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Study of the Needs of Children Whose Parents Are Incarcerated

NCJ Number
141188
Date Published
1992
Length
35 pages
Annotation
The Virginia Commission on Youth reports its findings on the problems of children and associated with children whose parents are incarcerated.
Abstract
Significant is the absence of information about the number and conditions of those children in Virginia whose parents are incarcerated. The reason for this information lack is due in part to the fact that no specific agency has responsibility for tracking this population. On the basis of extrapolation from national studies and application of these findings to Virginia, the Commission estimates there are 13,704 children with incarcerated parents and an additional 16,990 children whose parents are on some form of correctional supervision. The crisis of incarceration often affects the family's economic status and living environment as well as structure. There are no statewide systems or service models in place to address the short-term physical and psychological needs of these children. The Commission proposes recommendations in the areas of data collection, information development and dissemination, training for system professionals, service delivery, and policy revisions. 61 references