A clear need in our community
Over 20,000 children in the state of Washington have an incarcerated parent. That averages out to 1 in 32 children in our state – or one in every classroom. As a result, these young people face a much higher risk of making unhealthy decisions surrounding violence and substance abuse.

We know that incarceration is intergenerational. Without positive intervention, these children are seven times more likely than their peers to become involved in the juvenile justice system – that’s 7 out of every 10 children who have an incarcerated parent(s).

The impact on the child is significant. Children are less likely to attend school, and when they do attend, teachers are more likely to report behavior issues and diminished academic performance. They are also 3-6 times more likely to exhibit violent or delinquent behavior as a juvenile.

A powerful response
Through a one-to-one mentoring relationship, children ages 4–16 have the opportunity to experience a new side of life. Following a comprehensive screening and training, volunteers, age 18 or older, are matched with young people based on mutual interests. Together they meet 3 – 4 times a month for a minimum of one year to talk, participate in activities, go to the park, rollerblade, eat ice cream, watch movies, and just hang out. Family friendly activities are offered in conjunction with local correctional facilities for the incarcerated parent, mentor and child.

Through their training process, Big Brothers and Big Sisters come to understand that the most valuable things they can give a child are time, interest, and consistency.

For more information about our Children of Incarcerated Parents Program, please email us at agencyinfo@bigsandlittles.org, call 1-877-700-BIGS (2447), or click here.

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