Alaska

A positive school experience, where a child feels secure, is essential for their well-being. However, for many children with incarcerated parents—one in 14 in the U.S.—school can feel far from safe due to stigma, trauma, and a lack of understanding.

When returning to their communities from criminal justice settings, people with behavioral health needs face barriers in accessing basic needs—including food, housing, employment, transportation, education, clothing, and substance use and mental health services—which increases their risk of experiencing a crisis.

New Hampshire Department of Corrections Commissioner Helen Hanks presents at the Medicaid and Corrections Policy Academy in-person meeting.