New Resource Available for Caregivers of Children whose Parents are Incarcerated
In Arizona, more than 93,000 children have a parent in jail or prison. When you count children with parents on probation or parole the number increase to almost 172,000.
Studies indicate that children of prisoners are five times more likely to become incarcerated than children whose parents are not incarcerated.
Pima Prevention Partnership and Arizona’s Children Association have teamed up to help break this cycle and keep remaining families members intact. Their new resource guide, “Arizona Family Members Behind Bars: Difficult questions children ask… and answers that might help” includes information and expert advice for grandparents and other relatives raising children whose parents are incarcerated. This resource guide includes tips on how to answer common questions children have about their parent’s arrest and absence, describes how the criminal justice system works, and provides rules on visitation and how to address letters to inmates.
The guide is available in English and Spanish by calling toll free 1-877-312-1368; downloading from www.thepartnership.us; www.arizonaschildren.org; and at the offices of the Pima Prevention Partnership (3130 E. Broadway Blvd. Suite 180).
Rosa Borbon, whose granddaughter participates in Girl Scouting at KARE Family Center, testified to the guide’s power, “It has so much helpful information. I needed a lot to help me with my granddaughter…As grandparents, we are determined to keep our families intact. This is the kind of tool we need to succeed.”
