City of Norfolk Addressing the Needs of Incarcerated Parents Program

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 City of Norfolk will use funding to establish a comprehensive program that provides opportunities for incarcerated parents to maintain and strengthen relationships with their minor children. Through wide-ranging reentry classes, parenting classes, and substance abuse therapy, the program works to establish a stronger parent/child bond and facilitate core principles of family and community responsibilities. The program team will provide coordinated and comprehensive reentry planning, supervision, and case management. Participants will be provided with materials to communicate directly with their children through written correspondence, which research has shown to be the best method of ongoing communication. Through providing opportunities for families to interact, and by providing parents with the skills and methods to succeed after leaving custody, the program strives to build a stronger, better community one family at a time. CA/NCF