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A Shared Sentence

The Devastating Toll of Parental Incarceration on Kids, Families and Communities

By the Annie E. Casey Foundation - April 18, 2016

More than 5 million U.S. children have had a parent in jail or prison at some point in their lives. The incarceration of a parent can have as much impact on a child’s well-being as abuse or domestic violence. But while states spend heavily on corrections, few resources exist to support those left behind. A Shared Sentence offers commonsense proposals to address the increased poverty and stress that children of incarcerated parents experience.

Key Takeaway

CHILDREN WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED PARENTAL INCARCERATION: 2011-2012

Nationally, the number of kids who have had a parent in jail or prison at some point in their childhood hovers around 5.1 million - a conservative estimate. Kids with incarcerated parents are significantly less likely to live in neighborhoods that are able to be supportive of families.