Children of Incarcerated Parents: From Understanding to Impact

This book series is based on the National Children of Incarcerated Parents Conference, hosted by Arizona State University’s Center for Child Well-Being. Attended by over 500 researchers and professionals, the multidisciplinary conference addresses critical issues related to parental incarceration, organized around four main tracks:

 

·       Understanding the impact of parental incarceration on the child and family

·       Evidence of program and policy effectiveness

·       Training and support for professionals who work with children of the incarcerated

·       Coordinating systems for positive impact

 

Imprisonment is a salient aspect in the lives of many American families, especially among African Americans and Latinos. An estimated 2 million U.S. children are currently experiencing parental incarceration—a number greater than those diagnosed with autism or juvenile diabetes. Yet, this issue remains largely invisible. The conference and book series bring together professionals in diverse areas such as social work, criminal justice, education, behavioral health, and child welfare. The series aims to promote a greater understanding of the challenges facing children of incarcerated parents and the impact of programs and policies, creating unique opportunities to coordinate work being done across social services sectors and promote more comprehensive, effective, and sustained approaches.