This document discusses the Oklahoma Messages project, which aims to support children of incarcerated parents. The project provides activities to maintain contact between parents and children, parent education programs, and resources to strengthen the parent-child relationship. It highlights that over 27,000 Oklahoma children have an incarcerated parent. The Messages Project records incarcerated parents reading books to their children on DVD. Evaluation found the project reduced children's depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues while improving bonding with caregivers and reading skills. Over 10,000 messages have been recorded since 1999.
9. “More than 27,000 children in Oklahoma have at least one
parent in prison.That's 3 percent of the child population.”
www.flickr.com/photos/wfryer/8749763261
www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/Incarceration_rates_affect_Oklahoma_kids/20101012_11_a1_wtkaoa319509
12. Children of Incarcerated Parents (CIPs) are at higher risk for:
academic failure substance abuse
delinquency
www.flickr.com/photos/86530412@N02/8226451812 www.flickr.com/photos/lifementalhealthpics/8485857200
www.flickr.com/photos/xtinamilan/3042222548
14. In some Oklahoma school districts 75% of
children are affected by parental incarceration.
(Dr. Susan Sharp, University of Oklahoma)
75%
www.flickr.com/photos/reckless_sniper/3829904814
15. The Messages Project is:
incarcerated parents reading books to their children on DVD
16. The Messages Project is:
incarcerated parents receiving training from volunteers
17. The Messages Project is:
a prevention and intervention
program for childrenwww.flickr.com/photos/dottiemae/5393993016