Training *** Advocacy *** Policy Development

Specialists in the effects of NYS incarceration on prisoners' children and families and how to best
encourage their success, Family Strengthening through Information, Support and Community-Building,
Prison Family and Re-entry Resource Development for
Schools, Communities, Churches, Government (NY State and Federal)

Statewide *** Confidential

PFNY

Home

New!! - DOCS Press Release 8/31/07 re: Families of Prisoners

PFNY - A Brief History

Contact

Support Groups for Families and Friends of Prisoners:

Support Groups for
Formerly Incarcerated People:

About Support Groups:

Visiting:

Special Messages

Coping Tips for Families

Annual Retreat (photos)

Issues

Policy Recommendations

For Educators

Children of Prisoners

Coalition for Parole Restoration (CPR)

Informational Posters (PDF) and Resources:

Links

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Children of Prisoners

Unlock the hearts of children who have loved ones in prison

  • “My mother was arrested last night-what do I say in school?”
  • “I am not allowed to talk about where my father is and I do not know why.”
  • “Is it my fault that Dad is not here?”
  • “I have a test today but all I can think about is my brother in prison”

Sound familiar? On any given day, there are tens of thousands of children in New York State who feel alone and misunderstood. When a child has a loved one in prison, it adds to his/her life a special set of circumstances and feelings that can be complicated to negotiate.

In my presentation, I will address what to say to prisoners’ children, what to do, how to assist with these feelings and situations--and---

  • Basic prison information
  • Visiting in prison—what is it like for children and families
  • How do children deal with the loss of a parent/loved one to the prison system—various responses
  • Addressing acting out/acting in
  • Encouraging success
  • Physical and mental health issues of prisoners’ children and families
  • Strategies to support the parent/child relationship
  • Working with the caregivers
  • The impact of separation on the child's self-esteem, personal and cultural identity.
  • How to start a support group/ mentoring program for children
  • Resource programs for adult prison family members

We prisoners’ children have some tough things to handle. We can do better with the help and support of our parents and other loved ones, educators, doctors, clergy and communities. I can help you get the information you need to work better with prisoners’ children.

Children of Prisoners Logo

Cecily J. Coleman
Prison Families of New York, Inc.
40 North Main Avenue
Albany, NY 12203

518-453-6659

childrenofprisoners@nycap. rr.com

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