ST. PAUL, Minn. – A survey found nearly 1-in-5 teens in some parts of Greater Minnesota either have a parent in jail or in prison, or their parent has been incarcerated at some time, prompting a pilot program at six county jails to help children and parents maintain family ties under those difficult circumstances.
“Oftentimes people will think that it’s an urban issue, primarily or exclusively, but the data indicates that it’s not,” Anna Lynn with the Minnesota Health Department said.
Lynn said a parent being incarcerated can have devastating effects on children, and cascading impact on a family’s economic security:
“There’s evidence that it’s associated with increases in mental health, academic problems, and substance abuse,” Lynn said.
Lynn said programs at the jails in Carlton, Olmsted, Ramsey, Renville, Sherburne and Stearns counties include parent education programs and family-friendly visiting opportunities. She said those jails are creating partnerships with other systems such as child protection.
