Click here to visit the Ohio Amachi Website to learn more about the Mentoring Children of Promise.
Children whose parents are incarcerated have increased risk factors and may find themselves deprived emotionally and socially. The period of a parent’s incarceration is an excellent opportunity for positive intervention with these children. Just being a presence in their lives can greatly impact the choices they make. It is not your job to fix the problems or situations; it’s an opportunity to show the child that someone cares.
- Provide consistent reassurance. Let them know you understand that they miss their parent.
- Listen. Allow the child to talk about their parent being incarcerated if and when they want to. If the family has not told the child the parent is incarcerated, follow their lead so as not to confuse the child.
- Provide consistency. Consistency is an important factor in all mentoring situations, but it is especially important for children whose parents are incarcerated.
- Have fun and celebrate. Increase attention for children’s birthdays and other significant events.
- Respect the parental bond. Children love the incarcerated parent. Even though you may not agree with the parent’s unlawful actions, it is still important to support the children.
and of course...
- Share the things you already like to do.
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