Having an incarcerated parent can be a significant challenge for families, and especially for children. In this symposium, we will hear from researchers, social work and mental health service providers, legal experts, and people with lived experience in rich discussions on the impacts the carceral system has on families.

​

In an era of mass incarceration, so many children are adversely impacted when a parent is incarcerated. This symposium will explore, examine, and educate the public, social service providers, mental health providers, and legal service providers on the ways in which each of these communities can collaborate to center and support children and families of incarcerated loved ones.

​

The panels will cover research and current practices about how to support and improve outcomes for children and their parents, provide general information about relevant legal issues that may arise when families navigate the prison system, and explore traditional and restorative action, and when a parent returns home.