needs during reentry and support family healing and well-being.
Learning Objectives:
- Examine data and research about mothers who experience incarceration and its effects on their children and families.
- Describe common barriers to reentry, including challenges involving families in the reentry process.
- Explain key strategies to actively integrate family members’ input and perspective, stabilize families, and set the stage for engagement in the reentry process including evidence-based programming and family therapy modalities to support parent-child relationships for mothers.
Speakers:
- Arielle Andrews, Program Associate, Center for Children and Family Futures
- Felicia López Wright, Project Manager, Behavioral Health, Council of State Governments Justice Center
- Jane Pfeifer, Program Director, Center for Children and Family Futures
- Kelly Jones, Senior Program Associate, Center for Children and Family Futures