Incarceration and Reentry

A parent’s incarceration has been deemed an Adverse Childhood Experience, along with other adversities that work cumulatively to threaten or limit a child’s growth, health, achievement, and lifespan. Yet certain factors can protect against poor outcomes, such as in-person visits, letters, and phone calls—all of which are made difficult by distance or expense. The benefits of strong ties for children and families continue after the parent’s release.

We advocate for laws and policies that would ease family visits to correctional facilities and protect the right to in-person visits. We also train corrections staff to improve their interactions with visiting families. Recent victories include the passage of a bill that would require NYS to take into account where children live when choosing where to incarcerate their parents.