A program to that fosters family bonds between children and their incarcerated fathers, as well as promoting adult and child literacy

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Problem

Currently, 11% of U.S. children (1.7 to 2.7 million) have a parent behind bars. The knock on effects of incarceration to the entire family are devastating, leaving children with loss of emotional support, and increased stresses on the separated the family unit. These children, along with others in communities harmed by systemic inequities, are at high risk for the ‘school to prison pipeline’.

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Solution

Children benefit enormously by being read aloud to by their parents.  Not only is reading with children a powerful tool for early literacy, it provides numerous social and psychological benefits: stress reduction, improved concentration and memory, enhanced knowledge, and increased imagination. It also promotes empathy, and can even improve sleep and mental health. The bond provided by listening to a parent’s voice and following along in the book creates an intimate relationship while playing an essential role in brain development.

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Program

In the program, prison inmates with children under age 10 years  video themselves reading aloud a story for their child.  Children receive the recording, along with the book, and can read together with their father.

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Benefits

Strong connections are created between fathers and their children, and the video can be treasured as a keepsake by the children. Studies show that children whose parents read to them aloud achieve more success at school and in life. There are also benefits for the fathers: an opportunity to improve their reading level as they prepare for the recording, and the strong family connections promoted by the program will improve the success of transition after release.