How Can I Support Children of an Incarcerated Parent?

An individual’s incarceration impacts the lives of everyone in the family. It is common for family members to experience strong feelings of anger, loss, shame, fear, or sadness. Children may be confused about what has happened and worried about the future. Consider the following ideas to help children deal with a parent’s incarceration:

• Be honest. Help children understand that their parent’s incarceration is not their fault. This is especially important if the crime was committed against the child. Answer their questions honestly while sharing information that is age appropriate.

• Build security. A regular, predictable routine can be a great source of comfort. Share the details of your day with your children, ask how they are feeling, and remind them how much you love them. Validate their feelings, and help them know who they can trust.

• Find more help. You don’t need to do everything on your own. Connect with your local Church leaders (such as the bishop or branch president), friends in the Church, and mental health care professionals. You may also want to find a community support group.

• Encourage communication (when appropriate). Encourage children to write letters, send pictures, or suggest books to read to the incarcerated parent. Invite them to participate in phone calls when possible. Encourage them to report on school and other activities.