In the United States, nearly three million adolescents deal with their parent’s incarceration on a daily basis. Another two million children cited they had a parent who was incarcerated in the past. The issue is massive. Schools and programs such as Sesame Street have stepped in to help adults assist the children who are the true victims of incarceration.

For many children, the stigma of incarceration is real. Many students whose parents are incarcerated feel shame and embarrassment about their parent’s absence. These children are frequently from low-income families and are members of racial minorities, which can exacerbate the disadvantages they face.

According to the Population Reference Bureau, children with incarcerated parents are more likely to:

Suffer from a medical condition

Develop ADHD, learning disabilities, and developmental delays, as well as exhibit behavioral issues.

Teenagers in this situation are more likely to disregard the law. They may experiment with drugs or engage in other dangerous behaviors. Students may be shunned if their classmates find out where their absent parents are.

Use one or more of the following methods to help children cope with their parent’s incarceration:

Maintain communication – Maintaining contact is just as important for the child as it is for the incarcerated parent. Notes and letters, booked visits, and phone calls made ahead of time can all be used to initiate conversation. However, keep in mind that missed communication can lead to The child’s passionate outbursts

Knowledge is a powerful tool – If the child is developmentally appropriate and acceptable to the incarcerated parent, assist children in understanding why their parent is incarcerated.

Focus on a new interest — Encourage the youngster to express her feelings and any anxiety she may be experiencing through creative or athletic outlets.

Talk it out – Allow the child of imprisoned parents to express themselves. It’s natural to miss a parent, regardless of the reason for their absence. By listening, caregivers can validate the child’s feelings and demonstrate their concern.

Therapy – Working with a therapist allows your child to explore their feelings and develop coping strategies.

Sesame Street provides an Incarceration Toolkit for younger children to help them and their carers deal with the emotional trauma of having a parent who is incarcerated.

Children miss their incarcerated parents, but more importantly, they miss out on the chance to form a bond with the person most responsible for guiding their lives.

You can assist children in overcoming their apprehension about incarceration.