Kids & Teens
When someone you love is incarcerated
Children experience incarceration too. This space connects families with age-appropriate tools that can help children understand their feelings, stay connected to their loved one, prepare for visits, and know they are not alone.
Sesame Workshop: Incarceration Resources
Videos, activities, stories and caregiver resources created to help young children understand and cope with having an incarcerated parent or loved one.
Visiting a Parent in Prison
Help younger children understand what they may see, feel and experience when visiting an incarcerated parent.
Staying Connected
Ideas for helping children stay emotionally connected to an incarcerated parent through calls, visits, letters, routines and communication.
Youth.gov — Children of Incarcerated Parents
Federal resources for children, teens, parents, caregivers, educators and professionals supporting families impacted by incarceration.
Youth Tools, Guides & Resources
Resources specifically created for youth and families experiencing parental incarceration, including family guides and youth support materials.
Mentoring & Youth Program Finder
Find mentoring programs, family strengthening services and youth programs for children impacted by incarceration, from the federal children-of-incarcerated-parents hub.
Youth Supporting Youth
A youth-created resource offering encouragement and guidance for young people who have an incarcerated parent.
For parents & caregivers
Children may not always know how to explain what they're feeling. Give them opportunities to ask questions, express emotions, maintain healthy connections, and participate appropriately in preparing for their loved one's return home.
Partner
Beyond the Chains
More support. More resources. More hope.
Beyond the Chains provides programs, education, advocacy, reentry support and additional resources for individuals and families impacted by incarceration.
Love Beyond Locks provides educational and support resources and is not a substitute for professional mental health, medical, or legal services.