Tristan’s Quest Launching SKIP Initiative to Locate and Support Children of Incarcerated Parents      

There is an invisible, yet ever-growing population of “hurting children” in our community—the children of incarcerated parents. Research shows that these children often experience multiple co-existing psychological problems including extreme sadness, withdrawal, low self-esteem, anger and aggression, poor school attendance and performance, early use of drugs and alcohol, and premature sexual activity.  Long-term effects of parental imprisonment include questioning of authority, negative perceptions of the legal system, impaired ability to cope with stress or trauma, and the intergenerational patterns of criminal behavior… As a result of the success of the SKIP program at Peck Elementary and expressed needs from other schools, Tristan’s Quest announces the launch of the SKIP initiative (Support for Kids of Incarcerated Parents), a two-year initiative designed to raise awareness of the mental and physical health risks faced by children whose parent(s) are incarcerated, culminating in at least ten new SKIP programs.

What Do These Children Experience?

Research has found that significant physical absence of a parent or parents has profound effects on a child's development. Children of incarcerated parents are seven times more likely to be involved in the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems than children whose parents are not in prison or jail. If we look at just boys, the latest research figures from Nell Bernstein's book All Alone in the World states that as many as half of all boys whose parents do time will wind up behind bars themselves.

Research over the past decade has shown that children of incarcerated parents often experience multiple co-existing psychological problems including extreme sadness, withdrawal, low self esteem, anger and aggression, poor school attendance and performance, and early use of drugs and alcohol. Without intervention, these children find themselves struggling academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.

What Happens In A SKIP Group?

During a SKIP group, children are given a safe place to share their emotions about having a parent in prison. Throughout the school year, we cover a variety of topics, imcluding making good choices, setting goals, self-esteem, and how it feels to miss the incarcerated parent. Children have an opportunity each week to write or draw something that Tristan's Quest will then send to the incarcerated parent, when appropriate. We also encourage the incarcerated parent to respond back to their child, in the hopes that communication between the child and absent parent will be strengthened.

How Can I Get Involved?

• Volunteer to co-facilitate a SKIP program
• Adopt a school SKIP program ($1000 will provide weekly support groups for 20 children for one academic year)
• Ask a professional at Tristan's Quest to speak to your group about the special needs of children whose parents are in prison
• Provide clerical support to mail out SKIP materials to incarcerated parents
• Make a donation to Tristan’s Quest

Tristan's Quest staff will be happy to come and talk with schools about how we organized a SKIP program at Peck Elementary School in Greensboro, North Carolina. Tristan's Quest will help schools identify students who fit this population, and will assist in completing interviews with caregivers to explain the program and gain permission, as needed. Once the group starts, a Tristan's Quest volunteer and the school social worker or counselor will co-faciliate these groups together. Tristan's Quest staff will as a resource for any questions that might arise.

For more information about SKIP, contact:

Dr. Jean Allen, Executive Director     drjean@bellsouth.net

Amy Lynn Rhoderick, SKIP Coordinator     amylynn@tristansquest.com

Tristan’s Quest, Inc.     115-A S Walnut Circle, Greensboro, NC       Ph.: 336-547-7461    Fax: 336-547-7460 (call first!)