Breaking the Cycle Of Criminality Through Programs for Incarcerated Parents

Inmates” by Bart Everson licensed under CC BY 2.0

Source: Denver Post

A program for incarcerated parents is being taught across prisons in Colorado to help break the cycle of criminality in families.

The program “Parents on a Mission” is a six-lesson plan that provides inmates with resources and skills for understanding how to improve as parents and how to best ensure that their children break out of the cycle of criminality in their families.

“[The program] is designed to help inmates build confidence, forgive themselves and help them deal with inner feelings of failure,” explains  Richard Ramos, who developed the program as a student-counselor for gang prevention, who observed that it was parents who needed training.

In Colorado, there are currently 40 prison employees who are certified to teach the courses to inmates across several prisons.

Approximately 70 percent of prison inmates in America are parents, reported Denver Post.

“My daughter was born five days before I came to prison. I don’t even know her. I’ve never seen her. This program has given me a purpose of being a father,” said Quentin Drake, an inmate at the Colorado State Penitentiary.

Read Full Story: Denver Post

 

Children & Families, Justice & Poverty, News
Children & Families, Justice & Poverty, News