Strengthening Relationships Between Young Mothers and Their Children

The FY 2016 Second Chance Act Strengthening Relationships Between Young Fathers, Young Mothers, and Their Children provides funding to support the successful transition of young fathers and mothers as they return to their families and communities from detention, out-of-home placement, or incarceration. This program funds coordinated and comprehensive strategies that incorporate (1) mentoring and transitional reentry services proven to reduce recidivism, (2) effective parenting skills development and parent/child relationship engagement for young fathers or mothers, and (3) private and community service partnerships that promote public safety and support added positive outcomes for young parents and their children.

Collaborative Solutions for Communities (CSC) will partner with MBI Health Services and Voices for a Second Chance, and the Washington, DC Department of Corrections to provide a program that addresses the developmental, relational, and maternal needs of young mothers who are seeking to reconnect and be reunified with their children. This project will serve 50 young mothers who are incarcerated at the Department of Correction's facilities in the District of Columbia. Community support workers from MBI Health Services will serve as mentors and coordinate with the case manager. They will conduct home visits, arrange for family engagement activities, and provide support to the mothers throughout their engagement with the program. CSC and partners have certified facilitators that will offer the "Thinking for a Change" (T4C) program. T4C is rated a "Promising Practice" by the National Institute of Justice. CSC will use the Adults and Children Together Raising Safe Kids Program to educate and support mothers of children younger than 6 years old and the Systematic Training for Effective Parenting curriculum. CA/NCF