Supporting Children of Incarcerated Parents: School and School-Based Mental Health Collaboration

Hosted by The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center with funding and support from the U.S Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention  

Often, children of incarcerated parents are more likely to experience academic and social-emotional issues while in school than their peers who do not have incarcerated parents. These issues can cause stress and stigma for the child and family, including the caregiver. Separation from a parent can be traumatic for children, including children of an incarcerated parent. Incarcerated parents should have the ability to be part of their child’s educational experience. 

During this webinar, which is the first in a series, experts in youth mental health and well-being will provide correctional facilities and educational systems with strategies to diminish implicit biases; create affirming spaces; and learn how to support children, caregivers, and families of incarcerated parents. 

Speakers: 

• Dr. Whitney Hollins, Associate Professor, CUNY School of Professional Studies: Youth Studies Program 
• Anna Lynn, Mental Health Promotion Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Health: Child and Family Health Division 
• John Eshun, Mental Well-being Planner, Minnesota Department of Health: Child and Family Health Division 
• Tiana Smith, Senior Policy Analyst, Corrections and Reentry, CSG Justice Center