September 2022Vol. 23, No. 7How Parents Who Are Incarcerated Can Support Their Children's Education

An article from Corrections Today, the professional membership magazine of the American Correctional Association, provides information and guidance for families touched by parental incarceration on how to best support their children’s academic needs and improve educational outcomes.

According to the article, 2.7 million children in the United States are impacted by parental incarceration—a factor that is regarded as one of the most profound adverse childhood experiences. The challenges associated with having an incarcerated parent permeate every aspect of a child’s life, particularly at school where feelings of isolation and shame can impede interactions with peers and teachers and hinder children’s educational opportunities and success. 

To help parents who are incarcerated achieve a more active role in their children’s education, the article offers tips on how to plan and participate in parent-teacher conferences, expectations for parents, and topics for discussion.

Although the article’s information is geared toward parents and families, schools and other child-serving systems may also find this beneficial in their work.

For more information, read “Getting the Most Out of Parent-Teacher Conferences With Incarcerated Parents,” in Corrections Today.