Why does Foreverfamily focus on children of incarcerated parents?
Nearly 2.5 million American kids have a mother or father in prison right now. Study after study shows that children with an imprisoned parent face severe developmental challenges that, if not addressed, can lead to lifelong issues, ranging from difficulty in maintaining healthy relationships to a seven-fold increased likelihood of being incarcerated themselves. The US prison population continues to increase almost 6% every year, and researchers estimate the societal economic toll of a high-risk youth resorting to a life of crime at $1.7 million to $2.3 million. Yet this number cannot encompass the initial cost that begins the cycle of poverty and crime, borne by these youth themselves: the loss of familial bonds. Despite these staggering numbers and the undeniable effects of parental incarceration on communities, those most affected—the children—have remained largely invisible and voiceless. We at Foreverfamily work to give the children a supportive environment where they can develop t
