NCJ Number
217042
Journal
Corrections Today Magazine Volume: 68 Issue: 7 Dated: December 2006 Pages: 54-57
Date Published
December 2006
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the Moms Inc./Dads Inc. parenting program offered to inmates through the Virginia Department of Correctional Education.
Abstract
Founded in 1999, the 8-week program is an institutionally-based, voluntary parent-education program designed around two main goals: (1) to provide education, information, and support for incarcerated parents with a focus on the numerous problems faced by children of incarcerated parents; and (2) to improve the quality of current and future relationships between parents and their children. Among the many topics under discussion in this course are the various legal issues that parents may experience while incarcerated, such as problems regarding custody and visitation. The program curriculum includes discussions of the social, psychological, and emotional challenges of children whose parents are incarcerated. Many parents are unaware of the psychological trauma and physical hardships that children endure as a result of having an incarcerated parent. Regular communication between parents and children are encouraged as the foundation of establishing stable and consistent relationships. Parents who cannot call children are encouraged to write regular letters. The article highlights the achievements of the founder of the program, a former inmate and mother of three children, who was recently honored by the Virginia Governor Tim Kaine for her innovative work within the correctional system.