It is clear that families who have a member incarcerated serve a parallel sentence. Our Family Support Services is the only program in our area that specifically addresses family incarceration issues lessening the negative impact on the family and preparing for a better reentry for the incarcerated family member.
Some specific initiatives of the program include:
· The "Amachi Mentoring Program" for children of incarcerated parents, started in 2004 in collaboration with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Mecklenburg County, matches children with specially trained mentors.
· “E-KWIP - Empowering Kids with Incarcerated Parents," in collaboration with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte and Prison Fellowship, advocates for and offers direct services to children of incarcerated parents, their parents, caregivers and other adults who are part of their lives.
· "Family Ties" offers inmates in Mecklenburg County jails a comprehensive parenting programming that includes issues directly related to incarceration.
· "Responding to the Needs of Children of Incarcerated Parents," a curriculum approved by the state for continuing education credit for early childhood educators, was developed by The Center for Community Transitions staff and is offered through Child Care Resources as a continuing education class.
· "Long Distance Parenting - Do What You Can From Where You Are" is a Center-developed publication provided for incarcerated parents offering practical information on maintaining relationships with children while incarcerated.
· "Family Reunification Assistance" includes inmate preparation for full time parenthood upon release; coaching on school, medical and therapy meetings regarding their children; preparing for difficult discussions with the child's caregiver or other parent; training in child discipline and development.
