Better Together: The Power of Mothers and Family to Improve Reentry Outcomes

Approximately 58 percent of women in state or federal prisons report having minor children. This figure jumps to 80 percent for women in jails—including those remaining in custody awaiting trial often due to an inability to afford bail. Due to women’s distinct pathways to crime, they are often incarcerated for offenses related to drug and property crimes, usually stemming from experiencing poverty, abuse or trauma, mental illnesses, and/or substance use disorders. Most women who are incarcerated were the primary caregiver of their children, so incarceration removes them as a vital source of emotional and financial support.

This interactive webinar, featuring representatives from the Center for Children and Family Futures, will provide attendees with an overview of data and research about mothers who experience incarceration and the effects of incarceration on children and family members. Presenters will share policy and practice strategies to meet the needs of children, parents, and family members and to overcome barriers to family engagement in reentry processes. Attendees will also learn about gender-responsive evidence-based programming and family therapy modalities that address women’s substance use and/or mental health needs during reentry and support family healing and well-being.