Parental Incarceration Awareness Month falls in October and sheds light on an often overlooked issue that affects countless families across the nation. Over 32,00 people in Kentucky are incarcerated in jails and prisons, leaving Kentucky ranked the 7th highest incarceration rate in the world – imagine just how many families this impacts! In Kentucky alone, 1 in 10 kids have experienced the incarceration of a parent.

As we delve into this topic, it’s crucial to explore the impact of incarceration on both parents and their children. We must also consider ways in which we can lift up the voices of those who have this experience and to hear directly from them about what we can do to support them or ensure that this doesn’t happen to more families. 

When a parent is incarcerated, it can be a traumatic and life-altering experience for both the incarcerated individual as well as their child – and is considered an Adverse Childhood Experience. Children often face feelings of abandonment, confusion, anger, and shame. They may struggle with the stigma associated with having a parent in prison and often grapple with the fear of judgment from their peers.

Reform LouisvilleJacobe Daughtry, member of REFORM Louisville, is a leader in his community and spoke out on the issue of the incarceration of men in the U.S. and how his family was personally affected. 

“Growing up, my father wasn’t around due to being incarcerated, and yes it did affect me and my loved ones. My father had gone to prison 4 different times and did a total of 8 years. He isn’t a bad man, he just made bad decisions and hung with the wrong crowd.” 

Jacobe mentions that his father went to jail multiple times and didn’t really take it seriously until he knew that he had two sons on the way. At this time his father realized that prison wasn’t a game and became tired of being in and out of jail. He knew he needed to get his life on track for his family, “He became closer to God; reading the bible daily and praying. He was being shaped into a man; he knew that he now had two kids in the world and he needed to make drastic changes.”

“While prison had many negatives, it did give my father structure; a daily routine, and it taught us patience at its finest, I didn’t go visit my father once while he was in there and I didn’t regret it because I didn’t want to see him in that situation, and honestly that motivated him to get his act together. Family is more valuable than treasure and lasts till death, while some friends are just here for the moment, my father said, ‘you’ll know who’s really with you when you get locked up.’”

Overall, Jacobe recognizes that prison does have its ups and downs and it’s unfortunate that kids have to grow up without a father figure. Jacobe ends his sentiments by recognizing that, “there are consequences to our actions and believes that everything happens for a reason in God’s name.”

The impact of parental incarceration doesn’t stop at the individual family; it has a broader societal impact. Studies have shown that children with incarcerated parents are more likely to face a myriad of challenges, including an increased risk of poverty, academic difficulties, and behavioral issues. This cycle can perpetuate the likelihood of future involvement in the criminal justice system, creating a vicious cycle of incarceration within families and communities.

How can we break the cycle?

There are numerous steps that we can take as individuals, organizations, and communities to support Kentucky families that have been impacted by incarceration. Get involved this October by:

  1. Supporting Programs: Many organizations and community initiatives focus on helping families affected by parental incarceration. These programs provide resources, counseling, and support for both parents and children.
    •  The Wanda Joyce Robinson Foundation, for example, offers support to families who have been impacted and focuses on educating, connecting, and prevention. 
    • Save the Children runs an early childhood program in Perry County aimed at keeping young children who have an incarcerated parent connected through letters and art activities, while also providing support to parents. 
  1. Raising Awareness: Education is a powerful tool. Share information about parental incarceration, its effects, and the available resources with your community. Awareness is the first step toward change and we can continue educating those on this topic year round. 
  1. Advocate for Reform: Advocate for reforms in the criminal justice system that prioritize rehabilitation and reintegration, while also taking into account the needs of families. 2024’s legislative session is upcoming, be sure to reach out to your legislators and let them know the importance of providing support to parents who are incarcerated as well as their families.

  2. Offer a Listening Ear: Be a supportive friend or neighbor to families dealing with parental incarceration. A simple conversation can go a long way in reducing the isolation and stigma they may feel.

In conclusion, Parental Incarceration Awareness Month is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the challenges faced by these families and to take action. By fostering empathy and support, we can help these families navigate their unique journey, break the cycle of incarceration, and build brighter futures for themselves and their children. Together, we can make a positive impact and work toward a more compassionate and inclusive society.