As the number of men and women in our prison systems grows steadily, another population also increases – the innocent children of prisoners. When parents are incarcerated, their children struggle to find their way, often without the benefit of a stable or consistent adult in their lives. That’s where Big Brothers Big Sisters steps in.

The Facts...

Research shows that 70 percent of children of incarcerated parents will themselves at some point be incarcerated – unless they have positive adult intervention. These children deal with feelings of shame, anger and fear as well as feelings of rejection from family and friends. Parental arrest and confinement often lead to stress, trauma, stigmatization, and separation problems, which can be compounded by multiple caregivers and prior separations.

Why get involved?

That is why mentoring children or prisoners is a key component of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ goal to reach more kids, especially those who may face significant risk factors.

Research by the Child Welfare League of America suggests that children who experience a parent’s incarceration also are at increased risk for:

• poor academic achievement
• early pregnancy
• substance abuse
• delinquency
• truancy
• gang involvement

However, when matched with a Big Brother or a Big Sister, research shows that one-on-one mentoring can:

• reduce first-time drug and alcohol use
• increase regular school attendance
• enhance grades
• improve relationships with peers and adults

Get Involved and Make a Difference

Mentoring Children of Promise is a special extension of our Community-Based Program to meet the unique needs of children with an incarcerated parent. This program helps break children out of their potentially dangerous situation by matching them with adults who serve as mentors. It helps strengthen the concept of family, both for youth and their extended families through mentors that model safe and trusting relationships, healthy lifestyles and appropriate social behavior. Additionally, it encourages increased participation in community activities and raises the child’s interest in literacy and academics.

The Enrollment Process

We screen and match adult mentors with children who have been identified and enrolled by their custodial parent, guardian or caregiver. A Match Support Specialist provides a point of contact for ongoing family and volunteer support and information. Additionally, participants in this program receive special training.

Through Mentoring Children of Promise, Big Brothers Big Sisters is building a stronger society by breaking the cycles of violence, chemical dependency and school drop-out rates. By having contact with a caring adult, the children have someone to talk to, listen to them and show that history need not repeat itself.

For more information on volunteering to mentor a Child of Promise click here, to enroll a child in the Mentoring Children of Promise Program click here.