Resources for Working with Children and Incarcerated Parents
Data reflects that 15-20% of children entering the foster care system have, or have had, an incarcerated parent. The consequences for these children are profound and complicated. Families who are involved in the criminal justice system may not be an option for placement of a child in foster care, but they still have a place in that child’s life.
The following resources provide both training and educational information to support CASA advocacy for children and families involved in the criminal justice system. These tools explore the stigma children and families experience, and supportive ways to promote healing. The guidance and suggestions in these materials are subject to local program policies and practices.
Building Connections Between CASA Volunteers and Incarcerated Parents E-Learning Course (2025)
This NEW E-Learning course equips CASA volunteers and program staff with the tools and strategies needed to foster meaningful relationships between children and their incarcerated parents.Participants will learn how to effectively interact with prisons systems, inform parents and guardians about available resources, and reinforce existing CASA practices to strengthen family bonds. The course emphasizes practical methods for building connections, addressing challenges, and creating support for children impacted by parental incarceration.
Connecting with Incarcerated Parents and Supporting Children 2-part Webinar series (2023)
Watch this 2-part webinar series featuring panel discussion with a variety of professionals in the field and local programs on their best practices for engaging incarcerated parents, all available to both CASA staff and volunteers on the STAR program portal page and the Learning Center.
Parent Letter Template (updated 2025)
CASA volunteers are encouraged to engage with parents and family members who are incarcerated early and often to help them understand the child and family’s history and strengths, as well as for family finding and building connections and a support system which we know is key to a child’s best interest and well-being. An updated template for correspondence with a parent involved in the criminal justice system is now available to CASA programs and volunteers unsure of how to engage and get communication started.
Resources for Advocacy & Engagement: Children with Incarcerated Parents (updated 2025)
During the holiday season it is even more important to recognize the loneliness and emotions that children experience when they do not have contact with their parents. To support your CASA advocacy, we have updated the Resource Guide for Advocacy & Engagement: Children with Incarcerated Parents which provides educational information to support children with incarcerated parents and tips for engaging in important conversations. These tools explore the stigma children and families experience, and supportive ways to promote healing. There are also multiple online APPS that make it easier to correspond by email with parents in jail or in the prison system. The guidance and suggestions in these materials are subject to local program policies and practices.
DFPS Incarcerated Parents Resource Guide
In this guide from DFPS, find out how to locate and engage parents who are incarcerated, plan a visit to an incarceration facility and support successful contact between children and incarcerated parents.
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