Connecting For Success - Services and Support for Incarcerated Parents and their Minor Children

This program promotes and expands services in detention and correctional facilities to incarcerated individuals who have children younger than age 18, and provides states and localities with funding to implement positive family engagement strategies and activities that address the needs of incarcerated parents with minor children. This program is authorized under the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2018, Pub. L. No. 115-141.

The Dorchester County Health Department (DCHD) will use funding to address the challenges of incarcerated parents while maintaining family ties which can have positive impacts for both the individual and their children. These benefits include reduced recidivism and less intergenerational criminal justice system involvement. The DCHD will work with the parent during detention and follow them while in the community to offer support and guidance as needed. Parenting groups will be offered, using the Parenting Inside Out program. Children of incarcerated parents will also receive mental health treatment based on an individualized assessment. Based on this assessment and diagnosis, youth will receive individual, group and family therapy with the custodial parent. CA/NCF